DUSA & DUCB Scholarships - Testimonials

Since 2013, DUSA has provided an annual scholarship to students experiencing financial hardship coupled with social or geographic disadvantage. This year, the DUSA Scholarship was funded by a grant from the Deakin University Community Bank - Community Strengthening Fund. The Scholarship has provided 11 Deakin students with a DUSA Gold Membership, a Laptop, Travel Assistance, and funds to purchase textbooks. Please read the student's statements on how the Scholarship has helped them below!

"DUSA's scholarship makes learning infinitely more accessible to me, especially by having a laptop that lets me utilise softwares and ADA with the utmost ease (even more of a necessity in engineering) " – name withheld

"I was so happy and relieved to be a DUSA scholarship recipient. I am commencing the final year of my course as an honours year which will involve lots of screen time. I have been using a very old and tired laptop which requires being constantly on charge and has random meltdowns freezing and refusing to start.
In addition, this year I will be completing a 500-hour placement where the fuel card and financial contribution will make a significant positive difference easing some pressure. And the best part of all I finally get to do it all in fashion rocking a DUSA hoodie! Thankyou DUSA and University Community Bank for supporting this single mum in her pursuit of an education and better future for all” - name withheld

"This scholarship came just at the right time as I was struggling to make payments for my school fees. Living alone without the support of parents has been very hard and mentally challenging and exhausting. This scholarship has taken a very big load off my back and has meant I can finally stop stressing about all the little things like petrol and school fees” - Jade

"The DUSA scholarship has taken a huge load off my back and has allowed me to not worry about the travel prices to Deakin and the financial stress of buying a new laptop after recently damaging my old one. I am very grateful to have been accepted this and now can focus more on my studies” – name withheld

“This scholarship will have an enormous impact on my life, in academic, professional and personal contexts. The money from this scholarship has enabled me to purchase my textbooks and have much needed repairs done to my car. This has alleviated many of the stressors from my life and created a sense of certainty to pursue part time work in mental health support while I study towards my goal of being a Psychologist. The laptop has also reduced uncertainty by replacing an unreliable PC that frequently broke in the crucial time of late last semester. I deeply appreciate the support I have received from DUSA and would like to thank you all for this wonderful opportunity” – Connor

"The DUSA scholarship has relieved financial and mental stress. I feel better equipped and more confident to complete my final year of study, as I can use my new laptop instead of spending time and money going to the library. I'm beyond thankful for this scholarship” – Juzfin

"This scholarship has supported me to prepare for a busy year in my degree, with long placements coming up, I have some financial support to help reduce the impact on myself and my family” – name withheld

The DUSA Scholarship is open from September to early January. If you are experiencing financial hardship, DUSA has many programs that can assist. To find out more, please visit this page.