One of the largest and longest-running private scholarship programs in the country will open for applications from Monday 2 December for the 2025 academic year.
For nearly two decades, Bendigo Bank’s scholarship program has empowered thousands of students across the nation by providing financial support, mentorship, and access to life changing educational opportunities.
Since inception in 2006, the program has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships, transforming the lives of students by supporting their academic, professional, and personal growth.
Bendigo Bank Chair Vicki Carter said the board was pleased to continue supporting such an important initiative as it heads into its 18th year.
“We are incredibly proud to support the program and continue this tradition,” Chair of Bendigo Bank, Vicki Carter said.
“Since 2006, this program has provided more than $13.3 million in funding to more than 1900 students from across Australia, helping to address the employment and skills challenges faced by young people, particularly in regional and remote areas.
“The range of scholarships on offer through the program will help students realise their full potential while supporting the next generation of leaders for our community,” Ms Carter concluded.
Eighteen-year-old, proud Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Ailish Clements was one of the 386 students who received one of the Bank’s scholarships this year.
Currently studying at LaTrobe University in Bendigo, Ailish said she faced many challenges while completing her VCE.
“I had to move out and get my own place. That was a really big challenge for me to overcome and go through. I also fell pregnant in 2023 and had to complete my exams and VCE and graduate eight months pregnant,” Ailish said.
“It was hard, but it was really worth it. I look back and I'm so glad that I completed everything. It's made me grow so much as an individual and this scholarship has even helped me to be able to continue my studies. Without this scholarship, I may not have been able to do that.
“To the local indigenous youth, I would tell them despite all the challenges, the achievements, and the end goal and what you get out of it, what you learn out of it, overpowers all the struggle you went through,” Ailish concluded.
If you, or someone you know is interested in applying, 2025 scholarships on offer include:
- Bendigo Bank Uni Scholarship for rural and regional students - 12 scholarships of $6,500 per student, per year, for two years.
- Bendigo Bank TAFE Scholarship for rural and regional students - Five scholarships of $5,000 per student, per year, for two years.
- Robert Johanson Bendigo Bank Board Scholarship – One scholarship of $8,000 per year for two years.
- Bendigo Bank Indigenous Scholarship Program – Four scholarships on offer for either University or TAFE. University scholarships of $6,500 per student, per year, for two years. $5,000 TAFE scholarships per year, for two years.
- Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Scholarship – Six University scholarships of $6,000 per student, per year, for two years. Two $3,000 TAFE scholarship awarded to for one year. Students must demonstrate a desire to contribute to the Australian agricultural sector.
- Plus, hundreds of Community Bank scholarship programs run across the country.
Applications for the 2025 program open on Monday 2 December and close on Friday 31 January.
For more information about Bendigo Bank’s Scholarship program, including eligibility requirements, application instructions, deadlines, and to see more of Ailish’s story, please visit our Scholarships page.
