Key information

Benefit amount

$7,000 (total value for up to 1 year)

Eligible citizenship

Temporary Protection or Bridging visa

Eligible student type

School leaver, Non-school leaver

Eligible level of study

Vocational Education (VE), Undergraduate
+2 more

Study area

Aviation, Built Environment and Architecture
+15 more

Scholarships available

1

About the scholarship

Summary

The Joan McPherson Welcome Scholarship, part of Swinburne’s Welcome Scholarships program, supports people seeking asylum in Australia to pursue their studies and build a new life. Established by former Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson AO in honour of her mother, Joan McPherson, it is available to full-time students holding specific visas, including Bridging Visa 'E' (V050), Temporary Protection Visa (V785), Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa (V786) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (V790).

Value
Total value (for up to one year), paid bi-annually
$7,000

Eligibility and selection criteria

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Provide evidence of currently holding one of the following:

    Bridging Visa 'E' (V050)
    Temporary Protection Visa (V785)
    Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa (V786)
    Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (V790).
Enrolment criteria

Applicants must: 

  • be a commencing Swinburne student in Semester 1, 2027
  • enrolled full-time in any vocational education, undergraduate or post graduate course offered by Swinburne.
Selection criteria

Applicants will be assessed on:

  • educational disadvantage.
Study areas

This scholarship is related to the following study areas:

  • Aviation
  • Built Environment and Architecture
  • Business
  • Design
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Film and Television
  • Health
  • Law
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Trades and Apprenticeships
  • Games and Animation
  • Media and Communication
  • Information Technology
  • Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Supporting documentation

Personal Statement

Submit a personal statement of up to 500 words addressing:

  • interest in your chosen course
  • career ambitions
  • how this scholarship will assist you to achieve your goals.

Your personal statement must also exhibit your resilience, determination and commitment to service. This could have taken place in your home country or in any part of your journey in coming to and living in Australia. You should also tell us how you intend to contribute to your community and society in future.

Educational Disadvantage

Provide evidence of educational disadvantage which may include: 

 

Conditions

All scholarships offered by Swinburne are governed by a set of conditions. Please visit our scholarship conditions page for further information.
 

How to apply

Opening date
Friday 24 July 2026
Closing date
Saturday 31 October 2026
Complete application

Complete the online application form

Submit the online application form with all supporting documentation by the closing date. 

Apply now

Incomplete applications will not be considered. For assistance when completing your application, please visit the scholarship application help guide.

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Questions? We’re here to help!

We're here to help answer any of your questions about Swinburne's scholarships programs.

Scholarships and fees

Application help guide