164th Scholarship Awarded

Greater Shepparton Foundation is awarded its 2026 Education Scholarships at a ceremony on February 5th, at 10am at Latrobe University, Shepparton.

A total of $84,000 in Lift Off Education Scholarships was announced and awarded to 14 successful applicants to the 2026 Lift Off Education Scholarship program at the ceremony including Aaron Schuren, Princess Arielle Santos, Chloe Hogg, Hunnardeep Kaur Sandhu, Jade Klein, Katya Eddy, Kiara Stephens, Masooma Shah, Matilda Altoft, Michael Wagner, Phillipa Turton, Ruby Sprunt, Sophie Kennedy and Tariro Kakona.

 All recipients completed their secondary schooling at various schools across the Goulburn Valley and will receive scholarships ranging from one to three years duration, and up to $10,000 in support.

Greater Shepparton Foundation Executive Officer, Amanda McCulloch said, “This year saw our highest number of applications in the scholarship’s 11-year history, reflecting both the growing need and aspirations of local students.  The independent scholarship selection panel had a mammoth task, and we sincerely thank them for their expertise and time."                                                  

Ms McCulloch said, "The annual Announcement Ceremony and morning tea is always a wonderful event.  It is not only a formal presentation to scholarship recipients, but the event also provides an opportunity for recipients to personally meet their scholarship sponsors and connect with fellow recipients.”

The Greater Shepparton Foundation partnered with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project to address barriers to further education. Over the years, the program has collaborated with more than 40 businesses and philanthropic partners to support local students via sponsorship of the scholarship program.

The 2026 Lift Off Education Scholarship Sponsors include the Bella Ainsworth Perpetual Scholarship, Greater Shepparton Connected Community, Greater Shepparton Women's Charter Alliance, La Trobe University, Lions Club, Margaret Attwood Trust, NWR Communications, Shepparton District Careers Association, Shepparton Rotary Lance Woodhouse OAM Scholarship and Shepparton Rotary Kepple Turnour OAM Scholarship and Sampson Leadership Scholarship.

Amanda said, ‘we are delighted that the work we do via these scholarships has now impacted 164 young people who have been supported to continue their studies, and we hope that many will return to the region as professionals across various industries.

By helping to overcome financial and other barriers, the program empowers students to achieve their educational aspirations and reach their full potential. The scholarships address the growing challenge faced by people who cannot afford the transition from secondary to post-secondary education. Research indicates that young people from non-metropolitan regions in Victoria, including Shepparton, defer university studies at twice the rate of their metropolitan peers. Currently, only half of our young people complete secondary school, and just a quarter continue to tertiary education.

Lift Off Education Scholarships are available to people aged 16 and above, including mature-age students, for approved higher education courses such as Diplomas and Bachelor programs. Scholarships range from $2,000 for one year to up to $10,000 over three years.

The Lift Off Scholarship program welcomes applications for Post Graduate studies, from students who have taken a gap year, Year 12 students wanting to continue to tertiary study, students looking to undertake a pathway course and local people returning to study.

For more information regarding Lift Off Education Scholarships please click here.