For students who have progressed or intend to progress from an RMIT diploma to an undergraduate degree in a similar field, and who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth up to $25,000.
Applications for Semester 1 2027 open 1 August 2026
| Study level | Scholarship value | Scholarship duration |
| Diploma and Advanced Diploma | Up to $5,000 per annum | Up to three years |
| The final year/semester of your diploma or advanced diploma and up to two years of your undergraduate degree | ||
| Undergraduate | $5,000 per annum | Up to two years |
One year or one semester scholarships may also be awarded depending on available funding.
Two scholarships available.
To be eligible for this scholarship you must:
- be an Australian citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder
- be enrolling full-time at RMIT in Semester 1 2027 in either:
- your final semester of a diploma or advanced diploma, you will be progressing from an RMIT diploma or advanced diploma to a full-time RMIT undergraduate degree program in a similar field in Semester 2 2027 or
- your final year of a diploma or advanced diploma, and progressing from an RMIT diploma or advanced diploma to a full-time RMIT undergraduate degree program in a similar field in Semester 1 2028 or
- an associate or bachelor's degree, having recently progressed from a diploma or advanced diploma at RMIT in a similar field
- be able to demonstrate circumstance(s) that impact your ability to study, or be from an RMIT priority group, including:
- living with a disability, long-term medical condition, or identify as neurodivergent
- have experienced or currently experiencing significant personal or life difficulties
- have relocated/will be relocating from interstate or a rural or regional area to Melbourne to study at RMIT (check eligibility using the Regional Adjustment Calculator)
- are experiencing financial hardship, for example if you:
- receive a Centrelink/Department of Veterans' Affairs low-income support payment, or
- hold a low-income Centrelink Health Care Card
- are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- are an early school leaver, mature-age student, or you entered university via a TAFE pathway
- are a current or former refugee
- are from a low socioeconomic (low SES background)
- completed secondary school at a SNAP (School Network Access Program) school
- not have previously completed a program at the same level or higher, for example, if you plan to study a Diploma of Engineering Technology, you should not have previously completed another diploma
- demonstrate outstanding potential and ambition
- be aged 30 or under as of 31 December 2026
- have no fail or withdrawn grades after census date in any RMIT program
Postgraduate students are ineligible to apply.
The online application form will be made available here when applications open.
Supporting documentation
Depending on your circumstances, you will need to provide different types of evidence and material to support your scholarship application. Applications without supporting documents will not be considered.
Please visit Supporting Your Application for more information.
Find out more about applying for scholarships.
Applications for Semester 1 2027 open 1 August 2026.
Timely applications: If you submit your Access and Equity Scholarship Application by 31 August 2026, we’ll let you know if we need any additional documentation.
Applications for Semester 1 2027 close 2:00pm Tuesday 20 October 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
View the Coursework Scholarships Office’s terms and conditions (PDF, 698KB).
The Lady Alice Northcote Scholarships originate from the estate of Lady Northcote, wife of Australia’s third Governor-General. In 1934, her estate established the Northcote Children’s Emigration Fund for Australia, which initially supported a farm school for migrant children near Bacchus Marsh. When the school closed in 1975, the proceeds from the sale of the land were used to create the Northcote Trust Fund, dedicated to helping young people pursue further education. In 2008, the Northcote Trust Scholarship was established at RMIT. From 2027, this scholarship will be known as the Lady Alice Northcote Scholarship.
Quotes from past recipients:
“Receiving this scholarship made me feel extremely grateful and motivated. It gave me a sense of recognition and reassurance that my hard work, dedication, and potential are valued. Knowing that someone believes in my ability to succeed has been very empowering and has boosted my confidence in pursuing my studies. It has also lifted a great deal of financial stress, allowing me to focus more fully on my learning and growth. Overall, it has filled me with pride, encouragement, and a stronger determination to make the most of the opportunities in front of me.” Bachelor of Biomedical Science student
"It has helped financially, as I am able to not work as much and be able to focus on my studies more. This also had a positive impact on my mental health." - Bachelor of Nursing student
"Before receiving the Northcote Trust Scholarship I was in a very tough space with money and was having to work 20-25 hours per week while also studying full time at RMIT and it put a lot of pressure on my studies. I saw myself falling in to the trap of choosing to work over my study time. When I received news that I had been granted the Northcote Trust Scholarship I was ecstatic, I couldn't believe that such a big burden had been lifted off my shoulders and I could finally focus on my studies knowing that I had something to reduce my cost of living and study." - Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering student
Find out how to contact the Coursework Scholarships Office.
Notice to applicants
The scholarship application process is highly competitive with a limited number of scholarships available. Unfortunately, not all eligible applicants will receive one.
Only successful candidates will be notified via email to their RMIT student account.
For information about other financial assistance available to RMIT students, please speak to one of our Student Welfare Advisors.
