What is the Opportunity Program?
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.
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.
Who can apply?
The Opportunity Program is designed to support students who may experience financial hardship, disadvantage, or other barriers to participation and success throughout their academic journey. Support is open to both domestic and international students across all study levels, including commencing and current undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Eligible individuals include First Nations students, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and students relocating or joining from regional and rural communities. Additionally, tailored assistance is available for anyone experiencing financial hardship or personal disadvantage that impacts their studies.
“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 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.
Learn more about applying for a scholarship.
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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.
Learn more about assessment and selection and managing your scholarship.
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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.
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When will payments be made?
Payment arrangements and timing depend on the type of grant or scholarship you receive. Your offer will provide information about how and when your financial support will be provided. Learn more about scholarship payments.
Find out more
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