Scholarships at St Columba’s

At St Columba’s College, we are committed to ensuring that every student can engage fully in College life, regardless of financial circumstance. Our scholarship program reflects this commitment, supporting both prospective and current students to access the breadth of opportunities available within our community.

Grounded in the values of the Sisters of Charity, we seek students who demonstrate not only academic potential, but a commitment to learning, and a willingness to participate fully in College life. We believe excellence takes many forms and that every student has unique gifts to share.

Through our scholarship program, we aim to support students who will flourish in our learning environment while enriching our community through their character, leadership, faith and service.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and a strong commitment to learning.

Available to students entering Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11, these scholarships provide full or partial remission of tuition fees and recognise students who consistently perform at a high academic level while actively contributing to their school and wider community.

Scholarship recipients are expected to embrace the many opportunities available at St Columba’s College and to contribute positively to the life of the College through leadership, participation and service.

You can view more information about the Academic Excellence Scholarships here.

The Trish Crossin Memorial Scholarship

The Trish Crossin Memorial Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in achieving their academic and personal goals within a nurturing, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Named in honour of St Columba’s College alumna, former board member, educator, advocate and Senator Trish Crossin AM, the scholarship celebrates a life dedicated to education, opportunity and service.

Through her work as a teacher, union leader, community advocate and Senator, Trish championed equity, opportunity and social justice. She believed deeply in the transformative power of education and in the potential of every young person to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

While teaching in remote Aboriginal communities, Trish developed a profound respect for First Nations culture, heritage, language and connection to Country. Inspired by communities working to preserve their culture and language for future generations, she became a lifelong advocate for educational access and opportunity. Her commitment to reconciliation and First Nations peoples remained a defining feature of her public life; she was the first person to speak an Indigenous Australian language in Federal Parliament and, in her first speech to the Senate, offered an apology to members of the Stolen Generation ten years before the Australian Government’s national apology.

Through this scholarship, St Columba’s College proudly honours Trish’s enduring belief in the potential of young people. It continues her legacy of encouragement, opportunity and service, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue their aspirations, embrace their strengths and create positive change within their communities.

Donations to the Trish Crossin Memorial Scholarship can be made online via this link. If you would like to learn more about supporting this scholarship and the opportunities it provides for future generations of students, we welcome you to contact the College via scholarships@columba.vic.edu.au for a confidential discussion.

Fidelis et Fortis Scholarship

The Fidelis et Fortis Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to access a St Columba’s College education.

Supported through the generosity of donors to the Fidelis et Fortis Fund, this scholarship reflects the College’s commitment to ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier to educational opportunity.

The scholarship is means-tested and awarded to students who demonstrate academic potential, strong personal qualities and a willingness to contribute positively to College life. Applicants are assessed through a combination of academic results, school reports, supporting documentation and interview.

Through the Fidelis et Fortis Scholarship, students are provided with the opportunity to experience a St Columba’s education in a supportive and inclusive environment where they can flourish academically, socially and personally.

Donations to the Fidelis et Fortis Scholarship can be made online via this link. If you would like to learn more about supporting this scholarship and the opportunities it provides for future generations of students, we welcome you to contact the College via scholarships@columba.vic.edu.au for a confidential discussion.