Western Chances scholarships are awarded to high achieving and motivated young people in Melbourne’s west and the City of Greater Geelong, who have been recognised by their nominators, teachers and the wider community.

You’re on the way to supporting a young, committed person achieve their dreams. If you work with or teach a young person that meets the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to become a nominator to give them access to financial support that will help them reach their potential. A step-by-step guide follows that will assist you through the application process.

 

Step 1

Register as a nominator for our scholarship program

Step 2

Identify Eligible Students

Learn how to identify potential scholarship recipients, by reading our guide here.

Step 3

Collect supporting documents

Read the application form and our program guides carefully before submitting an application.

Step 4

Submit an application and help change the life of a young person

The ‘new’ scholarship round will open in mid-August. Outcomes will be advised in late-November.

Scholarship Rounds

The ‘new’ round for recipients who have NOT previously received a Western Chances scholarship will open in mid-August 2025, with outcomes advised in late-November.

The ‘renewal’ round for recipients who have previously received a Western Chances scholarship will open in late-February 2026, with outcomes advised in late-July.

Please contact the Programs team if you require support.

New Nominators

If you are new to our program, please register here for our schools portal

Existing Nominators

If you are an existing nominator, please click the button below to receive an access link to the scholarship application and support resources

Read our top Frequently Asked Questions below.

  • A Western Chances scholarship can support a variety of items including, but not limited to:
    Calculators, Computers, devices & software, Educational subscriptions, Headphones (up to $250), Home internet fees (up to $450), Lecture & Study notes, MYKI, Specialist course specific equipment and/or uniform, tools, musical instruments, art materials etc directly relating to education pathway (up to $350), Specialist study programs, Stationery, printing & photocopying (up to $250), Study desk/chair (up to $200 each), Tertiary Application fees, Textbooks, Tutoring, Uniform for logoed items (Up to $200), Year 12 school endorsed graduation/valedictory event (Up to $150), Year 12 specific jacket/top, Year 12 school study camp (Up to $250)

  • 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, 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.

  • Renewal scholarships open in early Term 1 for 5 weeks and are awarded and paid in late-July.

    New scholarships open in early Term 3 for 5 weeks and are awarded and paid in late-November.

  • 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.
    Supporting documents will be provided in our scholarships portal.

  • Application forms are submitted directly to Western Chances.
    Secondary students please note that applications must be submitted by a nominator

  • If you still have any questions or require assistance with the scholarship process do not hesitate to contact the programs team:

    Email the Programs Team