Shaping Futures Scholarship 2026 | University of Newcastle

The Shaping Futures Scholarship 2026 at the University of Newcastle, Australia, offers a life-changing opportunity for students facing personal and financial hardship. Established in 2025 through a generous anonymous bequest, the scholarship supports students who balance academic progress with challenges such as financial disadvantage, disability, long-term illness, or carer and sole parent responsibilities. By reducing financial barriers, the scholarship allows students to focus on academic success and long-term career growth.

Unlike many awards that recognize only academic performance, the Shaping Futures Scholarship also celebrates resilience and determination. It acknowledges students who overcome adversity and provides them with the resources needed to complete their degrees. With a total value of $25,000 across five years, the scholarship supplies $5,000 annually, enabling students to manage study costs and achieve their full potential.

Summary

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Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Enroll in the first year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle.
• Study full-time (minimum 60 units per year).
• Show evidence of educational disadvantage, including financial hardship, carer responsibilities, disability, regional or remote location, or ongoing effects of abuse.
• Belong to an equity group, such as Indigenous Australians, refugees, or students in Out of-Home Care.
• Hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a permanent humanitarian visa (New Zealand permanent residents are also eligible).
• Avoid receiving another University of Newcastle donor-funded or sponsored scholarship at the same time.

Scholarship Benefits

• Total value: $25,000 over five years.
• Annual support: $5,000, paid as a lump sum in Semester 1 each year.
• Payments are made 2–3 weeks after the census date or after acceptance of the offer.

Required Documentation

Applicants must prepare and upload the following (PDF format only, maximum 3 per field, each under 5MB):

• A personal statement (approx. 1 A4 page) outlining academic achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship will assist.
• Supporting documents to verify educational disadvantage and personal circumstances (as required).

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on:

• Assessment of the scholarship application.
• Review of supporting documents.
• Ranking of applicants according to eligibility and level of disadvantage.

The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who best meets the outlined criteria.

Deadline of the Shaping Futures Scholarship 2026

• Applications Open: Now
• Closing Date: 8 February 2026

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Steps to Apply

1. Check Eligibility
   Review the criteria carefully and confirm that you meet all requirements.
2. Prepare Your Documents
   Write a strong personal statement and collect all supporting evidence.
3. Submit the Application
   Apply through the University of Newcastle scholarship portal and upload your documents.
4. Wait for Assessment
   The University will rank all applications according to eligibility and disadvantage.
5. Receive Notification
   The highest-ranked applicant will receive the scholarship offer directly.