Kath Watson Scholarship for Women 2026

The Kath Watson Foundation was established in 2010 to encourage the increased participation of female students from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake and/or continue tertiary education at Swinburne University, and to enable female students to achieve their full academic potential.

Dr Kathleen (Kath) Watson AM was a highly regarded leader in the field of education and a longstanding advocate of the education of women. She had a 40-year career in the Victorian State High School system where, as one of the first female high school principals in Victoria, pioneered the introduction of counselling services and the parent-teacher movement.

She served on the Swinburne University of Technology Council for 12 years, from 1992-2004 and in 2011, Swinburne awarded Kath an Honorary Doctorate for her service to education. 

This scholarship is valued at up to $22,500 with $7,500 paid annually for up to three years.

Any vocational education (Certificate IV and above) or equivalent, undergraduate or postgraduate course offered by Swinburne University of Technology.

To be eligible for the Kath Watson Scholarship for Women, applicants must:

1. Meet the following criteria:
   • identify as female
   • 25 years of age or older in the year the scholarship commences
   • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa
2. Meet the following enrolment criteria:
   • be a commencing or 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 of up to 500 words addressing :
   • a commitment to study
   • career aspirations

4. Please 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

5. Please 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 $7,500 per year, for up to three years, paid bi-annually.

Recognition Awards may also be bestowed.

Applications are currently closed.

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