Bursaries & Scholarships

The Women’s College offers a range of bursaries and scholarships up to $20,000 for its residents, with the average bursary being $4,700 and scholarships being $4,000 per annum respectively. Occasionally new bursaries and scholarships become available throughout the year, so please check this web page from time to time.

Please refer to the bursary and scholarship application process HERE which provides information about the eligibility criteria and the online application process.

Bursaries on Offer

Philanthropy makes an immediate impact on our residents in need while studying at University. Generosity from donors allows The Women’s College to offer financial assistance to our university students so they can continue to achieve their best. Currently, one in five residents receives some form of financial assistance to make their College experience at Women’s a reality.

Bursaries aim to support the tertiary study aspirations of residents with financial need, who might not otherwise have access to The Women’s College experience. Bursaries vary from $4,500 per annum and are offset in equal amounts against each term’s fees.

110th Anniversary Bursary – $4,500 

The 110th Anniversary Bursary will be awarded for the first time in 2024 to coincide with the College’s 110th Anniversary.

This bursary will support a deserving resident in their pursuit of a university college experience based on financial need.

Adjunct Professor Iyla Davies Bursary – $4,500 

Adjunct Professor Iyla Davies was Head of College and CEO from 2009 – 2016.

As the Head of College and CEO, Adjunct Professor Iyla Davies led the Centenary celebrations in 2014, oversaw the significant expansion of the College with the construction of the Centenary Wing and the Chislehurst Room, and the introduction of the Ready to Lead and Associate programs.

This bursary shall be awarded to a student who is a resident in The Women’s College during the tenure of the bursary and who is enrolled or seeking to be enrolled at a university in Brisbane.

Preference will be given to a student from rural or regional Queensland who is in financial need with respect to meeting accommodation expenses.

Payment of the bursary will be in equal instalments to coincide with the issue of each College account.

The Brazil Family Bursary – $6,000

Mrs Bobbie Brazil (née Sinclair) is a strong supporter of the College and her daughter, Dr Victoria Brazil, is also an alumna of the College (1986 – 1988).

Bobbie was the Guest Speaker for the Standing Committee Luncheon in 2011 and her talk was entitled “Beautiful Minds create Beautiful Spaces – empowering women to lead social change through action, advocacy and philanthropy”.

She was the University of Southern Queensland Chancellor (2005 – 2013) and served on the Council from 1995 to 2001. She is also a Business Owner, Investor and Philanthropist.

Mrs Brazil was honoured in 2017 with an AO for her distinguished service to tertiary education governance, to agricultural, environmental and resource management organisations and to women in rural and regional areas.

This bursary shall be awarded to a student who is a resident in The Women’s College during the tenure of the bursary and who is enrolled or seeking to be enrolled at a university in Brisbane.

Preference will be given to a student from rural or regional Queensland who is in financial need with respect to meeting accommodation expenses.

Payment of the bursary will be in equal instalments to coincide with the issue of each College account.

College Bursary – (10 bursaries available) – $4,500

The College bursary shall be awarded for one year to a student who is a resident in The Women’s College and is enrolled in a degree program at a Brisbane University. In making the award, preference will be given to a student from rural or regional Queensland who is in financial need with respect to meeting accommodation expenses. Payment of the bursary will be in equal instalments to coincide with the issue of each College account.

If the student fails to make satisfactory academic progress in any year of the award, or fails to abide by the rules and regulations of the Women’s College, or defers her studies for any reason, the Head of College may terminate the bursary.

Note: The number of College Bursaries on offer will vary from year to year.

The Doris Una Skyring Memorial Scholarship – $4,500

Doris Una Skyring (1898 – 1959) Resident 1924 – 1928

Doris Una Skyring was educated at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School then at the University of Queensland graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1928. Since there was, as yet, no medical school in the University of Queensland, Doris enrolled in Medicine in the University of Sydney, also residing in their Women’s College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1935 becoming, in that same year, Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

In 1936 she was acting Resident Medical Officer at Rockhampton General Hospital and in 1937 Renwick Hospital for Infants, Summer Hill.  She was locum at Mount Morgan Hospital in 1938 and from 1940 did locums in Rockhampton throughout the Second World War.

She died in 1959 leaving a bequest to The Women’s College to enable and encourage young medical students.

This scholarship shall be awarded to a student who is a resident at The Women’s College during the tenure of the scholarship and who is pursuing a program in Medicine at The University of Queensland.

The scholarship shall be paid in equal instalments to coincide with the issue of each College account.

Henderson Foundation Bursary – $4,500

The Henderson Foundation Bursary was offered for the first time in 2022 with the intention of funding a bursary for a resident of The Women’s College.

The donation to The Women’s College is an initiative of the Henderson Foundation in honour of Sir Neville Henderson CBE (1899-1986). Neville’s connection to The Women’s College was in the 1940s and 1950s as a member of the Building Appeal Committee on which he served as Chairman and also a Vice-President.

The Bursary criteria is as follows:

  1. Awarded to a current resident of The Women’s College who is enrolled at a university in Brisbane.
  2. Awarded to a resident who is from a low income and disadvantaged family who might not otherwise have access to The Women’s College experience.
  3. Preference will be given to a resident from rural or regional Queensland who is in financial need with respect to meeting accommodation expenses.

Margaret Madeline Bird Bursary – $4,500 (available again in 2024)

Margaret Madeline Bird (1895 – 1982), Friend of the College.

Margaret Madeline Bird was the second daughter of English parents Katherine Lucy and Edward Day Bird who established a successful book manufacturing business in Milton Road, Brisbane, the site being sold subsequently to the Castlemaine Perkins Brewery.

Margaret was educated at the Misses O’Connor’s school at “Duporth” at Oxley.  Her parents died in the early 1930’s and she, and her older sister, Christabel, continued to live in the family home in Swann Road, Taringa. Margaret, along with her sister, were prominent members of community organisations, Christabel in the Red Cross Society, and Margaret in the Queensland Braille Writing Association at its premises in Ipswich Road, Annerley, where a wing is named in her honour.

Margaret’s association to The Women’s College was most probably due to her community organisation involvement. She may have had meetings at The Women’s College and associated with members of the College.

This Bursary shall be awarded to a female student completing Year 12, who is seeking to enrol in the first year of a program leading to an undergraduate degree of the University of Queensland.

Preference shall be given to a resident in Queensland and whose financial situation is such that it is expected she will be eligible to receive Youth Allowance.

Marie Anne McKellar Bursary – $4,500 

Marie Anne McKellar, Resident 1972 – 1974.

Marie Anne McKellar completed her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Botany, in 1974.  During her College years, Marie spent many weekends returning home to help care for her younger siblings as their mother had died a couple of years earlier.  After graduation, Marie worked in Botany research and later as a librarian. She was tragically killed in 1978.

In 2013, Ms Lucy Wittholz (née McKellar), also a College alumna (1977–1979) established an endowment to honour and celebrate the life of her sister, Marie.  Lucy Wittholz expressed the wish that the Marie Anne McKellar Bursary be given to a student who had lost a parent, as she believed that the College environment would be very supportive for such a young woman.

QUT Bursary – $4,500 

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Bursary will be offered for the first time in 2024 to support a financial-need QUT student living at The Women’s College.

Up to (8) QUT bursaries will be awarded.

Standing Committee Bursary – $4,500

The Standing Committee Bursary was offered for the first time in 2022 with the intention of funding a bursary for a resident of The Women’s College.

The Bursary criteria is as follows –

  1. Awarded to a current resident of The Women’s College who is enrolled at a university in Brisbane.
  2. Awarded to a resident who is from a low income and disadvantaged family who might not otherwise have access to The Women’s College experience.
  3. Preference will be given to a resident from rural or regional Queensland who is in financial need with respect to meeting accommodation expenses.

Suzanne Mourot Award – $4,500 

Suzanne Mourot (1918 – 2010). Alumnae of the Women’s College from 1939 – 1941 and College Tutor  in French Conversation 1939 – 1943.

The criteria for the Award are:

  • you are a student with a good command of the English language from New Caledonia’s main land, the Loyalty islands and the Isle of Pines; or
  • you study in the field of pure or applied science or social science including disciplines of anthropology, archaeology, criminology and sociology;
  • you are a student enrolled at The University of Queensland
  • you must be a student who is in financial need with respect to meeting accommodation expenses

Note: The number of bursaries on offer will vary from year to year.

(UQYAP) Women’s College Accommodation Scholarship – $11,000 (x2) for First-Year Residents

The University of Queensland Young Achievers Program & Women’s College Accommodation Scholarship

The University of Queensland Young Achievers Program (UQYAP) is an exciting initiative which aims to support the tertiary study and career aspirations of senior secondary school students who might not otherwise have access to university as a post-school option.

Broadly, the focus of the UQ Young Achievers Program is on nurturing and developing the educational ambitions of participants through mentoring, financial assistance and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development.

UQ Young Achievers applying to The Women’s College are able to apply for the UQYAP Women’s College Accommodation Scholarship, which is jointly provided through funding from the University of Queensland and The Women’s College.

Women’s College Equity Future Fund Bursary – (3 bursaries available) – $4,500

The Women’s College Future Fund was started in 2017 to provide a sustainable resource to assist students achieve a full university experience. The fund is supported directly from the generous donations of The Women’s College Alumnae and friends.

The fund is in its infancy and is seeking ongoing donations and contributions to enable the College to increase the fund capital to a level where net earnings facilitate a high level of financial support to more students.

This bursary is awarded to provide residents the opportunity to have The Women’s College experience who otherwise might not be able to attend university, or live in such a supportive environment as The Women’s College.

Note: The number of bursaries on offer will vary from year to year.

Click here to apply for a Bursary

Scholarships on Offer

The Women’s College scholarships aim to support the tertiary study aspirations of residents, predominantly regardless of background or financial circumstances, to realise their full potential. This excludes the Joan Metcalf Scholarship, the Mary Wooza Scholarship, and The Stan and Maureen Duke Foundation Scholarship, which are financial needs-based.

We offer a wide range of scholarships that are made possible through the generous support of our donors.

Scholarships are open to both future and current residents of the College, who have demonstrated excellence in academia, sport, community service and cultural pursuits as well as outstanding leadership. Scholarships vary from $4,000 per annum and are offset in equal amounts against each term’s fees.

General Scholarships

Academic Scholarships – (2 scholarships available) – $4,000 

Future Students – Awarded on academic merit based on school results.

Current Students – Awarded to residents who have a high GPA.

Note: The number of scholarships on offer will vary from year to year.

Alumnae Awards Scholarship – $4,000

The Alumnae Awards Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2022 with the intention of funding a scholarship for a resident of The Women’s College.

The donation to The Women’s College is an initiative of Amanda Johnston-Pell, the inaugural 2021 Alumna of the Year Award winner, and her nominator, Paula Wilton, 1990 Student Club President.

The Terms of the Scholarship are as follows:

  1. The name of the Scholarship shall be the Alumnae Awards Scholarship and is awarded by The Women’s College on the recommendation of the Head of College.
  2. The Scholarship shall be awarded to a resident of The Women’s College during the tenure of the Scholarship and who is enrolled at a Brisbane university.
  3. The Scholarship will be awarded to a resident who is an inspirational student who has raised her profile and standing within the College community demonstrating outstanding community service and/or continuous and significant contributions in a leadership role.  These qualities balanced with Academic Excellence will be considered.
  4. The recipient of the Scholarship will not be eligible for any other Women’s College scholarship, bursary or academic prize in that year.
  5. The Scholarship shall be awarded for one academic year. The Scholarship shall lapse upon the student ceasing to be in residence at the College.
  6. The value and frequency of the Scholarship shall be determined by agreement with the Head of College. In its first year, the Scholarship will equate to $4,000 per annum.
  7. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:
    • is no longer enrolled full-time at a university in Brisbane;
    • not maintaining satisfactory academic progress; or
    • is no longer a resident of The Women’s College.

Ann Warrell Robilliard Scholarship – $4,500 

The Ann Warrell Robilliard Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2024.

In awarding the Scholarship, preference will be given to a resident from rural or regional Queensland to assist with offsetting residential fees.

The Scholarship will be awarded to a resident who will make a valuable contribution to the life of the College. The recipient must be an all-rounder demonstrating a combination of achievements and proven excellence in academia, sport and/or cultural pursuits, community service, and leadership.

The Scholarship will be awarded on achievements in the field of Science and proven excellence in academia.

The donation to The Women’s College is an initiative of Ann Warrell Robilliard an alumna who resided from 1972 – 1974 at The Women’s College.

Cultural Scholarship – $4,000

Awarded to a resident who has a high GPA and who contributes to The Women’s College community in the Inter-College Competition (ICC) by supporting or participating in cultural activities.

Deborah Davis Scholarship – $4,000

The Deborah Davis Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2023 with the intention of funding an academic scholarship for a first year resident of The Women’s College from regional or rural Queensland for one academic year to assist with residential fees.

The Scholarship is awarded to a resident who will make a valuable contribution to the life of the College and is enrolled or seeking to be enrolled at The University of Queensland. This Scholarship is awarded on achievements and proven excellence in academia prior to becoming a resident of Women’s College.

The donation to The Women’s College is an initiative of Deborah Davis an alumna who resided from 1977 – 1978 at The Women’s College.

Harriet Marks Scholarship

Harriet Marks began her association with The Women’s College in 1920 as a resident scholar at Kangaroo Point.

After graduating with a Science degree, she taught physics and chemistry at Queensland country high schools. During World War II she returned to Brisbane to engage in war work. In 1943 she assumed the position of Senior Tutor at The Women’s College where she remained as Assistant to the Founding Principal, Dr Freda Bage, until 1953.

Miss Marks then resigned from the College to become the first Inspector and Supervisor of domestic science courses in the Queensland secondary school system, “putting science into domestic science”.

Miss Marks continued her close association with The Women’s College as a Council Member and was President of Council in the decade of the 1970s. After a long and distinguished contribution, Harriet Marks resigned from the Council in 1986 for health reasons.

Her devotion to the College is recognised in the naming of the dining hall in her honour — the “Harriet Marks Dining Hall”.

Awarded to a First Year resident studying science at UQ who has obtained outstanding results and is continuing studying a Bachelor of Science in her second year.

Judith McCulloch Academic Scholarship – $4,000

The Judith McCulloch Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2021 with the intention of funding an academic scholarship for a future or current resident of The Women’s College for one academic year.

The Scholarship is awarded to a resident on achievements and proven excellence in the field of science.

The donation to The Women’s College was an initiative of Robert McCulloch, in memory of his wife, Judith McCulloch (nee Smyth) who attended The Women’s College in 1961-1963.

Sports Scholarship – $4,000

Awarded to a resident who has a high GPA and who contributes to The Women’s College community in the Inter-College Competition (ICC) by supporting or participating in sporting activities.

The Women’s College Scholarship – (3 scholarships available) – $4,000

These prestigious scholarships are awarded to future and current residents of The Women’s College who are all-rounders:

  • demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities;
  • achieving a high ATAR result (or equivalent) or GPA in their full-time university studies;
  • committed to various sports and cultural activities;
  • commitment to community service.

Note: The number of scholarships on offer will vary from year to year.

The Women’s College & Student Club Scholarship – $4,000

The Women’s College & Student Club Scholarship will be offered for the first time in 2023 with the intention of funding a scholarship for a current resident of The Women’s College in their third year of residence. This scholarship is awarded to an inspirational resident who has raised her profile and standing within the College community, demonstrating outstanding community service and/or continuous and significant contributions in a leadership role. The recipient is a well-rounded student who has excellent participation or supported activities across all aspects of College life. These qualities balanced with academic excellence (minimum GPA of 5) will be considered. A resident who is responsible for paying her own residential fees may also be considered.

Financial-Need Scholarships

Joan Metcalfe Scholarship – $4,500

The Joan Metcalfe Scholarship was established in 2023 and will be awarded for the first time in 2024 to support a resident of The University of Queensland residing at The Women’s College who is facing financial hardship from regional and rural Queensland.

The Scholarship has been established by Gillian Sarah Russell, Peter James Metcalfe and John Stanley Metcalfe in memory of Joan Metcalfe, a friend of The Women’s College, whose husband, Professor Stan Metcalfe CBE, Stanley Jevons Professor of Political Economy (Emeritus), The University of Manchester, UK, resided at The Women’s College during his visits while lecturing at The University of Queensland.

Mary Wooza Scholarship – $4,500

The Mary Wooza Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2022 with the intention of funding a Scholarship for a first year resident of The Women’s College.

The donation to The Women’s College is an initiative of alumnae from the 1988 to 1994 Year Groups.

This scholarship is awarded to a future resident of The Women’s College who lives in rural or regional Queensland and is experiencing financial or other hardship (ie. drought, COVID) with respect to meeting accommodation expenses.

The recipient must demonstrate how she will make a valuable contribution to the life of the College.

The scholarship is awarded on a combination of achievements in the areas of sound academic merit, sport and/or cultural pursuits, community service, and leadership interest prior to becoming a resident of The Women’s College.

The Stan and Maureen Duke Foundation Scholarship – $4,500

The Stan and Maureen Duke Scholarship was offered for the first time in 2021 with the intention of funding a Scholarship for a first year resident of The Women’s College.

The donation to The Women’s College is an initiative of the four daughters of Stan and Maureen Duke – Karen, Marian, Susan and Lyndall – all past students of The Women’s College.

This scholarship is awarded to a future student who will make a valuable contribution to the life of the College. Preference will be given to a student from rural or regional Queensland who is in financial need with respect to meeting accommodation expenses.

The scholarship is awarded on a combination of achievements in the areas of academic merit, sport and/or cultural pursuits, community service, and leadership prior to becoming a resident of The Women’s College.

Click here to apply for a General Scholarship
Click here to apply for a Financial-Need Scholarship

UQ Residential Scholarships Scheme (available to Women’s College residents)

33rd UQ Senate Create Change Residential Scholarship ($10,000)

Please note: the number of scholarships offered will vary. Scholarships are available to future residents.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

Dorothy Marsden Undergraduate Scholarship ($4,500)

Please note: This scholarship is only available to current and future residents of The Women’s College.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

Dr Maureen Aitken Undergraduate Scholarship ($4,500)

Please note: This scholarship is only available to current and future residents of The Women’s College.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

Flannery Foundation Residential Scholarship ($10,000)

Please note: Up to two scholarships are awarded. Scholarships are available to current and future residents who have resided in Outer Regional, Remote or Very Remote areas in Queensland.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

JD Adams Memorial Scholarship ($10,000 per year for up to 3 years)

Please note: Up to 12 scholarships are awarded. Scholarships are available to current and future residents.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

Jill Fittock Harrison Women’s College Scholarship

Please note: the number of scholarships offered will vary. Scholarships are only available for current and future residents of The Women’s College.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

John Martin OAM Residential Scholarship ($4,500)

Please note: the number of scholarships offered will vary. Scholarships are available to current and future residents.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

Marie Myers Scholarship ($4,500)

Please note: the number of scholarships offered will vary. Scholarships are available to current and future residents.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

R.D Arida Residential Scholarship ($10,000)

Please note: the number of scholarships offered will vary. Scholarships are available to current and future residents who have resided in North Queensland (the city of Townsville or any location that lies north) at the time of application.

Apply through The University of Queensland. Click here for more information about each scholarship and how to apply.

Applications for this Scholarship will close on Monday 29 January 2024.

(UQYAP) Women’s College Accommodation Scholarship – $11,000 (x2) for First-Year Residents

The University of Queensland Young Achievers Program & Women’s College Accommodation Scholarship

The University of Queensland Young Achievers Program (UQYAP) is an exciting initiative which aims to support the tertiary study and career aspirations of senior secondary school students who might not otherwise have access to university as a post-school option.

Broadly, the focus of the UQ Young Achievers Program is on nurturing and developing the educational ambitions of participants through mentoring, financial assistance and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development.

UQ Young Achievers applying to The Women’s College are able to apply for the UQYAP Women’s College Accommodation Scholarship, which is jointly provided through funding from the University of Queensland and The Women’s College.

Click here to apply for a UQ Residential Scholarship

Other Scholarship/Funding Opportunities

Charlie Bell Scholarship
This scholarship is not administered by The Women’s College and as such all the application information is contained in the links below.

Applications for the Charlie Bell Scholarship

  • Are you aged 15-20 years?
  • Have you suffered a serious illness or injury during childhood that has caused you to miss significant amounts of schooling?

You may be eligible for Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland’s (RMHC SEQ) Charlie Bell Scholarship which closes on 30 November each year.

The Scholarship is a one off, $5,000 grant awarded to help young people get their education or career back on track. The funds can be used for residential college fees.

For more information visit https://www.rmhc.org.au/charlie-bell-scholarships

GradReady Principal’s Scholarship

This scholarship is not administered by The Women’s College and as such all the application information is contained in the links below.

GradReady is proud to award one student residing at The Women’s College a GradReady GAMSAT® Attendance (Comprehensive) Course each year. The scholarship is designed for prospective medical students and provides them with comprehensive preparation for the Graduate Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT®). Please click here for more details on the course.

GradReady is an education technology company aimed at making learning more effective and engaging. GradReady has helped over 6000 students prepare for the GAMSAT® exam since 2010. Their students have improved by an average of 24 percentile points and 90%+ have achieved medical school admissions. To learn more about GradReady, click here.

Please click here for more details on how to apply

Indigenous Student Scholarships

ABSTUDY refers to a group of payments for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students – in order to be eligible, students must not be getting any other payment to study. There are multiple types of payments available, including rent assistance, living allowance, incidentals allowance, and a relocation scholarship.

The amount of the payment depends on a range of factors, including whether the student is dependent or independent, the age of the student, and personal and parental income. Please click here for further eligibility requirements and more information about how to apply.

UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarships

The UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarships are not administered by The Women’s College and as such all the application information is contained in the links below. Please visit the UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarship page for further information about the available scholarships (or visit https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-education-scholarship-scheme).