What is the Opportunity Program?
One program. Support your whole journey.
Starting university is exciting, but we know that financial pressures and other challenges can make it harder to succeed.
This Program connects you with the support you need at different stages of your university journey, so you can access help when you need it.
Already studying at Notre Dame?
You don't have to be a commencing student to access support. Current students are eligible to apply for Opportunity Program Scholarships and access other support services throughout their studies.
- Grants and scholarships to help with the costs of starting and continuing your studies, including when you’re on placement or experiencing unexpected challenges
- Priority access to support that can help you build confidence, develop your study skills, and strengthen your academic results throughout your studies.
- Support for your wellbeing, including free and confidential counselling, and access services to ensure equal ability to participate in your studies.
- Careers counselling and resources to help you develop your skills, explore career pathways, prepare for job applications and plan for life after university.
You don't need to wait until you are struggling to access support. How it works
The Opportunity Program supports you throughout your Notre Dame journey. From your first day at Notre Dame through to graduation, whether you need financial assistance, academic skills, help preparing for your career, or someone to talk to, the Opportunity Program brings all of this together so you get access to the support that’s right for you.
Receive an offer to study at Notre Dame
Once you receive an offer to study, you can begin exploring the support available to you. Support includes automatically applied grants where eligible.
Apply for the Opportunity Program scholarship
To access additional financial support throughout your whole degree, just apply once for the Opportunity Program scholarships. If successful, you will receive an offer for the level of financial support that best matches your circumstances and eligibility.
Explore and register for additional support
Explore other scholarships and financial aid that you may be eligible for. Register for mentoring and book with academic, wellbeing and careers support services available across your studies at Notre Dame.
Graduate
Our goal is to help you overcome barriers, succeed in your studies and graduate ready for your next opportunity.
Whole of degree scholarships
Opportunity Scholarship valued at up to $7,500
The Opportunity Program Scholarships provide financial support for students experiencing financial hardship across their degree, who need additional assistance to succeed at university.
Opportunity Plus Scholarship valued at up to $20,000
The Opportunity Plus Scholarship provides more substantial support across your degree, for students experiencing complex disadvantage or significant barriers to participation and success.
- Single application for whole-of-degree support
- Supporting students experiencing financial hardship and personal circumstances impacting their studies
- Eligibility and conditions apply
One application. The right level of support.
If you need additional financial support, you only need to apply once. Your application will be considered by the Scholarships Selection Committee, which will assess your circumstances against the relevant criteria and determine the most appropriate level of support.
You don't have to navigate university on your own.
The Opportunity Program connects you with the people, services and financial support that can help you succeed.
Who can apply?
The Opportunity Program helps you overcome barriers to participating and succeeding at university through financial assistance and coordinated student support.
If you’re a commencing student from an equity cohort, you may be eligible to automatically receive a Get Set Grant and Future You Grant to help you get started at uni. Equity cohorts include First Nations students, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and students relocating from regional and rural communities.
The Opportunity Program Scholarships provide additional financial assistance if you’re experiencing financial hardship or personal disadvantage that affects your studies. All domestic students can apply, whether you’re starting or continuing undergraduate or postgraduate study.
You can also access Notre Dame’s academic, career development, wellbeing and accessibility services throughout your studies, regardless of whether you receive financial assistance through the Opportunity Program.
“At Notre Dame you always have someone that you know that you can go to for help.”
Erin, Scholarship recipient and education graduate
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need to apply for the Opportunity Program?
To be considered for additional financial support through an Opportunity Program Scholarship, you will need to submit an application.
Some financial support, such as the Get Set Grant and Future You Grant, may be automatically awarded for eligible students.
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Can I receive more than one scholarship?
You can apply for multiple scholarships outside the Opportunity Program where you are eligible, and it is possible to receive more than one scholarship. Explore all available scholarships through our Scholarships Finder.
Some scholarships cannot be held concurrently. If you are selected for more than one scholarship, the Scholarships team will check this for you, and you will be offered the scholarship with the higher value.
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What are the automatic grants and how do I know if I'm eligible?
The Get Set Grant and Future You Grant provide financial assistance to eligible commencing students to help with the costs of getting started at university. You don’t need to submit a separate application to receive these grants.
You may be eligible for:
- Get Set Grant ($2,000) if you’re a First Nations student or from a low socioeconomic status (SES) area.
- Future You Grant ($1,000) if you’re joining Notre Dame from a Future You Pathway high school.
You can only receive one of these grants. If you’re eligible for both, you’ll receive the Get Set Grant.
As part of the Opportunity Program, eligible students who receive an automatic grant will also be invited to apply for an Opportunity Program Scholarship, which provides additional financial assistance to students experiencing financial hardship or disadvantage.
You don’t need to receive an automatic grant to apply for an Opportunity Program Scholarship. If you meet the relevant eligibility criteria, you can submit an application regardless of whether you receive a Get Set Grant or Future You Grant.
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What other support is available through the Opportunity Program?
The Opportunity Program connects you with more than financial support. Depending on your needs, you can access a range of services and programs throughout your degree, including:
- Academic support – workshops, study sessions and one-on-one support to help you build confidence and develop your study, academic writing and assignment skills. Book an appointment with a learning advisor or explore Peer Assisted Study Sessions.
- Career development and mentoring – careers counselling, resources and mentoring to help you develop your skills, explore career pathways and prepare for your future. Book an appointment with a careers counsellor or explore the mentoring program.
- Wellbeing and accessibility – confidential counselling and psychological support, as well as Access and Inclusion support and reasonable adjustments to help you participate equitably in university life. Book a free and confidential counselling appointment or register for access support.
- Practicum and hardship support – financial assistance to help with the costs of compulsory placements and support if unexpected circumstances cause financial hardship. Apply for practicum support or emergency financial assistance.
You can access these services at different points throughout your degree, depending on what you need.
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How is financial hardship assessed?
Financial hardship is assessed using the information and supporting evidence provided in your application, alongside the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant scholarship.
Providing relevant evidence that supports the circumstances described in your application can help the selection committee understand your situation.
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What happens after I apply?
Your application will be assessed against the relevant criteria by the Scholarships Selection Committee. If you are successful, you will receive a scholarship offer explaining the value, duration and conditions of your support.
As an Opportunity Program student, you can access a range of additional support to help you succeed at university. This may include academic skills support, counselling and other student services. You can connect with these services through the University’s student support teams, who can help you identify the assistance available and how to access it.
You don’t need to receive an Opportunity Program scholarship to access general student support services. These services are available to Notre Dame students regardless of the outcome of your application.
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Can current students apply?
Yes. While some grants are specifically designed for commencing students, current students are eligible to apply for the Opportunity Program Scholarships and access other support throughout their studies.
Find out more
Contact us
Interested in studying at the University of Notre Dame Australia? Enquire now, or contact us at the details below.
1-on-1 advice
Book a 1-on-1 Advice Session and learn more about your study options here at Notre Dame University!
Opportunity Program conditions
Download our Opportunity Program conditions to help understand admission requirements and support.
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