Most young people in Hepburn Shire have to move away to keep studying. Our scholarships help local students get to university, TAFE or an apprenticeship, with funding, mentoring and support to settle in.
- 34scholarships awarded since 2022
- 14delivered with YouThrive Victoria since 2024
2027 scholarships
We fund two scholarships in partnership with YouThrive Victoria, which manages applications and provides mentoring and leadership support.
Rural Chances Scholarship
$5,000
A one-off payment to help with course costs for TAFE or an apprenticeship, plus mentoring, leadership and networking opportunities.
Who can apply
- Aged 16 to 24
- Starting a TAFE qualification (Certificate III or above) or an apprenticeship
- Holding a Health Care Card, or able to show financial hardship
- Living in regional or rural Victoria, including Hepburn Shire
Key dates
- 15 June 2026Applications opened
- Monday 19 October 2026, midnightApplications close
- Early November 2026Applications assessed
- Late November 2026Interviews
- December 2026Everyone is told the outcome
How to apply
Apply online with YouThrive. You’ll answer a few questions in writing or by video, and provide one written reference.
Questions about your YouThrive application? Email scholarships@youthrivevic.org.au or call 0402 442 636.
University Scholarship
Up to $10,000 a year
For up to three years, plus mentoring, support and leadership development, for Year 12 students starting full-time study at a Victorian university.
2027 round
- 14 August 2026Applications closed
- September school holidaysInterviews
- December 2026 to February 2027Scholarships begin
Daylesford Secondary College students
Each year we fund two University Scholarships and two Rural Chances Scholarships for eligible Daylesford Secondary College students moving on to further study.
Don’t fit the criteria? Talk to us
If you live or go to school in Hepburn Shire and need help with university, TAFE or an apprenticeship, but don’t meet YouThrive’s criteria, you can still ask us for support.
Meet some of our scholarship recipients
Local students who have gone on to university, TAFE and work with our support.
BellaRural Chances Scholarship, Certificate IV in Agriculture
StellaOccupational Therapy student
AnikaArts student
ViydeeSupport worker
MilaLaw student
KatieNational Science Forum participant
MaeveEducation student, La Trobe UniversityRead Maeve’s story
HayleyNursing diplomaRead Hayley’s story
Help a local student take the next step
Every scholarship is funded by people who want young people here to have the same chances as anyone else. Our founders cover our running costs, so every dollar donated goes to this work.