When families are in crisis, disaster strikes or financial disadvantage is overwhelming, keeping kids in school and on track to succeed can be challenging, if not impossible. Around the world, 124 million children and youth are out of school. We believe that a brighter future starts with an education and giving a child the opportunity to thrive at Damascus College is the aim of the Bright Futures Scholarship.

Established in 2018 the Damascus College Bright Futures scholarship sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy (John Thirsk Estate), Fr Brendan Davey and Damascus College, is for the purpose of supporting students and families who are experiencing financial or personal disadvantage, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to social justice activities and contribute to their local community, but may not otherwise be able to access a Catholic education.

Scholarship Value:

This scholarship is awarded annually to one incoming Year 7 student for 50% tuition relief, and is awarded for the duration of a student’s enrolment at Damascus College (maximum of 6 years).

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the eligibility and selection criteria listed below, with further details provided on the flyer and/or application form.

Eligibility criteria:

• Grade 5 student currently studying at a Primary School within the Ballarat area (50km radius from Ballarat), does not have to be attending a Catholic Primary School.
• Submitted Enrolment Application form to Damascus College for Year 7 by the advertised deadline, the year prior to commencement.

Selection Criteria:

• Family is experiencing financial and/or personal disadvantage. Evidence to be provided to support application.
• Student demonstrates involvement in volunteer, social justice, fundraising and leadership activities within the Primary School or broader community. Evidence to be provided.
• Student demonstrates an involvement and commitment to a faith tradition. Evidence to be provided.
• Student to choose two values to describe and give examples of how these values relate to them.
  Values: Compassion, Justice, Respect, Hospitality, Service, Courage.
  Student can choose to write up to 200 words for each value, submit a video or photos that describes how these values relate to them. Students are encouraged to be creative.
• One written reference, to be obtained from a community member in support of the scholarship application.

Applications open on in early October, two years prior to commencement, and close when applications close, generally in mid February the year prior to commencement.

For 2026 Commencement - Applications Open: 7 October 2024

For 2026 Commencement - Applications Close: 6 February 2025

Download the flyer here: Bright futures scholarship flyer 2026

Download the application form here: Damascus Bright Futures Scholarship Application form 2026

Applications to be submitted to: principal@damascus.vic.edu.au

The eligible candidate is selected from students going into Years 8 to 12.

Value: $2,000 towards the fees for the following year.

Academic Criteria:

• outstanding academic achievement
• participation in a range of extra curricular activities offered by the College
• active support of the College Vision

Applications open in August and close in September each year.

Download the application form here: Damascus College Scholarship Application

The eligible candidate is selected from students going into Years 8 to 12.

Value: $2,000 towards the fees for the following year.

Sporting Criteria:

• outstanding sporting achievement including participation in College sport teams
• participation in sport at State, National or International level
• active support of the College vision

Applications open in August and close in September each year.

Download the application form here: Damascus College Scholarship Application

The eligible candidate is selected from students going into Years 8 to 12.

Value: $2,000 towards the fees for the following year.

Arts Criteria:

• outstanding Art performance achievement
• participation in either Visual or Performing Arts extra curricular activities
• participation in local or state Art festivals
• active support of the College vision

Applications open in August and close in September each year.

Download the application form here: Damascus College Scholarship Application

Contributed by the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea for two students going into Year 11.

Value: $500 awarded to the successful students.

Criteria:

• all round academic endeavour and excellence
• participation in a range of extra curricular activities offered by the College
• active support of the College vision

Applications open in August and close in September each year.

Download the application form here: Sisters of Mercy Dorothy Griffin Scholarship Application

Contributed by the Dorothy Irene Ellis-Thomas Foundation to two students completing their VCE or equivalent who is entering or pursuing a course at a University or other tertiary education institution.

Value: $2,000 each.

Criteria:

• all round academic endeavour and excellence
• participation in a range of extra curricular activities offered by the College
• active support of the College vision

Applications open in August and close in September each year.

Download the application form here: Dorothy Irene Ellis Thomas Scholarship Application

Contributed by the Ballarat Diocesan Finance /Council, this scholarship is awarded to one Year 10 student that is moving in to Year 11. The successful recipient will have demonstrated leadership potential and student advocacy, community involvement characterised by actions for justice and a consistent academic application reflective of a commitment to study.
Value: $1,000
Criteria:

• leadership potential and student advocacy
• community involvement characterised by actions for justice
• consistent academic application reflective of commitment to study

Applications open in August and close in September each year.

Download the application form here: Diocesan Scholarship Application

Contributed by the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea, this scholarship is awarded to the VCE Dux of the College to support a hard working student with future tertiary learning. The disbursement is determined annually but has generally been in the vicinity of $2,000.

Contributed by Federation University, this scholarship is awarded to the Vocational Major Dux of the College to support a hard working student with their future vocational pathway. The disbursement is determined annually but has generally been in the vicinity of $500.