2026 University Scholarship Program

Empowering Local Students with Education and Experience

Applications Close 7 November 2025 | Employment begins March 2026

The Holman Barnes Group (HBG) University Scholarship Program supports two outstanding local students graduating secondary school in 2025. The program is designed to provide financial assistance and hands-on work experience.

Through placements across departments such as Marketing, Finance/Accounting, IT/Cyber Security, Venue Managements and Human Resources/Employment Law, the Program offers students practical skills alongside their studies.

The scholarship is designed for students who:

  • Demonstrate strong academic achievement
  • Show leadership potential
  • Are experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage

Eligible Schools

  • Ashfield Boys High
  • Burwood Girls High
  • St Vincent’s College, Ashfield

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Be enrolled full-time in Year 12 at one of the eligible schools
  • Be nominated by their Principal or Vice Principal
  • Provide at least two independent referees
  • Demonstrate consistent academic performance and leadership qualities

Selection Process

  • Nominations reviewed by the HBG Committee with the nominating school leader(s).
  • Shortlisted candidates invited to a panel interview (attendance in person required).
  • Final recipient selected based on academic, personal, and leadership qualities.

Scholarship Commitment 

The successful students must:

  • Enrol in and complete their chosen university course
  • Work a minimum of 10 hours per week in a department of the Club during the funding period (in line with the Registered & Licensed Clubs Award)

FAQs

1.Who is eligible to be an Independent Reference?

Acceptable referees include teachers, school counsellors, principals, vice principals, coaches, employers, or community leaders. Immediate family members (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) are not preferred.

References should address the applicant’s leadership qualities, character, work ethic, community service, extracurricular involvement, academic performance, and include a general recommendation.  

2. What should I include in Part C (institution name, course name, code, course cost, etc.)?

Please provide the student’s preferred institution and indicative course/course number. We understand this may change, but an indication of preferences would be helpful. The student’s 1st or 2nd UAC preference will suffice.