The Federation University Australia Foundation

The Federation University Australia Foundation was founded in 2010 to support vulnerable, disadvantaged, and low-income students into tertiary education.

Our targeted support packages – including scholarships, travel bursaries, equipment grants, and campus food banks – serve students across Federation University’s TAFE and university campuses in Gippsland, Berwick, Ballarat, and the Wimmera.

Our goal is to ensure that every student – no matter their background – has the resources they need to succeed in higher education. We seek to break down systemic barriers to achievement, empowering students to gain life-changing skills, support their families, and contribute to their local communities.

We believe that education is a powerful tool for social mobility and regional resilience. We are committed to creating inclusive pathways that allow all students to realise their full potential.

This student hardship support is more crucial than ever. At Federation University, 55% of students are the first in their family to attend university – the national leader in first-generation enrolments for seven consecutive years.

Half of our students come from regional and remote locations, reflecting our strong regional focus and commitment to accessible education. 1 in 3 come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and 62% are mature-aged individuals balancing family, work, and study commitments. Each year, we receive over 3,000 applications for cost-of-living support from our students, only able to support about 10% of the existing need.

We are seeking funding to support targeted interventions to support students in extreme financial hardship, including initiatives targeted at specific equity groups.

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