Merna Mattsson Scholarship for Women in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities 2026

The Merna Mattsson Scholarship for Women in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities is made possible by a generous legacy donation from the Mattsson family in recognition of Merna's contribution as a long serving staff member in the Swinburne Library.

The scholarship was established to support female students from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake and/or continue tertiary education in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities to achieve their full academic potential, by reducing the need to work outside of study.

This scholarship is valued at $4,000 for one year.

Any undergraduate or postgraduate course in the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education offered by Swinburne University of Technology. Online students are also encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for the The Merna Mattsson Scholarship for Women in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, applicants must:

1. Meet the following criteria:
   • identify as female
   • 25 years of age or older
   • Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian Permanent Resident with Humanitarian visa or New Zealand citizen.
2. Meet the following enrolment criteria:
   • be a commencing first year or continuing second year and above student in Semester 1, 2026
   • enrolled full time in an eligible course (see courses eligible in section above)
   • studying on-campus or online
3. Submit a personal statement (500 words) demonstrating a commitment to study. For example, returning to study after an extended period of time following a break:
   • to raise or take care of a family
   • medical necessity
   • other pressing circumstances 

4. Provide evidence of educational disadvantage, which may include:

   Personal information and location
   Financial hardship
   Living with a disability or medical condition
   Difficult family and life circumstances

5. Provide a written reference from a teacher, community leader, or employer. Note: referees cannot be a family member or friend.

The scholarship is valued at $4,000 for one year only.

Applicants should complete an online application form and submit with all supporting documentation by 15 March 2026.

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

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