Students of any age from the Mirboo North district who are taking up tertiary level studies in early 2026 can apply for an Education Support Award to assist with their financial costs. Applications are now open through the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation website and close on 21st November.
What can the award help with?
“The costs faced by local students seeking to further their studies through TAFE or University are significant. These include fees, materials, laptops, also rent and accommodation bonds for those moving away from home. Before you even go to the first lecture, you can be up for many thousands of dollars,” explained Diana Mueller, Director. “The Education Support Program is targeted and giving students the capacity to meet these costs.”
The Education Support Program was started by the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation back in 2013, to provide financial assistance to local students seeking to access University, TAFE or other recognised post-secondary courses. Since then, more than $200,000 has been distributed to almost 100 local students to further their education.
We are thrilled to announce that the Community Bank, Mirboo North & District, a long-time supporter of the Education Support Program, will be back on board for the 2026 program: they are sponsoring multi-year education support awards for the fifth year in a row. Since 2022 twelve students have received the Bank sponsored awards and with two more students to benefit in 2026, this brings the Community Bank support to date to $81,000.
Who can apply?
“Our sponsorship of the multi-year Education Support awards reflects our strong commitment to the education of local young people,” says Anne Mare Dieperink, Executive Officer. “Feedback tells us that financial support over two years has been really important for students, as often financial support dries up in the second year of studies, yet their costs of living continue to rise.”
Whether you are leaving school, have been earning money to fund your further studies or have decided to go back as a mature student, the Education Support Program is available to support your education journey. Have a look at the application form on our website here.