The 18 annual scholarship recipients will be evenly split across the School of Education, the School of Arts and Humanities, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Aspiring nurses, midwives, social workers and teachers facing social and economic hardship can aim for a bright future at Edith Cowan University (ECU) thanks to the expanding Bendat Family Foundation Equity Scholarships program.
From 2027, the Bendat Family Foundation, in partnership with ECU, will offer scholarships to 18 students each year. Recipients will receive $4,000 per semester for the duration of their eligible course, for up to four years of study.
The 18 annual scholarship recipients will be evenly split across the School of Education, the School of Arts and Humanities, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
The Bendat Family Foundation Equity Scholarships are open to Australian students and students on humanitarian visas.
First established in 2024 to support nine students through the course of their studies, the renewed and increased support by Bendat Family Foundation for the successful program has been matched by ECU.
"Every day, we hear from students facing significant hardship, stories of extraordinary resilience juggling caring for loved ones, working and pursuing their education and career ambitions," ECU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students and Education) Braden Hill said.
"Thanks to the generosity of the Bendat Family Foundation, many of these deserving students have been given the opportunity not only to transform their own lives, and the lives of their families, but also empowered to meaningfully contribute to the Western Australian community through their future professions."
Bachelor of Science (Nursing) student Richard was one of the first nine scholarship recipients in 2024. He's set to graduate at the end of 2026, bringing an end to a journey he says would not have been possible without the support of the Bendat Family Foundation.
Richard first aspired to become a nurse after caring for his mum through her epilepsy diagnosis, discovering a life of caring for others was a life he wanted to live.
"The Bendat Family Foundation's generosity has not only supported me financially but has given me the space to imagine futures I may not have considered otherwise," Richard said.
Richard's story: The power of giving
The Bendat Family Foundation aims to improve opportunities and outcomes for future generations, especially when it comes to reducing barriers to higher education.
In committing to expand their support to more ECU students, a spokesperson from the Bendat Family Foundation said, "This is a proud moment for the Foundation."
"Having witnessed first-hand the positive impact this program has made on the lives of our scholarship recipients to date, it's exciting to imagine what’s possible for the deserving students who earn Bendat Family Foundation Equity Scholarships in the years to come."
Next year's 18 Bendat Family Foundation Equity Scholarships are open to all ECU students set to commence their studies in 2027.
Visit our Scholarships website for all eligibility guidelines, details on how to apply and a full list of eligible courses.
