Scholarships
Are you a young person finishing secondary school or an adult looking to grow as a community leader? We offer a range of scholarships to support your next steps—whether that’s further study, training, or leadership development.
If you’re passionate about your future and making a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply.
Applications for our 2026 Early Tertary Scholarships are now open and close on Jan 16, 2026.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, you must reside in postcode 3437, 3431, 3438, 3440, 3441 or 3442 and hold an account with Community Bank Gisborne & District.
In addition, the following criteria apply to our youth scholarships:
Early Tertiary and Maurice Bourke Scholarship applicants must have completed Year 10 (for TAFE students) or Year 12 (for university students) no more than two years prior to commencement of their tertiary studies
Magic Moments applicants must be aged between 14 and 17 years.
| Scholarship program | Applications accepted | Results announced | Funds available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Tertiary and Maurice Bourke Scholarships | 1 Dec–16 Jan | Late Feb | Early Mar |
| Magic Moments Scholarships | Mar–Apr | Late Apr | Tickets & flights purchased in May |
| Loddon Murray Community Leadership | Until Dec (prior year) | Jan | Entry paid to LEAD Loddon Murray |
Funding round schedule
We encourage you to apply in a funding round well before your event or project starts. Funds will only be available after formal announcement has been made and a partnership meeting has taken place.
Scholarship application process
Early Tertiary Scholarship - from $2,000
To apply for an early tertiary scholarship, complete our online application form, which goes live in December each year and closes in mid-January. Applications are assessed on the following criteria:
Disadvantage – any financial or personal challenges that could hinder success at tertiary study.
Academic motivation – demonstrated commitment to academic success.
Community contribution – demonstrated active involvement in the community and a commitment to doing so in the future.
Maurice Bourke Tertiary Scholarship - $2,500 per year
Applications for this three-year scholarship are encouraged from students who demonstrate a passion for community involvement and/or social impact.
Applicants use the same application form as the one-year Early Tertiary Scholarship above, with the addition of a short video explaining why they are a strong candidate. The successful recipient will commit to attending a minimum of three MRCE events and take part in two profile stories for our website and social media.
Magic Moments
The application process for these scholarships runs through local secondary schools in Term 2, with the summit taking place in July each year. If you are interested in joining this program, please speak to your year-level coordinator or contact us via community@mrce.com.au and we will send you an application form.
Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP)
Each year, we provide a scholarship for one local adult to participate in this part-time, intensive leadership program. The application process is run through LEAD Loddon Murray. For more information and to apply, visit LEAD Loddon Murray or contact the program administrator, Jude Hannah on 0499 171 663.
Scholarship acquittals
Early Tertiary Scholarship
At the end of their first year of study, tertiary scholarship recipients are required to submit an acquittal form with receipts showing how their scholarship funds were used.
Magic Moments
Magic Moments participants are not required to formally acquit their scholarship, however are encouraged to share their learnings and insights from the summit with us and the broader community.
Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program
Upon completion of the LMCLP program, LMCLP graduates must present their major project, which is completed as part of the course, to the Board of Macedon Ranges Community Entreprises.
Questions
We understand that applying for a scholarship can be challenging. Please contact Liz O'Connell on mrce@community.com.au with any questions and she’ll be in touch to help you.
