William Cooper Indigenous Leadership Scholarship
Monash Leaders Scholarship
The William Cooper Indigenous Leadership Scholarships support high-achieving Indigenous Australian students with leadership potential to engage with their community and support other Indigenous students to access higher education.
This scholarship is generously funded by the Gandel Foundation. The Gandel family have a close connection with Monash University – three generations have studied here.
Caitlin James Carpenter
Achieving Potential Indigenous Support Scholarship
The Achieving Potential Indigenous Support Scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about taking on more work or making educational sacrifices.
This scholarship has also strengthened my connection to the William Cooper Institute, which has almost become a second home. The other students are lovely, and the staff are super supportive and helpful.
Am I eligible?
You must be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
You must meet the following criteria:
- An Indigenous Australian (with preference given to students who provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality form)
- A commencing student with an ATAR of 80+, or continuing student with a Weighted Average Mark of 65+
- Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree at a Monash Campus in Australia
- To be eligible you must provide a Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Heritage certificate or a certified Statutory Declaration form to the William Cooper Institute. This can be emailed to wci-ss@monash.edu. If you have any queries please contact the William Cooper Institute on 9905 9034.
Benefits
Two scholarships are available each year, with each scholarship valued at up to $54,500:
- $6000 per year for the duration of the degree up to a maximum of four years
- Students who live on-campus will receive accommodation fees to the value of a standard room in the Clayton or Peninsula Residential Village only paid directly to Monash University Accommodation for two years.
- $2500 one off Monash Global Grant used from the second year of the degree (funded by Monash)
- An invitation to apply for a place in Monash Minds, a leadership program for first year students
Number offered
Two scholarships available per year
Selection criteria
- Based on academic achievement, educational disadvantage and leadership potential as demonstrated in the interview.
- Where possible, the panel will aim to award one scholarship to a male and one to a female applicant.
To retain this scholarship:
Recipients must maintain a full-time enrolment and must participate in the Monash Indigenous Leaders Program
How to apply
- VTAC applicants - If you think you might be eligible for an equity scholarship, ensure that you apply for VTAC equity schemes (SEAS) to be automatically considered.
- For current Monash students, apply directly to Monash
- 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.