Mayoral Academic Scholarship 2026/2027

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Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program

Program Description

The Mayoral Academic Scholarship program, in partnership with local businesses, helps to encourage and assist students from the Port Stephens local government area to purse their academic goals as they move into tertiary studies.

Along with financial assistance, the program also allows students to build relationships and create connections with industry leaders, strengthening the future workforce of Port Stephens.

Key Dates

Applications open 21 July to 27 November 2026

For those that progress to interviews, they will be carried out on the 19 and 20 of January 2027, where you must try to attend in person. 

For successful scholarship winners, a presentation evening will take place on 11 February 2027. Successful applicants must attend and participate in the Presentation Ceremony, unless prior notification is provided.

Funding Available

Scholarship to the value of $2,000

Who can apply

The Scholarship is available to candidates who:
• Will be undertaking their first full year of study towards a Diploma or higher level qualification at an accredited tertiary educational institution (eg TAFE, university) in 2027.
• Currently live in the Port Stephens LGA.
• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
• Tertiary studies are not financially supported by their employer or through any other sponsorship or scholarship funding.
• Must not be a Port Stephens Council employee or immediate family member of a Port Stephens Council employee, Mayor or Councillor (355C Committees exempt).

Additional terms and conditions are listed on the website.

Read the funding guidelines for full details about applying for a grant with Port Stephens Council.to ensure you're eligible.

Conditions of Funding

• Each scholarship is for one year and must be taken up in the year it is awarded.
• Each scholarship recipient must continue to be enrolled in a tertiary training institution in the year the scholarship is awarded.
• The applicant can have taken a gap year, providing these studies are then undertaken in the year the scholarship is awarded (maximum 1 year) from finishing year 12 to then starting their first full year of tertiary studies.
• The applicant must undertake their studies within the state of NSW at an accredited tertiary educational institution (eg TAFE, university).
• Applicants who have received a scholarship outside of Council, are not eligible for the Mayoral Academic Scholarship program.
• Successful applicants must attend and participate in the Presentation Ceremony, unless prior notification is provided.

If you require any assistance please contact the Vibrant Places team on 02 4988 0255