Scholarships
Are you a young person completing secondary school and looking ahead to tertiary study? Do wanting to build your leadership and entrepreneurial skills? We offer a range of scholarships to support your next steps.
If you’re passionate about your future and making a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply.
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 |
Scholarship funding round schedule
Scholarship funds will be available after a formal announcement has been made.
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
This year’s Magic Moments Youth Leadership and Business Summit was held right here in the Macedon Ranges at PGL Campaspe Downs, Tylden, from Wednesday 8 July to Sunday 12 July 2026.
Please note that applications have now closed for 2026 and will re-open in February 2027.
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.
Questions
We understand that applying for a scholarship can be challenging. Please contact Katrina Buttigieg on mrce@community.com.au with any questions and she’ll be in touch to help you.
