Bendat Family Foundation scholarship will help aspiring ECTs studying at ECU

The Bendat Family Foundation is supporting aspiring early childhood teachers (ECTs) studying with Edith Cowan University (ECU) to successfully complete their studies, regardless of their background and financial circumstances. 

As well as ECTs, the Bendat Family Foundation Equity Scholarship Program will be open to aspiring teachers in primary and secondary education, social workers, nurses and midwives. 

The Bendat Family Foundation is a philanthropic trust linked to renowned businessman and former Perth Wildcats owner, the late Jack Bendat AM, which has previously offered Excellence Scholarships to ECU arts management, and production and design students.

“These scholarships will ease students’ financial burden and contribute to their success, whilst also training people in professions desperately needed in Western Australia,” said a Foundation spokesperson. 

Starting in 2024, the program will support nine students with social and/or financial disadvantage, with each recipient receiving up to $27,000 over the duration of their degree. Recipients will be awarded $3,000 in the first year of study and thereafter $8,000 per annum for up to three years depending on the course duration. Part-time study will be paid pro rata.

“ECU is so excited to be able to partner with a Foundation that is so thoroughly committed to the Western Australian community and we are delighted to be able to celebrate the success of our students together in the near future,” said ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) Professor Braden Hill.

Interested future students can apply through ECU’s Online Scholarship Application Portal by providing a personal statement, which demonstrates their drive and commitment to establishing a career in their chosen field of study, a desire to give back to their community despite financial hardship or other personal difficulty and how the scholarship will assist them in addressing these difficulties.

Visit ECU’s Online Scholarship Application Portal to apply or the scholarship webpage for more information.