Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM Program is inviting applications from women and non-binary people in Australia for scholarships that support undergraduate STEM education while providing mentoring, leadership development, professional networking, and wellbeing support.
The program aims to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by helping underrepresented students pursue higher education and build successful careers in STEM fields.
Focus Areas
The program supports:
- Undergraduate STEM education.
- Professional development and leadership training.
- Mentoring and peer support.
- Networking with STEM professionals and industry.
- Wellbeing and psychosocial support.
- Increasing participation of women and non-binary people in underrepresented STEM disciplines, including engineering, technology, mathematics, and selected physical sciences.
Funding Information
Successful applicants can receive scholarships of up to AUD 40,000 over a maximum period of four years.
The scholarship includes:
- A AUD 5,000 pre-study payment.
- Quarterly scholarship payments.
- Support for living expenses.
- Study-related costs.
- Relocation and travel expenses.
- Textbooks and learning resources.
- Childcare costs.
- Digital technology and other education-related expenses.
- Access to mentoring, networking opportunities, leadership workshops, and ongoing wellbeing support.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Identify as a woman or non-binary person.
- Be enrolling as a domestic student at an Australian university.
- Be commencing an eligible undergraduate STEM degree in 2027.
- Be an Australian domestic student (international students are not eligible).
The program particularly encourages applications from:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- People living in regional and remote Australia.
- LGBTQIA+ communities.
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
- People living with disability.
Eligible STEM Disciplines
Priority is given to STEM fields where women and non-binary people remain underrepresented, including:
- Engineering.
- Technology.
- Mathematics.
- Selected physical sciences.
- Other eligible undergraduate STEM disciplines under the program guidelines.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Confirm they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Apply for an eligible undergraduate STEM degree commencing in 2027.
- Complete the scholarship application before the closing date.
- Provide all required supporting information and documentation.
- Demonstrate their interest in STEM, personal experiences, achievements, and future aspirations.
- Submit the application through the designated application portal.
Successful applicants must:
- Begin their studies before 31 July 2027.
- Maintain eligibility throughout the scholarship period.
- Participate in quarterly program check-ins.
- Engage in mentoring, networking, leadership development, and professional development activities.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Eligibility requirements.
- Personal experiences and circumstances.
- Interest and commitment to STEM.
- Potential impact of the scholarship.
- Achievements relative to opportunity.
- Alignment with priority STEM disciplines.
- Diversity and inclusion considerations.
Applications are reviewed by an expert selection committee using weighted assessment criteria.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Elevate Program helps remove financial and social barriers that limit participation in STEM. Beyond financial assistance, it equips scholars with mentoring, leadership skills, professional networks, and wellbeing support, helping them succeed throughout their studies and future careers while contributing to a more diverse Australian STEM workforce.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly explain your motivation for studying STEM.
- Highlight any challenges you have overcome.
- Demonstrate your leadership potential and community involvement.
- Show how the scholarship will support your education and career goals.
- Ensure all required information and supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.
- Emphasize your interest in contributing to greater diversity and inclusion in STEM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply?
Women and non-binary people enrolling as domestic students in eligible undergraduate STEM programs at Australian universities beginning in 2027.
How much funding is available?
Successful applicants may receive up to AUD 40,000 over a maximum of four years.
What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship supports living expenses, study costs, relocation, travel, textbooks, childcare, digital technology, and other education-related expenses, along with mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Are international students eligible?
No. The scholarship is available only to Australian domestic students.
Which STEM disciplines receive priority?
Priority is given to engineering, technology, mathematics, selected physical sciences, and other STEM disciplines where women and non-binary people remain underrepresented.
What additional support is provided besides funding?
Scholars receive mentoring, networking opportunities, leadership and skills workshops, peer support, and 24/7 wellbeing and psychosocial support.
When must successful applicants begin their studies?
Recipients must commence their eligible undergraduate STEM program before 31 July 2027.
Conclusion
The Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM Program provides comprehensive financial assistance and career development opportunities for women and non-binary students pursuing undergraduate STEM education in Australia. By combining scholarships with mentoring, leadership training, networking, and wellbeing support, the program helps develop the next generation of diverse STEM leaders while addressing gender representation across Australia’s STEM workforce.
For more information, visit ATSE.