Educational grants and scholarships

Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania makes available a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries to assist ministers and congregations. There are many types of grants available, including youth ministry, lay education, continuing education, regionalisation and bursaries for secondary and tertiary education.

In addition to the grants below, Pilgrim Theological College also offers a range of scholarships to support students undertaking theological study, both as undergraduates and through postgraduate study. To find out more email scholarships@pilgrim.edu.au or go to www.pilgrim.edu.au

Please note that different funds have different eligibility criteria, guidelines and application processes.

Complete the application form using the relevant links below.

Grants for Ministry Education and Practice

Grants for Lay Education
Lay people, lay preacher candidates and pastors in placement can apply for funding support through the Centre for Theology and Ministry, as well as from other sources.
Applications close: March 1, May 1, August 1, November 1.
Apply Online
Download the Lay Education Guidelines

Grants for Children and Families, and Youth Ministry
Funds are available to support the development of children and families, and youth ministry through educational opportunities, running of events and programs.
Applications close: March 1, May 1, August 1, November 1.
Apply Online

Continuing Education Fund
These are available to assist ordained and lay people in recognised placements seeking assistance for educational programs and/or training that is not towards a formal qualification.
Applications close: March 1, May 1, August 1, November 1.
Apply Online
Download the Continuing Education Guidelines

Thanksgiving Scholarship for Women Workers
Scholarships and bursaries for the tertiary education of women who serve or propose to serve the UCA in either a paid or unpaid capacity.
Applications close: March 1, August 1.
Apply online

Arts Memorial Fund

The Kirk Robson Theology and the Arts Memorial Fund

This was established to animate the conversation between theology and the arts. It aims to support creative initiatives engaging communities and artists in collaborative projects seeking social justice. Indigenous participation and inclusion is encouraged, where possible. Theological reflection will form a key aspect of the project, articulating the learnings and experience of the community as they engage in the art project. Academic research projects are also invited. Expressions of interest and request for an application form should be addressed to grants@victas.uca.org.au.
Applications close: Next round opening in June 2026
Download the Guidelines
Apply Online

Bursaries

Ministers’ children’s, secondary and tertiary education bursaries are dispersed at the start of the year. In special circumstances applications can be received after the closing date (if funds are still available). Please email grants@victas.uca.org.au

Ministers’ Children’s Bursaries
These assist the education of ordained UCA ministers’ children.
Applications close: March 1.
Apply online

Secondary Education Bursaries
These assist students in Year 10-VCE facing financial hardship.
Applications close: March 1.
Apply online

Tertiary Education Bursaries
This bursary is to assist young people (under 25 years) experiencing financial hardship who are seeking a tertiary education.
Applications close: March 1.
Apply online

John McNeil Bursaries
These assist people with a proven affiliation with the Church in the Bright and Beechworth areas to obtain a better education.
Applications close: March 1.
Apply online

Soldiers’ Children’s Scholarships Fund
This fund awards scholarships to children of servicemen and servicewomen who are members of the Uniting Church in Australia, in the state of Victoria.
Applications close: March 1, May 1, August 1, November 1.
Apply online

John Thyne Reid Fund
This bursary is to assist young people (under 25 years) experiencing financial hardship in need of assistance with accommodation, education and training.
Applications close: March 1, May 1, August 1, November 1.
Apply online

Reflection on Learning

Many of the grants and scholarships require successful applicants to reflect on their learning at the end of the support period. If applicable, download the Reflection on Learning form.

More information

Contact our Finance Officer, Ruth Boermans, on (03) 9340 8809 or grants@victas.uca.org.au.

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