First Nations Scholarships | Melbourne Girls Grammar

The MGGS First Nations Scholarship Program began in 2006.

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

2027 first nations Scholarships are now open

Open from 5 May until 31 July 2026

MGGS, in partnership with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF), is proud to offer First Nations Academic and Boarding 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. Recipients also receive specialist academic, cultural and pastoral support throughout their time at the School.

Our First Nations scholarships cover a significant part of our tuition and boarding fees. However, there is an expectation of a contribution by the legal parent/s or guardian/s (based on Combined Taxable Household Income ATO Notices of Assessment) and ABSTUDY funding which the student is eligible for, in addition to funding from MGGS and the AIEF.

Eligibility

Scholarships will be available to boarding students entering Year 9 and offers are made at the Principal’s discretion. 

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
A local support person residing in Melbourne
Eligibility to receive ABSTUDY.

How to Apply

Applications for 2027 First Nations scholarships are now open.

Step 1 – Application

Click on the link in the box below to access 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 teacher
information about the applicant’s sporting, cultural and community activities over the past two years

Please note: you must submit all documentation listed above to ensure that the application progresses.

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/or Deputy Principal and the First Nations Student 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 to determine the parent contribution amount.

Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified at this time.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION

First Nations Scholarship Application Form

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 2027 Scholarships are now open and will close 31 July 2026. No further applications will be accepted past this date.

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 a 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