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Deakin Young Leader Award
Applications open 3 August 2026
The Deakin Young Leader Award recognises Year 11 students creating positive change in their schools and communities.
Who can be a Deakin Young Leader?
If you're a Year 11 student who leads in your school or local community, enjoys helping others or has ideas to drive change, the Deakin Young Leader Award is for you. This prestigious award is given to one high school student from each of Deakin's select schools, giving you the chance to be recognised for your achievements and gain a unique edge for your future opportunities.
Be recognised with a $5,000 scholarship
Recipients of the Deakin Young Leader Award will receive a $5,000 scholarship. You’ll receive a $500 cash payment upon winning, with the remaining $4,500 applied across your first year of undergraduate study at Deakin in 2028.
I've had a lot of community involvement through volunteer umpiring and coaching at my local sports club, as well as fundraising for local organisations. This award goes a long way to helping me achieve my dreams to continue helping those in need.
Past award recipient
What it means to be a Deakin Young Leader
The annual Deakin Young Leader Award recognises outstanding Year 11 students from Deakin’s select schools who demonstrate leadership, initiative and a commitment to positive change through their contributions to school, community and academic life. The following values and reflective questions highlight what we look for in Deakin Young Leader Award recipients.
Brave
You demonstrate courage and ambition by stepping forward, taking responsibility and backing your ideas with action.
- Have you shown initiative or taken responsibility to make a positive change?
- Have you stood up for what you believe in, even when it was challenging?
- Have you contributed to initiatives that support community wellbeing, social responsibility or environmental sustainability?
Innovative and sustainable
You think creatively, adapt to change and apply new ideas to solve problems.
- Do you think creatively or approach problems in new ways?
- Have you adapted to challenges or uncertainty with flexibility and resilience?
- Can you give examples of applying fresh ideas to real-world situations?
- Do you consider the broader or long-term impact of your actions?
Ethical and inclusive
You act with integrity, fairness and accountability.
- Do you demonstrate honesty, fairness and respect?
- Do you help others feel respected and supported?
- Have you worked with or advocated for people from diverse backgrounds or experiences?
- Can you show how your actions support a better future for others?
Excellence
You pursue high standards in all that you do.
- Do you set high standards for yourself and your learning?
- Have you shown commitment to improving your skills, knowledge or performance?
- Have you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone or taken on additional responsibilities?
- Can you demonstrate consistent effort and achievement, including in your studies?
Think you could be a Deakin Young Leader?
If you’re making a positive impact in your school or community, this award could be your opportunity to be recognised for your leadership and achievements. Applications open 3 August 2026.
The biggest thing I learned about myself is that I can make a difference when I take the lead. I feel more motivated to contribute, speak up and take on challenges, especially in leadership roles.
Past award recipient
Frequently asked questions about the Deakin Young Leader Award
Applications are open to Year 11 students at one of Deakin’s select schools who demonstrate leadership, initiative and a commitment to positive change in their school, community or academic life.
Applications open on Monday 3 August 2026. When open, simply click the 'apply now' button on this page to access the application form. Applications close Friday 28 August 2026.
Winners will be selected based on the selection criteria outlined above. Successful applicants will demonstrate outstanding achievement or contribution in one or more of these areas, as well as above-average Year 11 results.
Yes. Although the award recognises contributions outside the classroom, applicants should also demonstrate strong academic capability through above-average Year 11 results.
All achievements will be considered. However, your contributions should ideally have taken place during your secondary school years – the more recent, the better.
The best way to strengthen your application is to carefully read the key selection criteria and provide detailed responses that address them directly. Be specific when describing your experiences and avoid broad or vague answers. Don’t be afraid to be passionate – show us what inspires you.
Supporting documentation can help strengthen your application by demonstrating your achievements and personal values. Documents should be relevant and specific, and may include certificates of participation or achievement, or a letter of reference.
Applications close on Friday 28 August 2026. Late applications cannot be considered.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Monday 14 September 2026 via the email address provided in their application.
You will receive a $500 payment in 2026 upon receiving the award. The remaining $4,500 will be paid across your first year of undergraduate study at Deakin University. To be eligible for the remaining payment, you must commence undergraduate study at Deakin in Trimester 1 2028.
Unfortunately no. To be eligible to receive the remaining $4,500 payment, you must commence undergraduate study at Deakin University in Trimester 1 2028.
Absolutely – we welcome applications from both domestic and onshore international students.
Year 11 is a great time to start researching your preferred course options. Browse Deakin’s undergraduate courses to explore your study options and career pathways. During Year 12, you will apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), where you can create a list of your course preferences.
Normal prerequisites and selection criteria will apply to the VTAC process and admission to Deakin University. It's important to note that receiving the Deakin Young Leader Award does not influence the course selection process.
A Deakin staff member will be allocated to provide guidance throughout your decision-making process and support your pathway from school to university.
Take the next step toward your dream course
As the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, Deakin offers the guidance, resources and career-focused support you need to explore courses, plan your preferences and start your next chapter with confidence.
Find a course by ATAR
Discover courses that match your interests and career goals. Use our course and ATAR tools to explore study options and map your pathway to success.
Plan your next steps
Stay on top of key dates, access tailored guidance and support and make confident decisions for Year 12 and beyond. We’ll help you explore pathways, plan your VTAC preferences and prepare for a smooth transition to uni.
Start your career from day one
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