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Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship

Supporting the next generation of leaders.

UOW traces its origins to a community fundraising campaign in the Illawarra more than half a century ago that provided the foundations for a technical-based institution to grow into the world-class university it is today.

So, it stands to reason that we've maintained a close connection with the community with whom we share the vision of a brighter future for the community.

With the Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship, we seek to inspire a new generation of young, local, passionate leaders, and give them the knowledge, skills, and worldviews to be future leaders. The Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship is open to students who attend high school in the Wollongong, Sutherland, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eden-Monaro and Wingecarribee local government areas.

The UOW Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship will challenge recipients to develop leadership potential alongside a network of like-minded students striving to create positive change.

The scholarship will provide generous financial assistance, leadership training, dedicated academic support, community networking, and global mobility opportunities. Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholars will be selected based on their academic achievement and leadership potential.

This scholarship is for you if:

  • You are an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, or the holder of an Australian Permanent Resident or Permanent Humanitarian Visa.
  • You’re a natural leader, and you play a pivotal role as an influencer, and a role model at your school and in your community.  
  • You can demonstrate academic excellence and achievements throughout high school.  
  • You have big ideas and goals, and you want to collaborate with others to bring them to life.
  • You strive to inspire others to achieve great things.
  • You're determined to bring positive change to your community and the world.
  • You attend high school in the Wollongong, Sutherland, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eden-Monaro and Wingecarribee local government areas.

Invitations to apply for the scholarship will be sent in early September. Applicants will be considered based on your Early Admission submission. For further information on how to apply view our application support guide and application support video.

Applications are now closed

Financial support

This scholarship is valued at $30,000 per year for the length of your undergraduate degree, up to a maximum of four (4) years. There are 11 scholarships available to a new cohort each year. Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholars will be selected based on their academic achievement and leadership potential.

Leadership training

In addition to your degree, you will be engaged in seminars and workshops to develop essential skills, knowledge and behaviours to reach your potential as a leader who inspires others and the community. You will learn from and be mentored by senior Scholars, community leaders and UOW alumni.

Professional development

A series of special events and professional development opportunities will be integrated into your experience to allow you to connect with other Vice-Chancellor Scholars and community members. These will include annual meetings with the Vice-Chancellor, social events with UOW and community leaders, alumni, and lectures by high-profile speakers.

Academic mentorship

To help you reach your full academic potential, a UOW Academic Mentor will offer you educational support and guidance. You will work closely with other UOW Vice-Chancellor Scholars to develop your skills in active listening, communication, leadership and problem solving. You will become a support network for each other throughout your studies.

Global mobility

We believe a global mindset and exposure to international experiences build understanding of diverse cultures and improves self-confidence. UOW has dedicated pathways for our Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Scholars, to provide opportunities for you to undertake study abroad or a short course at prestigious universities overseas.

Guaranteed Accommodation

As a Vice-Chancellor's Scholar, you will be guaranteed on-campus accommodation in our new world-class student residence, Kooloobong Village.