Reach your long-term study, employment and personal goals
The Toowoomba Scholarship Program (TSP) was established to give a ‘hand up’ to disadvantaged Toowoomba community members to achieve their education and employment dreams.
Established in 2019, TSP commenced as a pilot program and funding has been extended until the end of 2023.
Financial Scholarship
What can the money be used for?
- Course fees if not eligible to receive a government subsidy or loan
- Co-contribution fees (for VET courses) where the student is eligible for a subsidy
- Approved education expense such as laptop, internet data, transport, childcare, books and stationery, desk and chair, PPE (personal protective equipment), uniforms.
Career Guidance
The Education Program Coordinator will provide each recipient with the tools and support pre, during and post the Scholarship to ensure they are equipped with contacts and resources for work, placement and job readiness.
Dedicated Learning Partner
The scholarship recipient will receive one to one personalised mentoring support (up to 1-2 hours per fortnight) with a trained Learning Partner. Attending these sessions is a requirement of the award.
Shared Community
The Education Program Coordinator will coordinate peer support and shared learning opportunities (on-line and face to face) for Scholarship recipients to exchange and participate in.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible applicants must:
- Be a resident of the Toowoomba Regional Council area or relocating to the region for study
- Be planning to start study in an approved course within four months of the award date or already be studying in an approved training or university course
- Commit to attend mentoring and peer support sessions for the duration of the scholarship (up to 12 months)
- Be willing to have their award information published on St Vincent de Paul Society social media, newsletters and reports or other media (with identifying details withheld if required).
There are no age restrictions to participate, but the person must be entering post-secondary education or training.
How do I apply?
Applicants need to:
- Complete the Student Eligibility Criteria form by contacting the Program Coordinator on mary.wells@svdpqld.org.au
- Meet with the Scholarship Program Coordinator to discuss course options and suitability
- Complete an application form
- Provide a personal statement (up to one page) explaining why they want to participate in their chosen education or training program and what they would like to achieve from it
- Demonstrate financial hardship and/or experience of barriers to education, training and/or employment
- Indicate what financial support (up to scholarship limit) is required
- Provide a reference letter in support of the application.
The award is for a maximum of 12 months from the award date or until the program/course is completed.’
Not all applications will be successful.
Interested?
Contact Mary Wells, Toowoomba Scholarship Program Coordinator on 4699 522 or 0436 845 137 or email mary.wells@svdpqld.org.au
- Round Nine: Opens April 2023 – Closes May 2023
- Round Ten: Opens October 2023 – Closes November 2023
If you would like to volunteer as a learning partner please click here.
More information and resources
- Information for students
- Information for volunteers
- Information for corporations and potential partners
Our Success
Toowoomba Scholarship Program – A Hand up for a Brighter future
Recipient success stories
Kieran
Kieran decided to change his career course to become a registered nurse, hoping to pick up some support work to compliment his degree.
After the University of Southern Queensland team recommended the TSP to Kieran, it just took one phone call to kick start his scholarship journey.
“Ingrid from the TSP team provided me with so much care, support and understanding and had some effective ideas for seeking employment and building social connections,” Kieran said.
Through the scholarship, Kieran landed a role as a Disability Support Worker for St Vincent de Paul in Toowoomba.
“Everyone from the team has been so supportive and has made me feel valued and appreciated,” he said.
“Through the scholarship and my work with St Vincent de Paul, I feel supported in a new town and have developed many social connections and am able to positively contribute to the community.”
Catherine
After the difficult loss of her mother, Catherine decided to make a change and work towards a career in helping others.
As a sole income earner and family carer, Catherine took on a Bachelor of Nursing, an exciting but daunting challenge for someone with so many life commitments outside of study.
“I was hesistant about it but after speaking with program coordinator Carly, I found the motivation to apply,” Catherine said.
“The scholarship has helped me gain the support of my peers, not just with my studies, but also moral support and help in finding that study/work/life balance I neeed.
“I was also fortunate to be paired with a nurse with real-life graduate experience.
“Since then, I’ve completed my studies with distinctions and am ready to take on the big scary world of changing careers, truly thankful for the support St Vincent de Paul and the scholarship team have provided me.”