Acacia Program Scholarship – Ballarat (VIC)
The Public Education Foundation’s Acacia Program Scholarship provides financial assistance and mentoring/career advice to high potential students, in need, attending schools in the Ballarat region of Victoria.
The scholarship is designed to assist students in need who may otherwise not have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The scholarships are available to eligible students currently enrolled in Year 10 in the listed schools. It also enables alumni of Australian public schools to give back to their school region and public education more broadly, through scholarships, mentoring, and advocacy.
Scholarship Value
- $1,000 per year for two years (total $2,000)
- Mentoring and career guidance opportunities
What the Scholarship Covers
Funds may be used for:
- Laptop, iPad, or similar device
- Study software, printer, stationery, textbooks
- Uniforms and equipment
- Excursions and camps
- Curricular and extra-curricular learning
- Study furniture (desk, chair, lamp)
- Home Wi-Fi
- Face-to-face or online tutoring
Important Notes:
- If a student leaves public school before Year 12, the scholarship will lapse
- Low attendance may lead to scholarship withdrawal
- Unspent funds must be returned to the Foundation
Basic Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a high potential student
- Attend one of the following schools: Ballarat High School, Mount Clear College, Mount Rowan Secondary College, Phoenix P-12 Community School, Woodmans Hill Secondary College
- Be in Year 10 in 2025
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Selection Criteria
- Experiencing equity, social, or physical hardships
- Displays potential to do well in school
- Positive attitude and high attendance
- Intention to complete VCE and continue to TAFE/university
- Active in school life and community/extracurricular activities
Selection Process
A selection panel including PEF and independent experts will assess applications and submit recommendations for Board approval. Successful applicants and principals will be notified by December 2025.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal. Sign up for a PEF-Apply account. All application sections, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.
Information Required
- Applicant and contact details
- Residency documentation (if applicable)
- Parent/guardian details
- School and principal contact details
- School point of contact
- Background information: identity, languages, household composition, education, employment, disability status, care experience, socioeconomic status
- Statement addressing selection criteria (max. 400 words)
- Post-VCE plans (max. 150 words)
- Statement of financial need/disadvantage (max. 150 words)
- Statement on fund use (max. 150 words)
- Latest school report
- Personal reference (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
- Principal’s Supporting Statement (initiated via online application portal)
Note for Principals:
Detailed and specific statements are essential. Generic or duplicated responses will disadvantage the applicant.
Submitting Your Application
All elements must be finalised before submission.
Application Deadline
5:00pm, Friday 19 September 2025
Need Help?
Contact the Public Education Foundation
Phone: 02 7814 2806
Email: scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au
Acacia Program Scholarship - Ballarat (VIC)
Acacia Program Scholarship – Ballarat (VIC)
The Public Education Foundation’s Acacia Program Scholarship provides financial assistance and mentoring/career advice to high potential students, in need, attending schools in the Ballarat region of Victoria.
The scholarship is designed to assist students in need who may otherwise not have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The scholarships are available to eligible students currently enrolled in Year 10 in the listed schools. It also enables alumni of Australian public schools to give back to their school region and public education more broadly, through scholarships, mentoring, and advocacy.
Scholarship Value
- $1,000 per year for two years (total $2,000)
- Mentoring and career guidance opportunities
What the Scholarship Covers
Funds may be used for:
- Laptop, iPad, or similar device
- Study software, printer, stationery, textbooks
- Uniforms and equipment
- Excursions and camps
- Curricular and extra-curricular learning
- Study furniture (desk, chair, lamp)
- Home Wi-Fi
- Face-to-face or online tutoring
Important Notes:
- If a student leaves public school before Year 12, the scholarship will lapse
- Low attendance may lead to scholarship withdrawal
- Unspent funds must be returned to the Foundation
Basic Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a high potential student
- Attend one of the following schools: Ballarat High School, Mount Clear College, Mount Rowan Secondary College, Phoenix P-12 Community School, Woodmans Hill Secondary College
- Be in Year 10 in 2025
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Selection Criteria
- Experiencing equity, social, or physical hardships
- Displays potential to do well in school
- Positive attitude and high attendance
- Intention to complete VCE and continue to TAFE/university
- Active in school life and community/extracurricular activities
Selection Process
A selection panel including PEF and independent experts will assess applications and submit recommendations for Board approval. Successful applicants and principals will be notified by December 2025.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal. Sign up for a PEF-Apply account. All application sections, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.
Information Required
- Applicant and contact details
- Residency documentation (if applicable)
- Parent/guardian details
- School and principal contact details
- School point of contact
- Background information: identity, languages, household composition, education, employment, disability status, care experience, socioeconomic status
- Statement addressing selection criteria (max. 400 words)
- Post-VCE plans (max. 150 words)
- Statement of financial need/disadvantage (max. 150 words)
- Statement on fund use (max. 150 words)
- Latest school report
- Personal reference (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
- Principal’s Supporting Statement (initiated via online application portal)
Note for Principals:
Detailed and specific statements are essential. Generic or duplicated responses will disadvantage the applicant.
Submitting Your Application
All elements must be finalised before submission.
Application Deadline
5:00pm, Friday 19 September 2025
Need Help?
Contact the Public Education Foundation
Phone: 02 7814 2806
Email: scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au