Achieving Potential Care Leaver Scholarship
Achieving Potential Support Scholarship
As a partner university of Raising Expectations, we believe that everyone deserves equal access to higher education and are committed to helping more care leavers access further education. The Achieving Potential Care Leaver Scholarships are provided to commencing students whose educational achievements may have been masked by their personal circumstances. The scholarship is awarded based on need - there is no specific ATAR requirement. You may be eligible if you have experienced out of home care including, foster care, relative/kinship care, residential care, family group homes, or an independent living arrangement. Additional consideration will be given if you are experiencing other forms of educational disadvantage. Find out more about the support available on the Care Leaver Support page.
Ioanna Hatzissavas
Achieving Potential Care Leavers Scholarship
My journey has been shaped by numerous challenges. I left home at 12 and grew up in the out-of-home care system, which had a significant impact on my academic performance and aspirations. Although I didn't achieve the score needed to enter university directly from school, I found a pathway and enrolled into a nursing field that I've been passionate about for the past 14 years.
At 21, I faced another major hurdle when I battled cancer. This experience affected my plans to return to education and transition to university life.
Nevertheless, I remained committed to my dream of one day furthering my education and completing a Bachelor of Nursing. However, now finding myself a single parent, financial constraints made accessing higher education seem like a distant dream.
This scholarship has been more than financial support, it's given me hope, removing barriers that once seemed insurmountable. The exceptional support from Monash University has been key to making my academic and professional goals feel attainable. The unwavering support and flexibility have been remarkable, allowing me to turn my goals into reality. This generosity has eased my financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and aspirations.
This opportunity has not only lightened my financial load but has also renewed my hope and commitment to advancing in my field. Thank you for believing in me and playing a crucial role in this transformative chapter of my life.
The generosity has transformed my challenges into opportunities, enabling me to reach my full potential. This scholarship has not only provided crucial financial relief but also renewed my sense of hope for my future and removed the barriers that have long stood in the way of my goals.
Am I eligible?
You must be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- A New Zealand citizen
- Australian permanent resident
- Australian humanitarian visa holder
You must meet the following criteria:
- Commencing student enrolled in or intending to enrol in an undergraduate degree at a Monash campus in Australia.
- Experiencing financial hardship.
- Are a care leaver (applicants who have spent time in residential, foster or kinship care).
Benefits
- $6,000 per annum for up to a maximum of four years.
Number offered
- Five scholarships available.
Selection criteria
- Awarded based on need.
- Preference to students not currently holding another Monash scholarship.
To retain this scholarship:
- You must maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 50 each semester.
How to apply
- VTAC applicants - If you think you might be eligible for an equity scholarship, ensure that you apply for the VTAC equity schemes (SEAS) to be automatically considered.
- This scholarship cannot be deferred
Every scholarship may have a different application process – or none at all. Read the application details carefully and submit your application by the deadline. For more details, visit our scholarships application page.