First Nations Scholarship Program
Our First Nations Scholarships are open to First Nations students who wish to embrace their educational experience with the support of the College’s outstanding teaching facilities, programs and co-curricular opportunities. Pymble Ladies’ College currently offers two First Nations scholarships.
1. The Evonne Goolagong-Cawley Scholarship (in partnership with AIEF) — Boarding only
Pymble is proud to deliver Indigenous scholarships in partnership with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF). AIEF was established in 2008 in response to community demand from Indigenous families who choose to enrol their children in boarding schools.
Bringing together the government and private sector, AIEF provides scholarship funding for Indigenous students to complete Year 12 or tertiary studies, with career support to assist a successful transition to employment. Backed by some of Australia’s most influential business, philanthropic and community leaders, AIEF has grown from one scholarship student in 2008 to now supporting more than 1,500 young Indigenous people from 400 communities in every state and territory of Australia.
AIEF exists to remove financial barriers hindering Indigenous students and their families from choosing a quality boarding school education. Under a parent and school-led model, AIEF provides co-funding to enable Indigenous students to complete their studies at an AIEF Partner School like Pymble.
Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, AC, MBE, is a former world No. 1 tennis player and a long-standing adviser to Pymble’s First Nations Scholarship Program. This scholarship is open to candidates with performance and academic abilities, and/or leadership potential. Areas of performance include art, music and sport.
Additional information about the Evonne Goolagong-Cawley Scholarship
Eligibility criteria
Candidates are required to demonstrate:
- The potential to succeed academically, reflected in school history.
- Performance in the relevant area of expertise.
- Commitment to school life through attendance, application and involvement.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to the values of the College.
- Support from the immediate family.
Scholarship inclusions
The scholarship covers:
- Enrolment fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Boarding fees.
- Laptop computer.
- Uniform (except footwear).
- School-related expenses (not personal expenses and overseas or interstate College tours).
2. Betty Bennett First Nations Scholarship
The Betty Bennett First Nations Scholarship is a Pymble Foundation Scholarship. It is in memory and recognition of Betty Bennett, who bequeathed her monies so that young First Nations women be provided the same benefit and opportunity she received through her Pymble education. Betty completed her education at Pymble in 1951 after obtaining her Leaving Certificate.
The scholarship is offered for the duration of the candidate’s schooling. For example, if a candidate starts in Year 9, the scholarship will remain until she finishes Year 12. Successful candidates will participate in activities such as mentoring, career sessions, workshops and activities offered as part of the First Nations Scholarship Program at Pymble Ladies’ College.
Additional information about the Betty Bennett Scholarship
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, candidates must be able to demonstrate:
- Entering Year 5 or later as a Day student.
- A school history demonstrating the potential to succeed academically.
- A demonstrated commitment to school life through attendance, application and involvement.
- Commitment to the values of the College.
- Commitment to and engagement in Indigenous culture, learning and community.
- Unable to attend Pymble without financial assistance.
- Support from the immediate family, including a regular financial contribution according to means.
Scholarship inclusions
The scholarship covers:
- Enrolment fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Laptop.
- Uniform (except footwear).
- School-related expenses (not personal expenses and overseas or interstate College tours).
- Sporting equipment.
- Should the scholarship holder’s financial circumstances warrant it, a pocket money allowance may be paid as well as a clothing allowance.
Expectations for First Nations Scholarships
The parents of a First Nations Scholarship recipient are required to apply for all available ABSTUDY funding to contribute to the scholarship costs. The recipient’s family is expected to make a regular contribution, according to means, towards the cost of the scholarship, negotiated with the College prior to acceptance.
The First Nations Scholarship is subject to an annual review of the recipient’s performance and participation in all aspects of College life. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the College. Feedback for unsuccessful applications will not be given.
Application dates
- Applications for the Evonne Goolagong-Cawley Scholarship (in partnership with AIEF) open in mid-January 2027 and close on Friday 9 April 2027, for entry in 2028.
- Applications for the Betty Bennett First Nations Scholarship have closed. Applications will re-open in 2032, when our current recipient completes Year 12 in 2031.