About the MEGT Foundation
The MEGT Foundation launched in Victoria in 2021 to provide both financial and personal development support to help women experiencing disadvantage pursue their career goals. Following two successful years in Victoria, the program expanded into South Australia in 2025. To date, 51 scholarships have been awarded, with the Foundation set to offer scholarships again in Victoria and South Australia in 2026.
Scholarships may be used to support study toward a Certificate, Diploma, VET Degree, or Undergraduate Degree. What makes the program unique is its combined focus on financial support and personal development. Support includes reasonable financial assistance, one-to-one coaching, in-person Community of Practice events, and ongoing informal check-ins across the 12-month program.
Expressions of Interest for the 2026 MEGT Foundation Scholarship Program are now open.
If you live in metropolitan Melbourne or metropolitan Adelaide and meet the eligibility criteria, you are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the link below. As part of the form, you’ll be asked to select a time to attend a compulsory online briefing session to help you understand what’s involved in the application process, and create a safe space to ask questions before deciding whether to formally apply.
Applications for the 2026 MEGT Foundation Scholarships are now open
Submit your expression of interestFAQs
To be eligible for an MEGT Foundation Scholarship, you must:
- Identify as female and be aged 18 years or older
- Hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a humanitarian visa
- Reside in Australia for the duration of the scholarship program
- Have experienced hardship, exclusion, or other barriers (referred to as disadvantage) that have impacted your ability to access or complete education or training
- Be motivated, determined, and capable of completing a Certificate, Diploma, VET Degree, or Undergraduate Degree
- Be willing to participate in one-to-one coaching and Community of Practice sessions
Yes. Applicants will need to show motivation, determination, and the capacity to complete their study and pursue career goals beyond the scholarship year. You will also need to:
- Be enrolled in a Certificate II, III, IV, Diploma, VET Degree, or Undergraduate Degree
- Be able to manage study alongside other personal or family commitments
- Participate in one-to-one coaching and Community of Practice sessions
- Provide proof of enrolment before a scholarship agreement is offered
If you live in metropolitan Melbourne or metropolitan Adelaide, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
As part of the EOI, you must agree to attend a compulsory briefing session. These 45-minute online sessions will provide an overview of the program and allow you to ask questions before applying.
EOIs open on Thursday 14 August 2025 and close at midnight on Friday 19 September 2025.
Late EOIs may be accepted at the Foundation’s discretion depending on application numbers.
Disadvantage may arise from structural, social, or personal barriers and is often complex or difficult to define. To be considered for a scholarship, you must have experienced hardship or exclusion that has impacted your ability to access or complete education or training.
Examples of disadvantage may include:
- Family or domestic violence, sexual abuse, or trauma
- Mental health challenges or psychiatric conditions
- Disability, neurodivergent conditions that may affect learning, such as ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia
- Chronic illness or physical accessibility barriers
- Being aged 50 or older and seeking to re-skill following separation, divorce, or workforce exclusion
- Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Experiencing financial hardship, including holding a Health Care Card
- Other circumstances that reflect genuine need, as assessed by the Foundation Manager
You are encouraged to share your experience in a way that feels safe and appropriate to you. The Foundation acknowledges that disadvantage looks different for everyone, and no single definition can fully reflect each unique situation.
The MEGT Foundation recognises that disadvantage may affect formal eligibility and that some applicants may face unique circumstances not easily captured by standard criteria. In these cases, reasonable allowances may be applied during the assessment process.
Examples of situations where allowances may be considered include:
- Where a financial separation is incomplete, preventing eligibility for a Health Care Card
- Where an applicant has previously completed a VET qualification but needs a second qualification at the same level to re-skill
- Where the applicant is ineligible for HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET Student Loans, or other government subsidies
- Where a humanitarian visa holder is ineligible for financial assistance but is seeking to become a permanent resident
All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Foundation is committed to listening respectfully and assessing each applicant’s individual context with fairness and confidentiality.
The financial support provided through the MEGT Foundation Scholarship is designed to ease financial pressure while you complete your course.
Depending on your circumstances, funding may cover:
- Course fees (where other options like free TAFE or student loans are unavailable)
- Childcare or babysitting (up to $1,200 per year)
- Internet or Wi-Fi access (up to $500 per year)
- A laptop (purchased by MEGT, up to $1,500)
- Office equipment such as a desk or chair (up to $1,000)
- Living costs such as food and utilities (up to $3,000 per year)
- Travel costs (up to $800 per year)
- Study materials (up to $400 per year)
- Tutoring (up to $1,000 per year)
- Uniforms if required (up to $400 per year)
The amount you receive will depend on the level and duration of your course, whether you are studying full-time or part-time, and the total funding available from the MEGT Foundation.
MEGT Foundation scholars will be able to participate in individual support though one to one coaching and informal check-ins with the MEGT Foundation Team, plus group support via our Community of Practice events. These in-person events offer a range of topics each year to build skills and confidence, such as:
- Goal setting
- Academic writing
- Stress management
- Boundary setting
- Time management
- CV Writing and Interview Skills
- Unconscious Bias and Empathy Building
- Public Speaking

Meet some of our 2025 scholars
The MEGT Foundation Working Group
The MEGT Foundation is supported by dedicated Working Groups in both Victoria and South Australia. These groups include representatives from:
- Victoria University (VU)
- The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJISR)
- MEGT’s People and Culture, Marketing and Communications, and IT teams
- Academic, community, and government partners
Together, the Working Groups:
- Provide expertise and advice to support the Foundation’s development
- Offer guidance on best practice in learning, employment, policy, and pathways
- Connect eligible applicants to the program
- Offer venues for events, interviews, and celebrations
- Facilitate access to training, including tutoring and academic support

Meet the Team
Sue Baker, Foundation Manager
Sue Baker joined MEGT in June 2024 with a wealth of experience in leading training teams and organisation development programs. Her career has focused on delivering excellence in service outcomes, having worked to bring about change to the way people work collaboratively in a range of sectors nationally and overseas. Sue is passionate about people having opportunities to recognise their personal potential, build confidence and upskill in pursuit of personal and professional goals.
Courtney Paulson, Foundation Coordinator - South Australia
Courtney's background is in training, development, and leadership. With extensive experience as a facilitator, particularly in the areas of mental health and wellbeing, Courtney is passionate about empowering individuals and helping people grow into their potential. A strong advocate for community, connection, and personal development, Courtney is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, safe to have a voice and inspired to lead.
Franca Rigby, Foundation Coordinator - Victoria
Franca has worked in publishing, education and not-for-profit in various operational roles. She is passionate about working with communities to help create spaces where everyone can thrive and feel valued. Through her experiences working in community support groups, Franca has developed a dedication for empowering individuals, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging mutual support.