Bendigo Bank’s $1.6 million Scholarship Program backs hundreds of bright futures

Reinforcing its long-standing commitment to education, Bendigo Bank, together with Community Bank partners, today announced 320 students have been awarded scholarships across the country.

A further 160 students previously awarded multi-year scholarships have also received continuing financial support for the 2026 academic year, helping to alleviate the financial barriers associated with tertiary and vocational studies.

The Scholarship Program, one of the largest of its kind in Australia, is a cornerstone of the Bank's purpose to feed into the prosperity of its customers and their communities. This year's scholarships are valued at over $1.6m, with $1m supporting first year scholars, and the remaining supporting continuing scholars to provide crucial support for expenses such as accommodation, travel, course fees, and study materials.

Bendigo Bank Chair, Vicki Carter, said the Bank was thrilled to help support the next generation of leaders, innovators and community builders.

"We understand the challenges many students, particularly those from regional and rural areas, face when pursuing further education. Our program is a direct investment in their potential and a testament to our belief that supporting education is fundamental to building strong and resilient communities,” Ms Carter said.

“The impact of these scholarships should not be understated, and extends beyond financial aid, empowering students to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.”

70 Community Banks participated in the 2026 Scholarship Program, including Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester, which provided nine scholarships to local students, valued at $24,000 in total.

“When our locals pursue further study, our whole community benefits," said Lauren Ross, Executive Officer of Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester.

"The skills and knowledge they gain don’t just shape their own futures, they strengthen our region when they return home with new ideas, experience and expertise,” she said.

Since 2006, the Bank’s Scholarship Program, overseen by its charitable arm, Bendigo Bank Community Foundation, has provided more than $16.6 million in support of over 2,600 students.

The 2026 Bendigo Bank and Community Bank Scholarship Program included:

Bendigo Bank Regional and Rural Scholarship: 15 university scholarships of $6,500 per student, each year for two years. Up to six TAFE scholarships of $5,000 per student per year for up to two years. Partially funded by Bendigo Bank’s Board Directors since inception. 
Bendigo Bank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship: Four scholarships of $6,500 per student per year for two years for those studying at either university or TAFE.
Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Scholarship: Two university scholarships, $6,000 per student, per year for two years, and 1 TAFE scholarship, $3,000 per year for one year.
Robert Johanson Bendigo Bank Board Scholarship: One university scholarship, $8,000 per year for two years.
Community Bank Scholarships: 70 Community Banks participating in 2026 scholarship program offering scholarships for university, TAFE, and secondary school study.

Key numbers

320 first year scholars, valued at $1m
160 continuing scholars, valued at $0.6m
Health, education, and society and culture (law, criminology etc) were popular fields of study for the scholars
1,107 applications across all programs, including 587 applications for Community Bank scholarship programs.
70 Community Banks participated in the 2026 Scholarship Program

2026 Case Studies

Chelsea Moowahshi

Bendigo local and Regional and Rural Scholarship recipient, Chelsea Moowahshi, is a first-generation refugee born in a camp in Thailand. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) and Bachelor of Psychological Science at La Trobe University in Bendigo. As the first in her family to complete high school in Australia, Chelsea is driven to make the most of her opportunities and says the support from Bendigo Bank is a crucial step towards her goals.

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me as university is expensive and this scholarship will significantly reduce financial strain. It will also allow me to not have to work as many hours, which will enable me to focus more on my studies, as well as take on unpaid internship opportunities,” Ms Moowahshi said.

“What stood out to me about the Bendigo Bank scholarships is that they are very community driven, with a strong focus on supporting students in regional/rural communities. I hope to use my degree to make a positive impact in my regional community.”

“While the legal systems we have in place in Bendigo are already well established, our regional location can mean our services may be more limited compared to metropolitan areas. The legal system is crucial for the functioning of society, and it is extremely important to ensure the justice system is fair and accessible for everyone, especially marginalised groups who may already be at a disadvantage. By pursuing a career in Law, I hope to ensure everybody gets an opportunity to a fair trial, and to improve the resources and accessibility of legal services in Bendigo,” Ms Moowahshi concluded.

Oakley Tarrant

Rochester local, Oakley Tarrant, is a recipient of a scholarship awarded to him from Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester to help as he studies a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University, Bendigo. As Young Citizen of the Year and former College Captain and DUX, Oakley is determined to stay connected to his hometown, and this scholarship has allowed him to do just that.

"To receive this scholarship from the Community Bank in my local area is incredible. It’s helping me get my physio degree while staying connected to my town, my work, and my football team. It’s a huge help and I’m very grateful for their support.” Mr Tarrant said.

Elley-May Featonby

Another Bendigo local, Elley-May Featonby, is studying an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) at Bendigo TAFE and said the scholarship will go a long way to purchasing the equipment she needs for her studies.

“Once it had sunk in, I felt relieved, grateful and excited. When I told my Mum she was ecstatic about this opportunity for my education and my future.”

“Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to me and my ability to study, there have been a few adjustments and bumps in the road since starting my course. This money will make a huge impact in my ability to complete assignments to purchase a computer and software required for my studies,” Ms Featonby said.