Why become a Deakin Young Influencer
If you're a leader in your local community, have a willingness to help others, or enjoy thinking of new ideas to solve real-world problems, the Deakin Young Influencer Award may be perfect for you. Our prestigious award is offered to just one student from each of Deakin's select group of schools, meaning this excellent addition to your resume will give you a distinct edge on others in your future pursuits.
Key selection criteria
Applications are open to Year 11 students who meet one or more of the following key selection criteria:
- have made an outstanding contribution to their school or local community, or perhaps a community in need in Australia or overseas
- demonstrate a real willingness to help, coach, teach or care for others in a significant way
- foster inclusive and supportive environments wherever they go and show a willingness to challenge preconceived ideas and the status quo
- are strong leaders, helping to bring about change for the betterment of others
- generate and apply new ideas and fresh thinking to real-world problems and help to deliver new solutions that make positive impacts
- share knowledge and cultivate connections on a local level, or, far and wide
- are committed students who have achieved above-average Year 11 results.
I've been involved in a variety of local fundraisers, volunteering and tutoring for six years. This award means a lot as it acknowledges my achievements and opens up a whole realm of opportunities.
Olivia Kelly
Past Deakin Young Influencer Award recipient
Award value
Recipients of our Young Influencer Award will receive a $5000 scholarship. Winners will receive a payment of $500 upon winning the award. The remaining $4500 will be received across your first year of undergraduate study at Deakin University in 2025.
Representing Deakin's values
The annual Deakin Young Influencer Award acknowledges outstanding students who represent Deakin's values.
Community leadership
Deakin has always valued and contributed to the communities we serve.
- Do you make outstanding contributions to the community – in or out of school?
- Do you help to foster a supportive and inclusive environment?
- Can you demonstrate that you stand up for what you believe in?
Change advocacy
Deakin is agile and responsive to change, with a history of using cutting-edge technology to provide personal and flexible learning experiences to prepare our graduates for the jobs of the future.
- Do you think laterally?
- Do you challenge preconceived ideas or the status quo?
- Do you generate and apply fresh thinking to real-world problems?
Progressive thinking
At Deakin, we're always looking forward, and continuously advance education through progressive teaching, innovative research and global engagement.
- Can you offer new solutions to existing problems?
- Are you open and adaptive to change?
- Do you share knowledge and connect with others easily?
My motivation to apply was driven by its alignment with my own personal values of leadership and volunteerism. Deakin's reputation of being number one for student satisfaction over the past decade was another critical factor.
Dante Selek
Past Deakin Young Influencer Award recipient | Current Deakin student
Important dates
Application dates
Applications closed on 9 October 2023.
Successful recipients announced
2 November 2023
Please note that winners are selected by their school. Deakin will contact students directly about the outcome of their application.
Got a question but can’t find the answer?
We've curated some of the most commonly asked questions about the Deakin Young Influencer Award to help you with your application.
Common questions
Skip to next topicWhen will I find out if I have been successful?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Thursday 2 November 2023 by email, using the email address provided in your application.
For more information on future student services and courses:
When will winners receive their award?
Winners will receive a payment of $500 upon winning the award. The remaining $4500 will be received across your first year of undergraduate study at Deakin University in 2025.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I defer this payment if I take a gap year?
To be eligible to receive the remaining $4500 payment, you must commence your undergraduate studies at Deakin University in 2025 (any intake period).
For more information on future student services and courses:
Are international students living in Australia eligible to enter?
Absolutely – we welcome applications from both domestic and international students living in Australia.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How will winners be selected?
Your school will select the winning student based on the selection criteria. The successful recipient will demonstrate outstanding achievement or contribution in one or more of these selection criteria. They will also be a student with above-average Year 11 results.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How recent should my achievements be?
All achievements will be considered, however ideally your contributions should have taken place during your secondary school years – the more recent, the better.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Are my school results considered?
Although the award recognises contributions outside the classroom, applicants should also be academically capable students with above-average Year 11 results.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How can I strengthen my application?
The best way to ensure a standout application is to carefully read the key selection criteria and provide detailed responses that address them. Be specific when describing your experiences and avoid broad or vague answers. Don’t be afraid to be passionate – show us what it is that inspires you!
For more information on future student services and courses:
What supporting documentation should I provide?
Supporting documentation can help strengthen your application by demonstrating your achievements and personal values. They should be relevant and specific, and might include a certificate of participation or achievement, or a letter of reference.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Is there a penalty for late applications?
Late applications cannot be considered. Applications close on Monday 9 October 2023.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How will I choose and apply for my Deakin University degree?
Year 11 is a great time to start researching your preferred course options. Explore our courses and find out everything you need to know about studying at Deakin on our website. Our friendly advisers can provide guidance and support your pathway from school to university.
It’s important to note that being a recipient of the Deakin Young Influencer Award does not influence the course selection process.
For more information on future student services and courses:
We're here to support you every step of the way
For more information about the Deakin Young Influencer Award, please get in touch by emailing the team.