Students with disability: you may be eligible for a scholarship worth up to $40,000
Studying at university is a huge commitment for anyone. If you’re a student with disability, there can sometimes be additional barriers you need to manage to achieve your academic and professional goals.
As part of its mission to drive positive change for people with disability, the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) is running its 2023 Disability Scholarship Program. This annual program aims to support employment pathways for people with disability across all areas of justice.
So, if you’re a student with disability who’s studying a justice-related course, read on to find out more!
What’s on offer
One major and two minor scholarships will be awarded to Victorian students with disability studying at the diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate level in the following areas: civil and criminal law, criminology and crime prevention, paralegal work, psychology, social work, emergency management, and other justice- and community safety-related fields.
The major scholarship is worth $20,000 per annum for two years and the two minor scholarships are worth $5000 per annum for two years. If the recipient completes the course in under two years, they will receive a pro-rata payment.
A fortnightly study allowance will be paid to support full-time study for a maximum of two years. Part-time students will receive support for a maximum period equivalent to two years of full-time study.
Scholarships will be awarded on merit, considering an applicant’s eligibility, academic performance, career goals and aspirations, and the impact of the scholarship to achieve study and career goals.
Who’s eligible
To apply for the scholarship program, you must:
- Identify as a person with disability. Disability includes physical, mental health, intellectual, neurological or sensory impairments that, when combined with other barriers (such as negative attitudes or inaccessible environments), may limit participation in society on an equal basis with others.
- Have been living in Victoria on a full-time basis for a minimum of two years immediately before you apply.
- Be able to demonstrate financial hardship.
- Declare, and provide details of, any scholarships currently awarded by the Victorian Government or non-Victorian government entities.
- If you’re a current undergraduate student:
- have successfully completed all units for one year of a three-year full-time course, or two years of a four-year full-time course (or part-time equivalent)
- have not withdrawn from your course of study
- be able to demonstrate a minimum pass grade in all subjects undertaken in the preceding semester to when you apply.
- If you’re a postgraduate applicant: have successfully gained entry into a postgraduate course.
How to apply
For full details on eligibility, how the scholarship works and how to apply, see the 2023 Program Guidelines and Application Form on the DJCS website. Applications close at 5pm, Friday 8 September.
You can access documents in an alternative format, request reasonable adjustments or ask questions by emailing inclusion&[email protected].
Disability support is available at Deakin
Deakin’s vibrant and diverse community includes many students living with health conditions and/or disability that can impact their studies.
If disability, health or mental health affects your studies and participation in university life, find the information, services and support you need from Deakin’s Disability Resource Centre. You can also read how our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2021–25 guides our approach to disability.