The Scholarship was implemented by the Dylan Alcott Foundation (DAF) in 2024 for young Australians living with disability who are studying at leading Australian universities.
Each RMIT recipient will receive up to $5,000 for a study/living allowance and up to $5,000 towards course fees each year, co-funded by the Foundation and RMIT.
RMIT recipient Amy Roland studies a Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) and lives with a hearing impairment.
Her interest in medical science was sparked while working in a pathology lab during the COVID-19 pandemic processing swabs, prompting her move from Byron Bay to Melbourne to study at RMIT.
Because of her hearing impairment, Amy directs a lot of her energy towards keeping up with the hearing world, but she doesn’t see it as a barrier – she discovered that it heightened her other senses, a skill that she’s channeled towards her studies.
“This skill greatly benefits me in my scientific pursuits, as attention to detail is crucial in the field of science, and I'm grateful to have that ability,” Amy said.
Balancing her degree, unpaid placements, and full-time work, all while using her energy to keep up with the hearing world, was challenging.
I applied for the scholarship to make higher education more accessible to me and help me achieve my educational and career aspirations without the burden of significant student loan debt.
Amy expressed how the scholarship has helped relieve that burden.
“Honestly, I felt incredibly relieved because I was stressing about how I would be able to financially support myself during my upcoming placement,” she said.
“I’m extremely grateful and thankful to the Dylan Alcott Foundation for awarding me this scholarship.”
Dylan Alcott AO, co-founder of the Dylan Alcott Foundation, said the scholarship aims to create equal educational opportunities so that people with disability can gain the tools to thrive in life and build their own pathways.
“The university experience offers so much more than just study and qualifications—it’s about being part of a community, meeting new people, sharing ideas, and testing your thoughts in a broader context,” Dylan said.
“We’re pumped to be partnering with RMIT, united in our commitment to inclusivity, access and empowerment, ensuring that young people with disability have the support and opportunities to succeed and fully engage in university life.”
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Your time at RMIT isn’t just about studying – it’s also about discovering your interests and connecting with people. Whether you’re into sport, creativity, culture, or just spending time with fellow students, there are plenty of ways to find your community and make your experience your own.
There is protest activity anticipated in the Melbourne CBD on Thursday 12 February. If you are in the city for classes or study, your commute may be disrupted.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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