Supporting veterans or direct family members residing in the Sunshine Coast area commencing their first undergraduate degree

Established in 2020 by the Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch to assist a local veteran or family member with study-related expenses.

The Scholarship will support a veteran, or immediate dependent of a veteran, of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) commencing their first undergraduate program at UniSC. UniSC is committed to providing various methods of support for student veterans and welcomes this partnership with Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch to assist a deserving recipient with their academic journey.

One scholarship valued at $5,000 per annum for the standard duration of their degree (up to a maximum of 4 years) will be awarded in 2026. The scholarship will provide ongoing support to one student to help offset living and study related costs, giving the student the freedom to focus on their education without having to work excessive hours, ultimately helping to remove the barriers that may hinder academic achievement.

The recipient will receive $2,500 per semester for the standard duration of their program, up to a total of $20,000.

Please Note:  This scholarship is offered on a yearly basis through funds provided by an external donor. If funding is not available in any given year, the scholarship will not be awarded.

*A veteran is defined as any person who has served in the Australian Military (Army, Navy, Air Force) at any time. The term veteran is applied to an individual who has completed a specific term of military service and has been discharged from his or her service obligation; the term also applies to those individuals currently serving in the ADF Reserves.

**If no suitable candidates in their first semester of study are identified, consideration may be given to students in their second or third semesters of enrolment.

Eligibility

• a veteran* or immediate family member of a veteran (child, spouse or de-facto partner) commencing full-time study in their first undergraduate program**
  • Veteran applicants must provide evidence in the form of an official document showing the former Defence member's service and the period or periods of continuous full-time service (e.g. Discharge Certificate or Certificate of service listing enlistment and discharge dates)
  • Family member of a veteran must provide evidence of the veteran's service as above along with evidence of relationship to the veteran (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• commencing study in Semester 1, 2026
• enrolled at UniSC Sunshine Coast and resident of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area
• Permanent Resident of Australia, Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Permanent Australian Humanitarian Visa holder
• not in receipt of another scholarship outside of UniSC, including Defence education and training assistance

Selection criteria

• financial need
• active involvement in extra-curricular and community activities
• consideration will be given to previous academic achievement
• commitment to fully participate in volunteering opportunities and other activities presented by the donor

Eligible programs

All undergraduate programs

Number available

1 in 2026

Value

Up to A$20,000