Hansen Scholarship

The Hansen Scholarship is a flagship scholarship program at The University of Melbourne. From 2020, The Hansen Scholarship will be awarded to talented undergraduate students whose financial circumstances present a challenge to accessing a first-class education. Recipients will be awarded accommodation, an allowance, and financial and personal support.

What are the benefits?

• a standard room for 52 weeks each year, at no charge, for the standard full-time, three year undergraduate degree at Little Hall residence in Lincoln Square South;
• an allowance of $4000 per year for general living expenses for the standard full-time duration of the undergraduate degree; full fee remission for asylum seekers who would otherwise have to pay international fees;
• a one-time grant of up to $4000 to support an approved activity for the Scholar’s development such as an international exchange, an international subject, an internship or similar role;
• access to a mentoring program, pastoral care, and development programs available to all students at Little Hall as well as a tailored program of mentoring and support exclusively for Hansen Scholars;
• priority access to graduate accommodation at Little Hall should the Hansen Scholar wish to pursue graduate studies at Melbourne after completing their undergraduate degree; and
• next steps funding after completion of the scholar's undergraduate degree (competitive process to apply for up to $20,000 for a career-related activity)
• students who meet the requirements for the Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship will receive the Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship Guaranteed Commonwealth Supported Place in one of the professional master degrees for students who meet the prerequisite course and entry requirements for the master degree.

Be sure to check out the Hansen Scholarship program page for answers to FAQs, information about the program patron, and current Hansen Scholar profiles.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and be enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate in Australia; or
• have applied for or be the holder of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa, and be enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate in Australia; or
• be an Australian citizen and be enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate outside Australia.
• be aged between 16 and 20 years of age in the year of application
• be on track to achieve a minimum Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 90 (or the IB equivalent)
• experience financial circumstances that present a challenge to attending The University of Melbourne. (e.g. you or your family receive Centrelink benefits)

Selection criteria

• Track record of academic excellence and a commitment to academic success in university studies
• Demonstrated ability to achieve success in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles
• Demonstrated ability to apply skills and strengths towards activities which benefit others
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and lead those around you
• Likelihood of thriving as a Hansen Scholar and actively contributing to the Hansen Scholarship Program

Applicants will undergo a preliminary screening stage which may involve written materials, references, video or other creative products, and such other methods to produce a short-list of suitable applicants. The final selection process will involve face-to-face interviews with short-listed candidates.