First Nations Scholarships

Pymble is privileged 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 with 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.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be able to demonstrate the following criteria:

• A school history demonstrating the potential to succeed academically
  Demonstrated performance in the relevant area of expertise
• Demonstrated commitment to school life through attendance, application and involvement
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Commitment to the values of the College
• Demonstrated support from the immediate family.

The scholarship covers the following areas:

• Enrolment fees
• Tuition fees
• Boarding fees
• Laptop computer
• Uniform except footwear
• School-related expenses – not personal expenses and overseas or interstate College tours.

The parents of the scholarship students are required to apply for all available ABSTUDY funding to contribute to the scholarship costs.

The scholarship holder’s family is expected to make a regular contribution, according to means, towards the cost of the scholarship. This will be negotiated with the College prior to acceptance.

This 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.

Applications for the Evonne Goolagong-Cawley Scholarship in partnership with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) for entry in 2026 are open and close on Friday 11 April 2025.

Please contact Mrs Clair Stock, Enrolments Manager at enrol@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au for an application form.

The Betty Bennett First Nations Scholarship is a Pymble Foundation Scholarship[CS1] . It is in memory and recognition of Betty Bennett who bequest 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 offers First Nations students to study at Pymble as a Day student or a Boarding student. 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 the candidate finishes Year 12.

Candidates successful in gaining a Betty Bennett First Nations Scholarship 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.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be able to demonstrate the following criteria:

• Entering Year 5 or later as a Day student
• If Boarding, entering from Year 7 or later
• Has a school history demonstrating the potential to succeed academically
• Shows a demonstrated commitment to school life through, attendance, application and involvement
• Committed to the values of the College
• Committed to and engaged in Indigenous culture, learning and community
• Would not be able to attend Pymble without financial assistance
• Demonstrated support from the immediate family including a regular financial contribution according to means.

The scholarship covers the following areas:

• Enrolment fees
• Tuition fees
• Boarding fees, if applicable
• Laptop
• Uniform except footwear
• School-related expenses – not personal expenses and overseas or interstate College tours.
• Sporting equipment
• Should the scholarship holders’ financial circumstances warrant it, a pocket money allowance may be paid as well as a clothing allowance.

The parents of the scholarship students are required to apply for all available ABSTUDY funding to contribute to the scholarship costs.

The scholarship holders’ family is expected to make a regular contribution, according to means, towards the cost of the scholarship. This will be negotiated with the College prior to acceptance.

This 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.

Applications for the Betty Bennett First Nations Scholarship for entry in 2026 are open and close on Friday 11 April 2025.

Please contact Mrs Clair Stock, Director of Enrolments at enrol@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au for an application form.