Snow Foundation CEO Georgina Byron announces the new scholarship program: “We believe in the power of education as a driver of change.” Photo: Michelle Kroll.
A ‘game-changing’ new scholarship scheme will make it possible for 160 people who may otherwise struggle to enter higher education to attend the University of Canberra over the next decade.
The Snow Foundation and UC have partnered to commit to the delivery of 160 Snow Scholarships valued at $20 million over 10 years, touted as one of the most generous and supportive undergraduate scholarship programs per student in Australia.
Scholars will each receive up to $30,000 per year for the duration of their degree, as well as holistic wrap-around support.
Applicants will need to be Canberra residents or live in regional or rural NSW.
Two categories of scholarships will be awarded – Equity and Indigenous – and up to 16 scholars a year will be selected based on their leadership potential, commitment to social purpose and academic achievements.
The Equity Scholarship will assist students from regional/rural areas, low socio-economic backgrounds, those living with disabilities or medical conditions, and sole parents or carers.
Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islanders will be eligible for the Indigenous Scholarships.
The Snow Scholarships aim to alleviate the financial barriers that may prevent students from going to university and enable them to focus on their studies and leadership aspirations.
They will cover on-campus accommodation, living expenses and the cost of travelling home, as well as holistic leadership development, First Nations experience and education, access to tutoring, and academic and placement support.
The recipients will also enjoy free medical, wellbeing and financial services.
They will also have their own study space – Snow Scholar House – where the students can connect and learn together.
Chancellor Lisa Paul says the partnership with the Snow Foundation is a natural fit for UC. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Snow Foundation CEO Georgina Byron said the new scheme would build on its existing scholarship program, which already benefits 76 students each year, through several partnerships.
“Snow Foundation has a deep connection to Canberra, and this partnership with the University of Canberra reflects our commitment to the future of this great city where our family has lived and worked,” Ms Byron said.
“We believe in the power of education as a driver of change.
“Our vision is to attract students with smart minds and big hearts and to enable them to reach their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
“The ripple effect of Snow Scholarships will be profound, aiming to nurture the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious leaders across sectors – whether in community, business, science, law, health or politics.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker welcomed the new partnership with the Snow Foundation.
“It is a great privilege to partner with the Snow Foundation to create opportunities for disadvantaged students in Canberra and the region. The effects of this generosity will be felt for generations to come, and we are extremely grateful,” Professor Parker said.
UC Chancellor Lisa Paul said the partnership was a natural fit.
“The University of Canberra is dedicated to opportunity,” Ms Paul said.
“We are recognised globally for reducing inequalities and 40 per cent of our students are the first in their family to go to university.
“Through this collaboration with the Snow Foundation, we look forward to building on our shared values of equity and inclusivity and enhancing access to higher education for underrepresented students in the ACT and regional NSW.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership Professor Maree Meredith believes the new scholarship scheme is a visionary program. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
University of Canberra’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Professor Maree Meredith, said the new scholarship scheme would be a game-changer.
“This is a visionary program in the Australian higher education landscape,” Professor Meredith said.
“People talk about life-changing opportunities a bit too often, but this really is one of those opportunities because the scholarships are matched to support the scholars as needed across their student journey,” Professor Meredith said.
“I believe these scholars are going to become a formidable force for positive change in the future.
“It’s about inclusion and it doesn’t matter whether you are Indigenous, whether you are growing up in a household with low income, or hundreds of kilometres away in the bush – this program gives you the opportunity to become part of an extraordinary community.”
Two former students who overcame poverty, poor health and disability to graduate from UC welcomed the new scholarships, saying more support was needed to help people like them get into university and complete their studies.
Nick Villiers came from a poor background, had to navigate being homeless while doing his HSC and a traumatic brain injury in his first semester of university.
“Getting to university shouldn’t be the finish line; it should be the starting line. We need to support people throughout their entire uni journey,” he said.
“Coming to the university initially was quite daunting, though it was something I had been dreaming of for years … [when I graduated] I remember the feeling of just realising that I was the first person to do that in my family – it was one of the proudest moments of my life.”
Applications for the Snow Scholarships will open in early 2025, with successful applicants commencing their studies in Semester One 2026.
To learn more, visit the UC website.
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