First Nations Scholarships

The MGGS First Nations Scholarship Program began in 2006. 

As our country’s first people, we respect, honour and appreciate the diversity, culture and lessons that we can learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, and truly believe their presence enhances our community. 

2026 first nations Scholarships now open

MGGS, in partnership with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF), is proud to offer First Nations Scholarships commencing in Year 9. Our aim is to help talented and motivated First Nations students from across Australia to access the opportunities available at Melbourne Girls Grammar. 

This reflects the School’s commitment to nurture future First Nations leaders, and to ensure all MGGS Grammarians value and respect First Nations culture. Importantly, we want the School to be a culturally safe place for First Nations students where they feel a strong sense of belonging.

Our First Nations scholarships cover a significant part of our tuition and boarding fees. The specific level is dependent on individual circumstances (means-tested).

Recipients also receive specialist academic, cultural and pastoral support throughout their time at the School.

Eligibility

At the Principal’s discretion, scholarships will be available to boarding students entering Year 9 in 2026. 

First Nations Scholarships are offered to students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, with Australian citizenship.

You must also be able to demonstrate:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background
• A strong academic, attendance and behavioural record
• Involvement in co-curricular or community activities or programs
• Family/guardian support for enrolment at Melbourne Girls Grammar
• As a portion of the scholarship may be covered by ABSTUDY, the successful applicants must be eligible to receive ABSTUDY.

How to Apply

Applications for 2026 First Nations scholarships are now open. Applications will close on 21 July 2025. 

Step 1 – Application

Fill the form below with your email address to receive a link to the application form. Applications should be completed when the applicant is in Year 8. When applying you will be asked to provide copies of the applicant’s:

• three most recent school reports
• Year 7 NAPLAN results
• evidence of Aboriginality
• birth certificate

 
You will also be asked to provide:

• a letter from the applicant, in her own words, explaining why she would like to attend MGGS and outlining her interests and what she might like to do beyond school
• a letter of reference from the applicant’s school principal or school teacher
• information about the applicant’s sporting, cultural and community activities over the past two years

Step 2 – Shortlisting

Applications from students who meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarships are reviewed and a shortlist is created. 

Step 3 – Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet with the Principal and the First Nations Program Co-ordinator either online via video call or in-person at the School. 

Step 4 – Offer

Successful applicants will be offered a First Nations Scholarship.

At this time, the applicant’s family/guardian will be asked to apply for ABSTUDY and complete an AIEF application.

Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified at this time. 

The Selection Process

Applicants will be chosen according to the following criteria:

• Current academic progress and proven application to study
• Potential to flourish in and contribute to the MGGS school community
• Leadership qualities
• Motivation to complete Year 12 and interest in tertiary study
• Financial needs

Timeline

• Applications for 2026 Scholarships are now open and will close on 21 July 2025. 

Further information

Further information regarding the First Nations Scholarship Program can be found by contacting Helen Roberts on (03) 9862 9200 or helen.roberts@mggs.vic.edu.au.

As a school, we aim to weave indigenous culture into our everyday activities so we might all come together with a richer understanding of our shared history. Former student Kahlee Stanislaus (2016 Leaver) was the recipient of an first nations scholarship, in her own words:

I found MGGS has a culture of respect, caring and inclusion of difference. The School celebrates diversity and provides opportunities for its students and families to share their cultural stories in an atmosphere of respect and acknowledgement. This mutual respect across cultures involves being open to learning different ideas and appreciating the enrichment it provides.

– Kahlee Stanislaus, 2016 Graduate