Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Higher Education Scholarship

To be eligible to receive the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Higher Education Scholarship, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled at CQUniversity in Term 1, 2026 in a Bachelor course (or double degree) in one of the following discipline areas:
  • Accounting
  • Agriculture / Agribusiness
  • Business
  • Digital Media
  • Environmental Science
  • Health
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Nursing
  • Science
  • Teaching;
• Be studying in their first (0/6 – 48 credit points) academic year;
• Be residing in Sarina / Mackay region or have a residential postcode within 4737-4803 and maintain residence in that region for the duration of the scholarship;
• Be enrolled with a minimum term study load of at least 6 credit points per term for the duration of the scholarship*;
• Be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or holder of Humanitarian Visa;
• Not currently in receipt of a CQUniversity Scholarship/Sponsorship or a Scholarship/Sponsorship where payments are administered by CQUniversity and not holding any scholarship with another financial services institution;
• Not to be formally or publicly associated with another financial services institution for the duration of the Scholarship.

Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Community engagement – you demonstrate active involvement in community activities; please include any evidence of school and other outside activities if recently completed secondary school.
• Personal and career goals – you demonstrate purpose in planning for your future and have a sense of overall career direction.
• Personal behaviours and professional conduct – you take pride in your personal presentation, and you demonstrate appropriate personal behaviours and professional conduct; you are a role model for other students / team members, and you support others in pursuit of their achievements.
• Academic diligence – you demonstrate consistent performance and strive to achieve.

Applications close midnight 28 February 2026.

To find out more about the scholarship program or to apply, contact the Executive Assistant, Sarina Community Bank on 0435 537 012 or email executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.

A selection panel, consisting of representatives from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank will be formed to determine the successful applicant. The selection process may involve an interview (either face-to-face or online).

Scholarships at CQUniversity are highly competitive. All applications are ranked based on how well applicants address the selection criteria, and in comparison, to other applicants. Being eligible or being a recipient in the past is no guarantee of having a successful application. A scholarship will only be offered where there is an applicant of sufficient merit. 

Please ensure you read all the Guidelines and submit your application accordingly, which must be via the electronic link provided to you.

Applicants will be assessed based on your application and supporting documentation. Please also ensure you include (and upload) a cover letter and a brief Resume.

Applicants will need to provide supporting documentation as evidence of your claims in relation to the criteria (e.g. community engagement – letter from club or organisation confirming your participation; academic diligence – report card if recently completed Grade 12 or results of other qualifications as relevant).

Payments will be made directly by the donor to the successful applicant’s nominated Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank account.

Payments are based on term study loads as follows:

• $750/term based on part-time term study load.
• $1,500/term based on full-time term study load.

If you complete your studies sooner than three years, all remaining payments will be issued upon graduation.

Expectations of recipients

As a scholarship recipient, you may be asked to participate in a feedback survey. You may also be approached to assist with promoting CQUniversity’s Scholarships program by sharing your experiences as a recipient through testimonials, media or invitations to attend events such as Orientation or Open Days. If you do not wish to be publicly recognised or be involved in the above initiatives, please advise the Philanthropy team via ourpartners@cqu.edu.au immediately following acceptance.

CQUniversity has a range of support services located on our website Student Support Services and Financial Preparedness.

Ongoing eligibility requirements

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant must:

• Maintain a rolling average GPA of 5;
• Remain enrolled in the course as at Census date of Term 1 and 2 with a minimum study load of 6 credit points;
• Attend the Annual General Meeting of Sarina and District Community Financial Services which operates Community Bank Sarina and participate in a minimum of 2 other major events each year with us designated by the Board;
• Continue personal community involvement over the duration of the scholarship;
• Maintain appropriate professional conduct and personal behaviours - takes pride in one's work and is a role model for students both at CQUniversity and in other activities; demonstrates appropriate behaviours - respects, encourages and supports others in pursuit of achievements;
• Not have a conflict of interest through any public or formal relationship with any other financial services institution for the period of the scholarship;
• Report as required to the Board of Directors of Community Bank Sarina on your progress (annual acquittal of funds is required);
• Not have a criminal record.

Please note that failure to meet the continuing eligibility criteria may result in the scholarship being withdrawn. 

Additional information

A scholarship may be deferred for a maximum period of two higher-education terms (excludes Term 3) or two VET intakes. 

Sharing details with the Donor of your Scholarship

Personal information is collected, stored, used, and disclosed by CQUniversity to process your scholarship.  As funds for your scholarship have been generously donated, the University is required to share your name, course/study area and ongoing eligibility (including academic performance) with the donor of your scholarship.  The University may also share your student email address and your nominated phone number, if requested by your scholarship donor, for the purpose of enabling their representatives to contact you regarding your scholarship. Donors may wish to celebrate their recipients, however if you do not wish for your donor or the University to promote your name publicly, this can be arranged by contacting the Philanthropy team via ourpartners@cqu.edu.au. 

Information collected can be disclosed without consent when required by law.  Any other provision of personal information will be authorised in accordance with the University’s Privacy Policy and Procedure, and in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld), and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Visit Privacy for more information.

Thanking your Donor

Many of our scholarships are made possible by generous donations from community partners who are committed to supporting CQUniversity students to reach their academic goals. Our donors love to hear how their support is making a difference. You are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of thanks (Word/PDF) or short video to ourpartners@cqu.edu.au as soon as receiving your scholarship to express your appreciation. To help you get started, we recommend providing a brief overview of who you are, what you are studying and your career aspirations, as well as some insight into how your scholarship will benefit you.