General News
11 June, 2025
Uni scholarships awarded in the Wimmera
The number of students supported through scholarships at Federation University Australia is growing each year with the university awarding a record 309 scholarships this year across its campuses, including 21 in the Wimmera.
Up from 245 in 2024, scholarships allow students to succeed in their studies without the stress of financial pressure, helping to cover costs including textbooks, petrol, groceries and computers.
This amounts to more than $1 million worth of assistance in partnership with generous donors, a proud milestone for Federation which began with just four scholarships upon its formation in 2014.
For Wimmera Diploma of Nursing student Kerry Piera, the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Scholarship has supported her to pay for accommodation during placement in Ballarat and will go towards study materials when she embarks on a Bachelor of Nursing degree next year.
Caring for both parents through illness as a teenager and later working in disability support motivated Kerry to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse.
“My father suffered with renal failure when I was in my teens in an era when district nursing didn’t exist, so mum and I nursed him for four-and-a-half years before he died,” Kerry said.
“Then mum got breast cancer and I was her carer, so nursing is something I’ve always wanted to do.
“I went into the course with some pre-existing knowledge, but I’ve learnt so much more and the teaching staff have been nothing short of wonderful.”
As well as embarking on university study, Kerry now has the opportunity to work in cancer, dialysis and palliative care through the Wimmera Cancer Centre at Horsham.
This year, one in three foundation scholarship recipients have an ongoing illness or disability, 60 per cent are experiencing acute financial hardship, and 47 per cent have experienced domestic or family violence.
Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley said scholarships helped to give students peace of mind so they could participate fully in their studies.
“We are proud to give students the support they need to give life to their aspirations,” he said.
“This year’s record number of scholarships would not be possible without the support of generous donors, and we thank them for helping to transform the lives of Federation students.”
More information about Federation University’s scholarships can be found at