Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship information and FAQs

The Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation provides equity and merit-based scholarships of $10,000 a year, for three years, to young women who might not have otherwise received a university education due to limited financial resources.

Young men are encouraged to apply for a Dafydd Lewis Trust scholarship. You can find information about the Dafydd Lewis Trust scholarship on the website via www.dafyddlewis.com.au

You can apply to the Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation via the online form:

https://equitytrustees.smartygrants.com.au/MJLSF2026

Applications close Tuesday 23 December 2025 (11:59pm)

To apply the following documents are required:

• Australian Birth Certificate, Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
• VTAC ATAR Certificate
• Proof of Government Allowance
• A personal statement
• A personal referee statement

You must have evidence of Permanent Residency in Australia.

You must be completing Year 12 in the year you are applying. There is no age limit.

You must have attended a Victorian Government School for at least five consecutive years prior to beginning university.

You can study any course. Young women studying STEM are encouraged to apply.

You can attend any Victorian university.

To be eligible, applicants must be able to provide evidence of their parent/guardian receiving one or more of the below government allowances:

• Low Income Health Care Card;
• Centrelink Statement of Benefits; and/or Family Tax Benefit Statement.

Applicants who are their own legal guardian or have no active parent/guardian are to provide evidence of their own receipt of one or more government allowance:

• Low Income Health Care Card;
• Centrelink Statement of Benefits; and/or Family Tax Benefit Statement.

Assistance accessing an online Health Care Card:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/digitalcard?context=21986

Assistance accessing Centrelink Statement of Benefits:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink-online-account-help-request-document

The personal statement allows us to get to know you and how the Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship could help you achieve your goals.

The statement should be written as if you were speaking directly to the scholarship panel or as a cover letter to your application. 

Themes that you may wish to discuss:

• Why you want to study at university and why you are interested in your area of study?
• What motivates you?
• Accomplishments you are proud of (academic or otherwise).
• Your personal values.
• Your experiences and interests outside of school.
• How can you contribute to the Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation Community?

A referee is someone who can advocate for you in a personal and professional manner. This can be anyone, except a family member or friend, but may for example be a trusted teacher, school principal, an employer, manager or sports coach.

Yes, the Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation conducts interviews with shortlisted applicants in January.

Details regarding the exact time, location and date of interviews will be provided to successful applicants closer to the date.

Interviews will be conducted in late January 2026. If you are selected to progress to the interview stage, you will be invited to attend by telephone or email a few days before the interviews are held. We will be guided by the prevailing public health advice as to whether interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom video conferencing, and will keep you advised.

Applicants will be notified if they have been shortlisted or not in mid-late January

Candidates will be notified to the outcome of their interview no later than March.

For assistance with your application please call Ashley on (03) 8623 5325 or on email via charities@eqt.com.au