Support To Help You Start Strong
Beginning further education is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. This program is here to make that journey easier.
We offer:
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Financial support to help with study costs and living expenses.
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Connection and mentoring, so you don’t feel like you’re doing it alone.
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Leadership and personal growth opportunities, including a five-day Young Rural Leaders Camp with Youthrive Victoria.
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A strong community network of people who want to see you succeed.
Whether you’re moving away, commuting or studying locally, this support is designed to help you settle into your next chapter.
We have awarded more than $250,000 in Education Support Awards to young people and mature aged students beginning tertiary education for the first time.
Our Partnerships
Youthrive Victoria works with young people from rural and regional areas across Victoria to support them as they move into further study, work or training.
Through this partnership, eligible students may have the opportunity to take part in:
Mentoring with trained volunteer mentors
Leadership and personal development programs
The Young Rural Leaders Camp, a five-day immersive leadership and community-building experience.
These programs are designed by young people who have lived the experience of leaving school, moving away or stepping into something new.
The Community Bank Mirboo North & District has long been a supporter of the Education Support awards, through donations and the creation of the Community Bank and Co-operative Fund.
More recently the Community Bank Mirboo North & District has agreed to sponsor two-year Education Support Awards for students leaving Secondary College and heading to University.
These students receive a $3,000 Education Support Award in their first and second year of University.
Their support reflects a shared belief:
When we back our young people, we strengthen our whole community.
Who Can Apply?
- Students who live in or have a strong connection to one of the following communities are eligible to apply:
Mirboo North • Boolarra • Thorpdale • Yinnar • Yinnar South • Mirboo • Dumbalk • Allambee • Narracan • Darlimurla and surrounding rural areas. - Australian citizens, permanent residents and applicable visa holders.
- Whether you are leaving school, a continuing student, apprentice or a mature-age student returning to study, you are welcome to apply.
If you’re unsure whether your location or situation qualifies – just ask. We’re here to help.
What can the Education Support award be used for?
- Course fees
- Expenses related to living away from home (including rent / board)
- Expenses directly related to the course being undertaken (e.g. books, laptop, materials)
How to Apply
Read the Education Support Guidelines and FAQs below before completing your application.
Fill in the Online Application Form.
Ask someone who knows your strengths to complete a Reference Form.
Submit by 21st November.
The assessment focuses on the challenges facing applicants in accessing tertiary education:
distance to access tertiary courses, moving away from support networks, personal challenges,
financial challenges or health issues.
The application form includes various types of challenges and the applicant should tick all
that apply to them and explain in a bit more detail.
The information contained in all applications is kept confidential.
Applications Open: 21st July 2025
Applications Close: 21st November 2025
Applicants Notified: December 2025
Awards Evening (mandatory): February 2026
"The ESF really helped me to settle into and prepare for uni. It was really helpful to have a bit more reassurance when moving interstate. It was really useful for the simple things I needed when first starting my course, such as books and practical materials such as my dissecting kit."
"I would recommend others to apply for the ESF application has it has helped me gain materials and equipment to aid me in my studying. It is free to apply and if received can grant opportunities that may not have been possible before, whether it is buying a laptop so you can do your studies online, or buying software to aid in your studding ability or even paying a little bit of your education fees before you have to."
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