Bendigo Bank Scholarship Program experiences unprecedented demand

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has named the recipients of the 2024 round of scholarships as demand for the scholarship program, which supports those pursuing tertiary education. 

Seventy-five Community Bank companies have contributed to the range of scholarships for the 2024 year, including grants to secondary and primary school students. To date, the Community Bank networks have funded close to $900,000 to 190 students. 

Now in its 17th year, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Scholarship Program, run by the Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation, provides students with the opportunity to access a range of scholarships – up to the value of $8,000 – to help ease the financial burden associated with the transition to tertiary education.

A record $1.3 million worth of scholarships were granted this year, with the Bank experiencing a 62 per cent increase in applications, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for opportunities in further education. Particularly noteworthy is the growing support for TAFE scholarships, showing the substantial demand for vocational education opportunities.

Focussed on supporting regional, rural, Indigenous, and agricultural students, the program has been running since 2007, supporting more than 1900 students to the value of $13.3 million.

The scholarships can be used by recipients to help finance the cost of travel, accommodation, tutoring, course materials or study equipment. The scholarships include:

• Robert Johanson Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Board Scholarship: $8,000 per year for two years.

• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank scholarship for regional and rural students: 12 scholarships of $6500 per student, per year, for two years.

• Bendigo Bank Indigenous scholarship: Four scholarships of $6500 per student, per year, for two years for those studying at either university or TAFE.

• Rural Bank scholarship: eight scholarships, (including two Indigenous scholarships) of $6,000 per student, per year, for two years – students must demonstrate a desire to contribute to the Australian agricultural sector.

• Community Bank Scholarships: Variety of scholarships on offer from different Community Banks focusing on university, TAFE, and secondary school study.

• Alexander and Bridget Jones Montmorency Secondary College Scholarship: Scholarship for two graduates of Montmorency Secondary College studying full-time at The University of Melbourne in 2024.

227 scholarships were introduced for 2024, with interim Chair of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Vicki Carter wishing the successful applicants luck as they embark on a new chapter of their education.

“Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Scholarship Program is one of the longest and most successful programs of its kind in Australia,” Ms Carter said.

“The Program aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with the transition to tertiary education, ensuring these bright minds can focus on their studies and future careers.”

2024 scholarship recipients represent a diverse array of academic pursuits, spanning health, business, education, science, the arts, and services.

“As we celebrate the achievements of these scholarship recipients, we also recognise the unwavering support from our Community Bank partners and their commitment to education and its enduring impact. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank remains dedicated to empowering individuals to pursue their academic dreams, and we look forward to hearing more about the accomplishments of these students in the years to come,” Ms Carter concluded.

For more information on the program, please visit: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/community/scholarships/