Scholarships

We are looking for future leaders in our community and in industries across South West Victoria. The SWTAFE Scholarships program creates opportunities and recognise those who have the drive, passion and commitment to succeed in their study and career goals.

2025 scholarships available at South West TAFE

2025 scholarship applications open Monday 4 November 2024.

Open + Regional scholarships

Open scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any student SWTAFE student

Mt Gellibrand Colac regional scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any student studying at our Colac campus
  • Supported by Acciona

Hamilton regional scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any student studying at our Hamilton campus

Portland regional scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any student studying at our Portland campus
  • Supported by Portland Aluminium

Sherwood Park campus scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any student studying at our Sherwood Park campus
Agriculture + Horticulture scholarships

DemoDAIRY Foundation Scholarship

  • Value: Up to $5000 over two years
  • Criteria: any student studying at SWTAFE and working in an industry that relates to or supports the dairy industry in Western Victoria
  • Supported by DemoDAiRY Foundation

ET Heard Scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: Any student studying at SWTAFE, with a preference for students with an interest in the dairy industry.
  • Supported by the South West TAFE Foundation

RC Webb Scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any student studying at SWTAFE, with a preference for students with an interest in the agriculture or horticulture industries.
  • Supported by the South West TAFE Foundation

Glenormiston Scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any SWTAFE student, for course-related travel or accommodation expenses, or for that student to participate in an exchange or study abroad program, with a preference for students from the Western District of Victoria.
  • Supported by the South West TAFE Foundation
Trades scholarships

Women in Trades Scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: Any woman studying a trade course including automotive, building, cabinet making, civil construction, electrical, engineering, and plumbing.
  • Supported by Portland Aluminium

Koorie scholarships

Aunty Laura Bell Scholarship

Uncle Rob Lowe Senior Scholarship

  • Value: Up to $2000
  • Criteria: any Koorie student studying a Diploma course
  • Supported by Wurreker

Koorie scholarship

  • Value: Up to $800 (four available)
  • Criteria: any SWTAFE Koorie student
  • Supported by Wurreker

Who can apply?​​

Anyone that meets the specific scholarship criteria (above) and:

  • is planning to or be enrolled in a full-time course at the South West TAFE
  • can demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies and pathway into employment
  • is an Australian Citizen or holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa

What can the scholarship be used for?

Our scholarships can support you with:

  • ICT equipment (eg. Laptop, iPad to use for study)
  • tools and equipment to use in your industry
  • costs associated with travelling and attending industry events (eg. accommodation, travel and tickets)
  • course consumable and material fees
  • booklist items
  • course fees

Please note scholarships are not redeemable for cash.
View the Scholarship Guidelines

How to apply

  1. Select a scholarship, and click ‘Apply’.
  2. We recommend you provide strong supporting detail in your scholarship application so that it stands out to the shortlisting panel. For general advice on responding to application questions, you can contact the South West Skills and Jobs Centre
  3. Submit before relevant application closing date.

Other scholarship opportunities

SWTAFE'S Access and Equity Assistance

Our access and equity assistance aim to increase opportunities for those who demonstrate a desire to participate in education and may not be able to do so due to financial hardship. Find out more and apply for assistance.

Community Partnership Scholarships

Our Community Partnership scholarships are created through the support of our community partners. They provide financial assistance to put towards the cost of courses, along with pathways to employment, higher education opportunities and internships.

Selection for these scholarships and internships vary according to the organisation. Please apply directly through the organisation’s application process.

Bendigo Bank TAFE Scholarship
The Bendigo Bank TAFE scholarship is available to students living in rural and regional Australia who have been offered a full-time place at an Australian TAFE for the first time. It's open for those aged 16 to 25 as at 29 January 2024 and have left secondary school (having completed Year 10 as a minimum).
Find out more and apply at Bendigo Bank.

Real Futures Grant

The Real Futures Grant is an annual Australian program that has been running since 2016.
The Real Futures Grant provides the winner with a $5,000 grant and is awarded to a student studying for a certificate, diploma, degree or traineeship in one of the following fields: healthcare, medicine, business, or finance.
Find out more

Powell Legacy Fund Scholarship - DemoDairy
The Powell family are supporting a fund to offer grants and scholarships in recognition of the work of the late Ross and Andy Powell in volunteering, education and agriculture. These areas represent collectively the passions of Ross and Andy and are a fitting legacy of their efforts in the Timboon and Port Campbell communities.
The Education scholarship is for an individual for up to three years to financially assist their post-secondary education. The funds will be disbursed for purposes agreed with the sub-committee. The scholarship can be used for attendance at a conference, workshop, seminar, training program (travel, accommodation, registration), to support the purchase of resources required to develop skills, attend leadership programs and contribute to the cost of holding a discussion group meeting on farm.
Find out more at DemoDairy

Rural Chances Scholarship
In partnership with Youthrive Victoria the Rural Chances Scholarship - $5000. Must be under 35 years of age, hold a Centrelink card, studying a certificate III or above, be planning to train in a skill area where there are skills shortages in rural/regional Victoria. Find out more at Youthrive.

Gallipoli Scholarship Awards
$6000 to study a diploma level course at TAFE. Must be an Australian citizen who is a direct descendant of a Service man or woman who has served in the Australian or New Zealand Defence Force in any conflict or peacekeeping role since the First World War. Find out more at Gallipoli Scholarship.

Other Scholarship Opportunities
There are also a number of scholarships available to students studying at TAFE from other funding sources. For a listing of all available scholarships visit the Good Universities Guide.