The Snow Scholarship is more than financial support, it’s a program designed to open doors, build confidence, and create real opportunities for students who may not have seen university as part of their story.
Created predominantly for students from Canberra and regional or rural NSW, the scholarship supports those facing barriers—to not only get to university, but to thrive while they’re there. Scholars receive funding for living expenses, tailored academic support, wellbeing care, and personal development opportunities. Just as importantly, they become part of a welcoming community of peers and mentors who walk alongside them on the journey.
This is about backing potential, nurturing purpose, and creating space to grow.
The story behind the Snow Scholarships
Snow Foundation is a family philanthropic organisation deeply connected to Canberra and the NSW South Coast. Founded by brothers Terry and George Snow, the Foundation believes in giving to the communities in which they live and work.
From the beginning, Snow Foundation has supported people facing barriers – especially youth, women, LGBTIQ+ and First Nations people. The Snow Scholarship reflects this commitment, empowering youth, backing their potential, and supporting individuals who want to make a difference in the world around them.
These values reflect the legacy of Terry Snow – a visionary leader who believed in striving for excellence, lifting others up, and creating lasting impact through kindness and action.
More than a scholarship
The Snow Scholarships offers more than financial support. It provides a place to call home, help when life gets challenging, and the chance to imagine a future that feels possible.
Snow Scholars will be part of an inclusive and diverse cohort – bringing together people from different backgrounds, experiences, ages, genders and academic journeys.
It’s about feeling like you belong. As a Snow Scholar, you’ll be part of a community – connecting with others who understand your journey, building friendships, and learning from mentors who are there to support you. Most importantly, it gives you the space to focus on your studies, grow your confidence, and shape the future you want – for yourself, your family, and your community.
How the scholarship can support you
Each Snow Scholarship is valued at up to $30,000 per year, providing residential, academic and wellbeing support to help you focus on your future:
- on-campus accommodation for up to 52 weeks each year (valued at approx. $15,000)
- an annual stipend of over $9,000 to help with everyday living costs like food, transport and study supplies
- tutoring and academic support, provided on top of your regular course
- health and wellbeing services, including GP visits, psychological counselling, and a gym or sporting membership
- skill-building programs, including mental health first aid training, financial literacy, cultural awareness training, and support to help you land your first job
- travel and relocation support, including assistance with family visits and unexpected needs.
Is this the scholarship for you?
The Snow Scholarships are for students who have the passion to study at university but face barriers that make it harder to get there. They are designed to support students from underrepresented or Indigenous backgrounds in Canberra and regional or rural NSW, opening doors to the opportunities that education brings: new knowledge, skills and the chance to shape your future.
Up to 16 scholarships may be awarded each year, with at least four being awarded to First Nations students.
You may be eligible if you:
- face financial hardship
- live with a disability or ongoing medical condition
- have caregiving responsibilities, or
- have experienced unforeseen hardship.
Who we are looking for
As a Snow Scholar, you’ll bring your own strengths, lived experiences and aspirations – and continue to grow along the way.
We’re not looking for perfection. What matters most is your passion, your potential, and your commitment to learning and making a difference. These scholarships are here to support students who show qualities like resilience, curiosity, respect and a desire to contribute to their community. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now – this is about backing your journey and helping you build the skills and confidence to thrive.
These qualities help guide our selection process and shape what it means to be part of the Snow Scholar community.
Scholar attributes
#Passion and ambition
Genuine enthusiasm and drive for your studies and goals and for creating significant impact.
#Academic and street smarts
Your collective achievements and experiences demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
#Resilience and perseverance
You demonstrate tenacity and determination when things get tough and can overcome challenges.
#Effective communication
You have the skills to clearly articulate ideas, actively listen, and engage meaningfully with others.
#Curiosity and growth mindset
A strong desire to explore new ideas and continuously learn, with an openness to embracing challenges and growing from experiences.
#Respect and decency
You demonstrate respect, empathy, care, and awareness for others.
#Open and humble
You recognise that you don’t have all the answers and remain open to diverse opinions and perspectives, evaluating all ideas on their merits.
#Potential to lead and make a difference
You show initiative, inspire others, and drive meaningful and positive change.
#Integrity
You demonstrate a commitment to honesty and fairness, acting with transparency and without a hidden agenda.
Before you apply
We’re so glad you’re thinking about applying for the Snow Scholarship – this could be the start of something big — and we’re here to help you get ready.
The application is your chance to tell us about yourself – your story, your aspirations, and what drives you. You’ll be asked a few questions, including:
- Which of the Snow Scholar values resonate with you and why?
- What do you hope to achieve for yourself and your community, and how would your chosen degree help you get there?
- How have these factors contributed to your personal growth and guided the path you are pursuing?
We’ve put together some resources to guide you through the process – including tips on how to approach the questions, key dates to remember and how to submit your application.
Take your time, give it your best, and most importantly – use this as an opportunity to show us who you are and where you want to go.
Apply early for your best chance
Applications close 12 October, but submitting early gives your application the best chance to shine.
Beat the rush – start your application today.
View the application guideApply for Snow Scholarships
Application guide
Please fill in all your personal details correctly, checking spelling as you go.
“Which of the Snow Scholar values resonate with you and why?”
Your response should reflect how the Snow Scholar values align with your own experiences, aspirations, and beliefs. Consider selecting one or two values that truly stand out to you and explain why they are meaningful.
You might want to share a personal story, an example of how you have demonstrated these values, or how they will guide you in the future. Be clear and authentic in your response.
Your answer is limited to 1,000 characters, which is roughly 150-165 words, so keep your response focussed and meaningful.
“What do you aspire for yourself and your community, and how would your chosen degree help you get there?”
Use this response to share your goals and the impact you hope to make. Think about your aspirations (both personal and for your community) and explain how your chosen degree will help you achieve them.
You might want to discuss your career ambitions, the challenges you hope to overcome, or the positive change you want to create. Be specific about how your studies will support your journey.
Your answer is limited to 1,000 characters, which is roughly 150-165 words, so keep your response clear and focussed.
“How have these factors contributed to your personal growth and guided the path you are pursuing?”
Use this response to reflect on the experiences, values and influences that have shaped who you are. Think about challenges you have faced, lessons you have learned, and meaningful experiences that influenced your personal growth. Be specific about how these experiences have guided your path and inspired your current goals.
Your answer is limited to 1,000 characters, or about 150–165 words, so keep it clear and focussed.
Snow Scholarships support sessions
We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Join one of our online Snow Scholarship support session to walk through the application form, get helpful tips and ask any questions you might have.
Upcoming sessions:
Can’t make it? No worries – everyone who registers will receive a recording of the session. After the session, you can also book a one-on-one consultation if you’d like more personalised help.
Get in touch
For more information about Snow Scholarships, contact our Scholarships team.
Email: snowscholarships@canberra.edu.au
Mail:
Snow Scholarships Team
University of Canberra
11 Kirinari Street
Bruce ACT 2617
