The Dr Robert Chong AM scholarship is open to domestic, refugee or migrant students undertaking a TAFE course at a certificate or diploma level at the SMB Campus in Ballarat, who are experiencing financial disadvantage.

Eligibility 

• Domestic, refugee or migrant student
• New/commencing or continuing student in 2025
• Enrolled in a TAFE certificate or diploma course
• Studying at the SMB Campus in Ballarat
• Experiencing financial disadvantage

Scholarship Amount 

1 Scholarship Available 

Recipient will receive a single payment of $1,000 after the first census date.  

Payment to be awarded as either:

• direct payment into your nominated bank account;
• or as a course fee deduction, with remaining funds to be transferred into your nominated bank account.

Conditions 

• Active and enrolled for the full year post census date.
• Students who defer their offer or take a leave of absence will forfeit their award.
• Can be full-time or part-time.
• Must not be in their final semester of studying when applying.
• Awardees are required to attend the Foundation event at the scholarship-specified campus. 
• Students are to maintain current contact details. If you cannot be contacted by mail, email or telephone in relation to this scholarship, your scholarship may be terminated.

How to apply 

Read the Selection and Administration Guidelines to check your eligibility. 

• Once applications open you will need to complete the application form questions and provide the required written references. 
• Please note all applications will require one written reference. If you are unsure what to provide in a written reference, please refer to the example reference.  

Reference letter

A reference letter is a written recommendation from someone who knows your situation well. This person: 

• should be at least 18 years old. 
• have known you for at least a year or for the entire time you were in the situation. 
• not be a close family member. 
• not live with you. 
• and be able to speak about your situation without needing you to explain it to them. 

Reference letters can be written by supervisors, co-workers, clients, teachers, or professors. 

Please note, that the reference letter must not be older than 12 months from submission date. Reference letters that do not meet the requirements will be deemed as invalid.

If you're unsure about what to include in a reference letter, you can look at an example reference for guidance.

Information Privacy Procedure

Please read the Information Privacy Procedure before entering your profile in Scholarships and Grants portal. Entering and submitting scholarship applications will constitute your consent to using your personal information as detailed in the Information Privacy Procedure.