In summary

  • Swinburne students Mia, Peter Vu and Rachael were recipients of the Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship  

  • The Dylan Alcott Foundation aims to provide equal educational opportunities for people living with disability through mentoring, grants and scholarships

Living with a disability, Mia has always faced barriers in what she could and couldn’t do. This impacts every aspect of her life from getting an education, gaining independence, working and travelling, to maintaining a social life.  

“When every aspect of your life is determined by how ‘disabled’ you are, you do start to feel bound down by your illness and the future can look uncertain.”  

Driven by her own lived experience in the healthcare system and her desire to make a difference in the lives of other young vulnerable people, Mia was inspired to pursue a degree in health science at Swinburne.  

“Starting at Swinburne was a breath of fresh air, everyone was so accommodating, and I really got the sense that people were working with me, rather than making my life more difficult than it already was.” 

However, she remained uncertain if she would be able to keep up with the costs of pursuing a bachelor's degree with her chronic illness.  

In 2024, Mia received the Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship which offers financial aid to students with disabilities in VET or undergraduate courses, aiming to alleviate the burden of course fees for recipients for up to 3 years of their degree.  

“Receiving the scholarship has given me a massive boost of confidence. I feel like there is an army of people behind me that are cheering me on, and I have gained a new sense of independence and capability,” Mia says. 

“Scholarships like the Dylan Alcott Foundation one, not only alleviate financial stress but empower people with disability to pursue their hopes and dreams.” 

Fellow scholarship recipient and accounting student, Peter Vu, says the scholarship has helped level the playing field for young people living with a disability.  

“This scholarship has allowed me to focus more on my studies, excel academically, and achieve my goals while having the opportunity to gain cultural experiences.” 

“Thanks to the scholarship funds, I was able to take an overseas trip for the first time in 15 years, which has been a long-time desire.”  

Swinburne Bachelor of Design student, Rachael, also recieved the scholarship to forward her studies.

The Foundation will provide up to $10,000 per student to support their course fees per year.

Learn more and apply for the Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship.  

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