Indigenous Scholarships

Indigenous Scholarships

For aspiring First Nations students

Awarded to Indigenous students who demonstrate a concern for the broader community, a connection to their cultural heritage, leadership abilities, and a commitment to their academic studies.

At MLC we have a strong commitment to diversity. We value developing intercultural understanding through our local, international and Indigenous community links.

MLC scholars have a wide range of interests and talents and possess a readiness to actively participate, engage and contribute as a member of the MLC community.

Our Indigenous scholarship program has a proud history and is offered on an annual basis. We recognise that our Indigenous students often play a key role in increasing intercultural understanding across all aspects of the College. For scholars, a scholarship is a mutually beneficial and positive exchange, where the College learn about, learn from, and learn with Indigenous people.

The successful recipient will be an active member in our College Indigenous Program and co-curricular activities and show a strong commitment to building shared intercultural understanding.

MLC partners with a number of organisations and schools that support indigenous students, including the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) and Worawa. In addition, MLC welcomes applications directly from individuals who fulfil the criteria.

Scholarship Name Entry Year Level Means Test General Assessment Test
Principal's Indigenous Scholarship Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 Yes Yes
Principal's Indigenous Boarding Scholarship Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 Yes Yes

2026 Entry Scholarships applications are open. Closing date is 18 July 2025.

Duration for the above scholarships is for the entirety of the student's secondary schooling.

Eligibility

  • Australian citizen who identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (applicant must supply a Certificate of Aboriginality).
  • Currently at MLC or attending another school.
  • A candidate who would not ordinarily be able to afford the tuition fees.
  • Must register for the online Edutest General Assessment test, scheduled for 25 July 2025. Please note, this is not an Academic Scholarship test.

Value

A percentage of the annual tuition and boarding fees and technology levy. This includes computer, technology support and peripherals.

Information required within the Scholarship Application 

  • Evaluation of a 200-word statement on why the candidate is applying for this scholarship; this should be written by the student, demonstrating her accomplishments, talents, any leadership experience and her reasons for wanting to attend MLC. 
  • The student's most recent NAPLAN test results. 
  • A copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Aboriginality (from a relevant authority). You will be provided a link for this document upload upon submission of the Edutest Scholarship Application form. 
  • A personal reference, such as a teacher or Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group or other Indigenous Senior Community member. You will be provided a link for this document upload upon submission of the Edutest Scholarship Application form. 

Conditions

Scholarship holders are expected to complete their secondary education at MLC. Please refer to the MLC Scholarship Terms & Conditions.

Application Process

Apply via Edutest

Apply for an MLC Scholarship via the Edutest online portal from 31 October 2024, which will be linked below.

2026 Entry Indigenous Scholarship Applications close on Friday, 18 July 2025.

Upload Certificate of Aboriginality and personal reference

Upon submission of your Scholarship Application via the Edutest online portal, applicants will receive a link via email to upload their Certificate of Aboriginality and personal reference.

Please note an Application will be incomplete until these have been uploaded.

Sit a General Assessment test

This General Assessment test is conducted online and assists us in understanding the student’s learning profile. It is not an Academic Scholarship test.

The test will be taken on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. Further assessment details will by shared with you by Edutest on the Monday prior to the online assessment.

Request a Boarding House Tour

It is strongly recommended to contact Admissions to request a tour of our Tiddeman Boarding House. This can be done in person or virtually.

Enrolment Enquiry

Invitation to Interview

Short-listed candidates will be contacted by email with an invitation to an onsite interview at MLC. This email will also include information regarding the next steps in determining the financial eligibility for a means-tested scholarship.