Scholarships and Bursaries

In 2024, over 75% of our residents were awarded some form of financial aid.

Our financial aid is awarded as either a scholarships and/or bursaries. These are primarily awarded to students studying at The University of Melbourne. Students studying at other universities may be considered for financial aid at the discretion of the Provost of Newman College upon applying.

Financial assistance programs are available to ensure College is accessible to students. 

https://www.colleges.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships-and-fees

Undergraduate Scholarships

Academic Scholarships for first year students of the College are awarded on the basis of ATAR scores or equivalent. They are valued between $1,000 and $5,000 per annum and are paid by means of a reduction in fees. For returning students, or for students who are new to the College but are in their second or third year of studies, scholarships are awarded on the basis of university results. Many of the scholarships are named after their benefactor. There are no applications required for Academic Scholarships, as all eligible students are considered. We welcome applications from First Nations students.

For 2025 entry, and in addition to our above scholarship offerings, we will be offering the following set-figure scholarships* to new undergraduate residents who completed Year 12 in 2024 (five of each available):

$10,000 Scholarship - awarded to the DUX of a Catholic school.

$5,000 Scholarship - awarded to the DUX of a non-Catholic school.

$5,000 Scholarship - awarded to students ranked 2nd in their year from a rural or regional Catholic school.

$5,000 Leadership Scholarship - awarded to students that have displayed exemplary leadership skills in their school community.

*Students must apply by 20 October 2024 with Newman College as their first preference to be eligible for the above set-figure scholarships. These scholarships are paid as a reduction of fees. Financial aid in subsequent years is awarded upon continued academic success and involvement in the College community. All scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Provost and until allocation is exhausted. Students may only be awarded one of the above scholarships (this does not apply to the guarenteed $2,500 bursary for students from select rural and regional schools outlined below). Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the Provost.

Graduate and Postgraduate Scholarships

All graduate and postgraduate students accepted into the College receive a minimum scholarship of $5,000 ($7,000 for PhD candidates). Scholarships awarded to graduates and postgraduates vary between $5,000 to $10,000 per annum and are paid by way of a remission of fees.

Bursaries – Undergraduate, Graduate and Postgraduate

The College is fortunate to provide bursaries to many students in the community. These bursaries exist to enable young people, who would not otherwise be able to attend Newman College, to do so. Bursaries range from $1,000 to $10,000 per annum. Bursaries are awarded depending upon the financial circumstances of the student. Students wishing to be considered for bursary assistance need to write a letter to the Provost detailing the reasons for their application. In this letter it is important that they address the following matters:

• The financial circumstances of their family.
• Details of Centrelink payments they are, or will, receive.
• Any other scholarships or bursaries they receive.
• Other anticipated income for the year in question.
• Details of the number of dependent siblings in their family.
• Any other matters that are deemed relevant.
• Supporting documentations substantiating matters discussed.

Following receipt of your letter and supporting documentations, your application for a bursary will be discussed with you at your interview with the College.

For 2025 entry the College is awarding a minimum $2,500 Bursary for all students from select rural and regional schools**. No letter application is required for this bursary. Students can be awarded this bursary while holding one of the above set-figure scholarships.

**Students must submit their general college application by 31 October with Newman College as their first preference to be eligible.

Please remember scholarships and bursaries are primarily awarded to students studying at The University of Melbourne. Students studying at other universities may be considered for financial aid at the discretion of the Provost of Newman College.

Choir Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to students who are members of the Choir of Newman College. Please click here to visit the Choir page for more information.

Narrm Scholars from regional/remote parts of Australia 

From 2025 Narrm Scholars who are from a regional or remote part of Australia are also eligible for at least a $20,000 accommodation allowance (per year) while living at Newman College. The University of Melbourne will provide $10,000 of the accommodation allowance and Newman College will provide the student at least $10,000 while they are undertaking the University of Melbourne undergraduate course and living at Newman College.

New Accommodation Package for Narrm Scholars at Newman College

The Residential Colleges, affiliated with the University of Melbourne, are excited to offer a new accommodation package supporting regional and remote Narrm Scholars to attend a Residential College from 2025.

Newman College and the Narrm Scholarship Program

Newman College is delighted to partner with the University of Melbourne on the Narrm Scholarship Program.

Eligibility for a Narrm Scholarship

Students eligible for a Narrm Scholarship include:

• Students from lower socio-economic areas.
• Students from rural and remote areas of Australia.
• Students receiving Commonwealth income support.
• Indigenous students.
• Students with a disability.
• Students with a medical condition.
• Students experiencing difficult personal circumstances.

If you are a University of Melbourne Narrm Scholar who is not from a regional or remote area, you are still eligible to apply for a bursary or scholarship at Newman College. In 2024 Neman College granted $1.3 million of scholarships which equated to 75% of students receiving a scholarship.  

For more information on Narrm Scholars Offer and how to apply please visit www.colleges.unimelb.edu.au/narrm-scholars