• 1. What is a Western Chances Scholarship?
    Western Chances scholarships are awarded to talented and motivated young people in Melbourne’s west and the City of Greater Geelong, who have been recognised by their nominators, teachers, lecturers and the wider community. Our scholarships provide tangible financial support to students who face enormous barriers to pursue their education. Western Chances scholarship recipients display diverse talent and commitment across a wide range of pathways including Trades, the Arts, Mathematics, Science, Commerce, English, Humanities, Leadership.

    2. How many scholarships do Western Chances award each year? 
    In 2024, Western Chances awarded more than 950 scholarships. Since 2004, we have supported over 4,000 young people, invested $9.4 million in scholarship funds and facilitated free learning and development opportunities valued at $5.1 million.

    3. How much are Western Chances scholarships worth? 
    Scholarships are bespoke and based on the needs of each recipient. They range between $600 - $1,200 annually.

    4. What can money from a Western Chances scholarship support? 
    A Western Chances scholarship can support a variety of items including, but not limited to:• Calculators• Computers, laptops and software (Computers/laptops can only be purchased once in a 3-year period)• Desk/office chairs• Home internet fees up to $450 per year• Lecture notes• Study desk/chair• MYKI• Specialist equipment (course specific equipment, musical instruments etc)• Specialist lessons• Stationery, printing and photocopying• Textbooks• Uniforms and equipment related to Vocational Major subjects• Year 12 specific uniforms 

  • What if I’m new to nominating?
    If you are new to nominating, you will need to register to access our Application Portal. All you need to do is enter your details on our Secondary Scholarship Page and submit this for the Programs Team to review. Please allow 48 hours for our team to confirm your registration.

  • 1. Who can apply for a Western Chances scholarship?
    To apply for a scholarship, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria listed below:
    • Aged 12 to 25 years at time of first scholarship application.
    • Enrolled at a government secondary school within one of the following local government areas - Brimbank, City of Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley or Wyndham and/or reside within one of these local government areas.
    • Be enrolled at TAFE, university or other educational institution and a resident of one of the above local government areas.
    • Demonstrated high academic/artistic achievement, motivation and committed to education or a pathway.
    • Demonstrated financial need or hardship.  

    Please read the eligibility and assessment criteria prior to submitting an application.

    2. Who can nominate applicants for a scholarship?
    Secondary Students must be nominated by someone who has a professional relationship with the candidate. This person could be a school Principal, teacher, welfare coordinator, career guidance counsellor, TAFE or university lecturer or tutor, music, dance or drama instructor, or a professional from a community or welfare organisation.
    Parents, guardians, family, or friends do not qualify as nominators for Western Chances scholarships.
    Tertiary students wishing to apply for a scholarship do not need a nominator.

    3. When is the next Scholarship Round?
    Secondary: Renewal scholarships open in early Term 1 for 6 weeks and are awarded and paid in June/July. New scholarships open in early Term 2 for 6 weeks and are awarded and paid in November.

    Tertiary: Renewal AND new scholarship rounds open in early Term 1 for 6 weeks and are paid in June.

    4. Do you accept applications outside of the specified application rounds?
    Western Chances may accept exceptional circumstance applications. Prior to making an exceptional circumstances application, the nominator must discuss the situation with a Western Chances Programs team member. Please contact a member of the team at Western Chances.

    5. What documentation do I need to apply for a Western Chances scholarship?
    All applications must be accompanied by supporting documentation that addresses the talents and motivation of each student, as this is used to validate each application.
    Please refer to the supporting document guide on our website.
    Secondary Scholarships page
    Tertiary Scholarships page

    6. What items are not funded by a Western Chances scholarship? 
    A Western Chances scholarship will not provide funding for the following items:
    • Camps/excursions - school or other • HECS debt
    • Living costs (food, electricity etc) • Mobile phones or phone internet plans
    • Printers (unless in exceptional circumstances)
    • Recreational/hobby items• Reading glasses
    • School fees/levies including VET/VCE/VM subject fees and university fees• School uniforms (excluding Year 12 items)
    • Sport
    • Travel or moving costs for recipients moving interstate or to rural areas for study
    • Tutoring for subjects in which a young person excels
    • Upfront university fees
    • Year 12 graduation costs

    7. How is the money for scholarships paid? 
    For recipients attending secondary school, scholarship money is paid to the student’s school and managed to fund the items provided in the scholarship. For tertiary students, funds are paid to them directly.  

    8.  Can I still get a scholarship once I leave secondary school?
    Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria, your Western Chances scholarship can follow you beyond secondary school to university.

    9. I have been awarded another scholarship. Can I still apply for this? 
    Yes. You can still apply if you meet our criteria. We are happy for you to have more than one scholarship.  

  • 1. How do I apply for a Western Chances scholarship? 
    Application forms are submitted online via the Western Chances scholarship portal.
    • Secondary students - Applications will need to be submitted by a nominator 
    • Tertiary students - Submit their own application online.  

    2.  How can I get support from the Western Chances team? 

    If you still have any questions or require assistance with the scholarship process do not hesitate to contact the programs team at info@westernchances.org.au

  • 1. When will I hear if my application has been successful?
    • New scholarships are assessed and paid in November and Renewal scholarships are assessed and paid in July.
    • Outcomes for tertiary students will be emailed to the student directly.
    • Outcomes for secondary students will be emailed to the nominator.

    2. My needs have changed since my application was submitted; can I change what I spend my scholarship on?
    If you need to change one of the items you have been awarded, you must refer to the list of items that can be reallocated. Contact Western Chances to discuss. 

    3. Who decides if my application is successful?
    Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Western Chances assessors to applicants who best meet the criteria and demonstrate their motivation to develop their talent, passion, or pathway. The selection team reserves the right to seek additional information in respect of the application if it deems this to be necessary.

  • 1. Do I receive a certificate for my scholarship?
    All new scholarships are publicly awarded at a ceremony in March to which all first-time scholarship recipients, school representatives and families are invited. At this ceremony, a certificate is presented to each scholarship recipient. Please note that certificates are not awarded for renewal scholarships.  

    2. Do Western Chances scholarships expire?
    Scholarships will expire after 12 months. Any unspent scholarship funds over $200 must be returned to Western Chances.  

    3. Can the funds be paid to my parent/guardian instead of my school/organisation?
    No. For governance reasons, all scholarship funds for secondary students are paid to the school. If you are a tertiary recipient, the funds will be paid directly to your nominated bank account.  

    4. Once I get a Western Chances scholarship, can I get another one?
    Scholarship recipients can apply to renew their scholarship each year if they remain in education and their need and motivation continue. This process can continue until the scholarship recipient completes their studies or training. 

    5. What are the additional benefits of having a Western Chances scholarship?
    Being a Western Chances Scholarship recipient enables young people in Melbourne’s west to take part in other Western Chances programs to encourage leadership, personal and educational advancement. Please refer to the Links Program and Pursuit Awards pages on our website.