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Matilda Scholarship for Service
Applications open Wednesday 10 June 2026 and close 5pm Wednesday 8 July 2026.
The Matilda Scholarship for Service supports Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans as they transition into civilian life and pursue long-term professional development through education, networking, and career opportunities.
Value
- Cash payment of up to $15,000 per year. Total scholarship value of $45,000.
Duration
- This scholarship is awarded for 3 years.
Am I eligible?
Ensure you meet all criteria before submitting an application. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be:
- a domestic student
- an Australian Defence Force (ADF) veteran*
- commencing Bachelor of Business (M325) at Deakin University in Trimester 2, 2026
- able to demonstrate how the course you are undertaking will assist your transition from military service into civilian employment and long-term career development
- able to demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to personal growth, professional development and leadership beyond military service, including a clear plan for applying your experience and skills to make a positive contribution in your chosen field of study.
*As defined by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, a veteran is any person who has served more than one day or is serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Maintaining this scholarship
To retain this scholarship, you’ll need to:
- provide an introductory statement about your goals and what it means to receive the scholarship
- submit a completion statement at the end of your degree.
You may be offered opportunities to participate in the following activities. Participation is optional and will not impact your eligibility to receive the scholarship:
- Access to financial literacy and career development opportunities through the partnership with Whitehead Financial, including exposure to financial service offerings and broader professional development
- Access to the Wandering Warriors National Alumni Network, providing peer connection, mentoring, and shared transition experiences from veterans who have successfully moved into civilian careers.
- Opportunities to build professional networks across industry, government, and the broader veteran community through Wandering Warriors events, introductions, and ongoing engagement activities.
Why this scholarship was established
The Matilda Scholarship for Service has been established to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans as they transition into civilian life and pursue long-term professional development. Delivered in partnership with Wandering Warriors, the scholarship is named in honour of the donor's daughter, Matilda, whose early experience undergoing open heart surgery embodied the meaning of her name “strength in battle” and resilience.
Inspired by her courage and determination, the scholarship reflects the values of resilience, perseverance, leadership, and service that underpin both Matilda’s story and military service. It is dedicated to ADF veterans who have shown self-sacrifice, leadership, and a commitment to serving something greater than themselves.
The scholarship aims to support them in the next chapter of their lives by providing access to education, professional networks, and development opportunities, enabling them to build on their strengths, pursue meaningful careers, and continue contributing positively to the community.
Ready to apply?
Register and log in to Deakin's Scholarship Application Portal, then select 'Matilda Scholarship for Service'.
Numbers of this scholarship are limited; not all eligible applicants will receive one. If you're successful, you'll be notified via email; usually within four weeks of the application closing date. Unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.
Supporting documents
As part of the application process you're required to upload supporting documentation by the specified closing date. These should be current, relevant and concise.
Supporting documentation required for this scholarship:
- Evidence of military service - an ADO Service Record (long version) containing the following sections: enlistment and separation dates, posting and promotion history, non-effective service, and operational service.
Scholarship application portal document type: Domestic scholarships – Evidence of leadership, volunteering or community activities or other achievement.
If your documents are uploaded as the incorrect type they will not be considered when assessing your application. Remember, it's quality, not quantity, you need to provide.
How to write a successful application
Applying for a scholarship isn't just about meeting the eligibility criteria. It’s your opportunity to stand out and be recognised for where you’ve come from and where you want to go.
Missed the application deadline?
This scholarship is yet to be confirmed for any future offerings. Please check back for updates.
