Sheila Fitzgerald Scholarship 2026

The Sheila Fitzgerald Scholarship supports students enrolled in an Apprenticeship or Vocational foundation program, consistent with Sheila’s deeply held commitment to accessible, high-quality vocational education.

This scholarship is valued at $2,000 for one year only.

Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship courses offered by Swinburne University of Technology in the following areas:

• Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship courses:
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry
  • Engineering (mechanical and fabrication)
  • Electrotechnology
  • Electrician
  • Building and construction (bricklaying)
• Spoken and written English
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) (Access)
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) (Further Study)
• General education for adults

To be eligible for the Sheila Fitzgerald Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Meet the following criteria:
   • an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
2. Meet the following enrolment criteria:
   • be a continuing Swinburne student in Semester 1, 2026
   • enrolled full time in an eligible course (see courses eligible in section above)
3. Submit a personal statement (500 words) addressing:
   • an interest for your chosen field of study
   • long term plans in your chosen field of study 
   • how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals
4. Provide evidence of educational disadvantage, which may fall under the categories listed below. To assist you, we’ve included a link to the VTAC website for further guidance on preparing your evidence.
   
   Personal information and location
   Financial hardship
   Living with a disability or medical condition
   Difficult family and life circumstances

This scholarship is valued at $2,000 (one-off payment)

Applicants must complete an online application form and submit with all supporting documentation by 16 March 2026. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. For assistance when completing your application, please view the Scholarships Application Help Guide.

Fees and Scholarships Team, Student Administration.
scholarship@swin.edu.au