What’s happening?
Bendigo Bank has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship program.
The program supports students who face high travel and accommodation costs to start further study. This week’s release comes as Year 12 students wait for their ATAR results.
Why it matters?
Many students plan to study outside the region and face steep living costs. The scholarship program has been running for 19 years and has helped thousands stay on track with their education.
The support aims to reduce financial pressure that often blocks students from taking up the course they want.
Local impact
Students can apply for several scholarship streams, including rural, regional, agribusiness, Community Bank and First Nations support.
The help covers costs like travel, study materials and accommodation, which remain major hurdles for locals leaving home for university or TAFE.
By the numbers
Here’s the thing, the scale of support shows how far this program reaches.
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In 2025, $1.7 million was awarded to 348 first-year scholars and 141 continuing scholars.
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Since 2006, more than 2,300 students have received scholarships worth over $15 million.
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Last year, almost 500 students nationwide received help through Bendigo Bank and Community Bank scholarships.
Zoom in
The program includes more than 70 Community Bank scholarships, with a strong focus on students in regional and rural areas. It also includes TAFE, university, agribusiness and First Nations scholarships.
Funding is overseen by the Community Enterprise Foundation, the charitable arm of the Bank. Bendigo Bank’s Directors also contribute to scholarships funded directly by the Bank.
Bendigo Bank Chair Vicki Carter said supporting students is central to the Bank’s mission. “Bendigo Bank is proud to continue supporting the scholarship program in conjunction with our Community Bank partners,” Ms Carter said.
“We understand the challenges some students face in accessing further education, particularly those in our regions who may need to relocate to attend their chosen place of study.
“Bendigo Bank’s scholarship program helps students overcome significant barriers to further education such as travel, accommodation costs and the rising cost of living, which are among several important considerations for students planning the next stage of their education journey.
“Over the past 19 years, we have been pleased to contribute to the development of our next generation of leaders. The range of scholarships now on offer through our programs will assist students to undertake the courses of their choice and to realise their full potential,” she said.
Zoom out
The program’s impact is clear through former scholars like Dr Gaby Bolton from Geelong. Her path into medicine began as she cared for her mother during cancer treatment.
Dr Bolton said the scholarship made a real difference. “I’m a doctor, currently training to be an anaesthetist at Monash University which is where my path initially crossed with Bendigo Bank,” Dr Bolton said.
“My VCE was a challenging time both domestically and financially, with my Mum’s breast cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment throughout year 12, coupled with my parents’ separation mid-way through year 12.
“My world was thrown apart and the security that was always going to be there to support me through Uni was basically gone. Mum and I looked high and low for different scholarships and successfully applied to the Bendigo Bank program. Sometimes life throws curveballs, and it was just so great Bendigo Bank were there for us.
“Receiving the Bendigo Bank scholarship was definitely one of the beginning points to where I’ve ended up today. I have just been awarded Victoria Junior Doctor of the Year, so to anyone that’s considering applying for this scholarship, I would say definitely do it,” she said.
What to look for next?
Applications close 31 January 2026. Students will soon receive ATAR results, and many will decide whether to apply based on their study plans.
Interest is expected to rise as Community Bank branches confirm their 2026 scholarship allocations.
