1. Overview
The Mary-Lou Buck Foundation Pathways & Transition Scholarships support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who are navigating important life transitions such as moving from school to further education, training, employment, or independent living.
The Foundation recognises that transition periods can be challenging and that many individuals require practical, cultural, and wellbeing support to successfully move into new stages of life. These scholarships aim to remove barriers, build confidence, and provide guidance to help individuals achieve stability, independence, and long-term success.
Through personalised support, mentoring, and access to development opportunities, the program empowers recipients to build strong futures while maintaining cultural identity and community connection.
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2. What Support Is Available?
The Pathways & Transition Scholarships provide flexible support tailored to assist recipients during periods of change, development, or re-engagement.
Support may include:
• Training or course enrolment fees
• Work readiness programs or employment preparation support
• Tools, uniforms, or equipment required for training or employment
• Driver education, licensing support, or transport assistance
• Mentoring and life skills development
• Wellbeing and confidence-building programs
• Cultural connection and leadership development opportunities
• Support accessing apprenticeships, traineeships, or employment pathways
Support is designed to help individuals successfully transition into education, employment, or community leadership roles.
3. Who Can Apply?
The Pathways & Transition Scholarships provide flexible support tailored to assist recipients during periods of change, development, or re-engagement.
Support may include:
• Training or course enrolment fees
• Work readiness programs or employment preparation support
• Tools, uniforms, or equipment required for training or employment
• Driver education, licensing support, or transport assistance
• Mentoring and life skills development
• Wellbeing and confidence-building programs
• Cultural connection and leadership development opportunities
• Support accessing apprenticeships, traineeships, or employment pathways
Support is designed to help individuals successfully transition into education, employment, or community leadership roles.
4. Eligibility & Selection Criteria
The Foundation supports individuals who demonstrate determination, resilience, and commitment to building positive life pathways.
Applications are assessed holistically, considering:
• Demonstrated commitment to education, training, or employment goals
• Personal or family circumstances impacting opportunity
• Engagement with community, culture, or leadership development
• Willingness to participate in mentoring or support programs
• Demonstrated motivation to achieve independence and long-term stability
• Alignment with Foundation values and cultural respect
Priority may be given to applicants facing barriers to accessing education or employment opportunities.
5. Supporting Documents Required
Applicants are required to provide documentation to assist the Foundation in fairly assessing eligibility, goals, and individual circumstances.
Supporting documentation may include:
• Proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
• Education, training, or employment enrolment confirmation (if available)
• Personal statement outlining goals, challenges, and future plans
• Letter of support from a teacher, mentor, employer, Elder, or community leader
• Resume or evidence of training participation (if applicable)
• Any additional documentation supporting financial need or personal circumstances
Applicants who experience difficulty obtaining documentation are encouraged to contact the Foundation for assistance.
6. Application Process
The Mary-Lou Buck Foundation Pathways & Transition Scholarship application process is designed to be supportive, accessible, and culturally respectful.
Applicants are invited to submit an application outlining their transition goals, personal development plans, and future aspirations, along with supporting documentation.
Applications are reviewed through a culturally informed and merit-based assessment process that recognises motivation, resilience, and commitment to achieving positive life outcomes.
Application steps include:
• Complete the scholarship application form
• Prepare and submit supporting documentation
• Submit application before the closing date
• Applications reviewed by the Foundation selection panel
• Applicants notified of outcome
Applicants may be contacted for further information or clarification during the assessment process.
7. Assessment & Selection Process
Applications are assessed by a scholarship selection panel using a fair, culturally respectful, and strengths-based evaluation process.
The panel considers factors including personal motivation, pathway planning, cultural connection, community engagement, leadership potential, and individual circumstances. These assessment areas help ensure scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate readiness to transition successfully into education, employment, or independent living.
8. Key Dates & Deadlines
Applications for the Mary-Lou Buck Foundation Secondary School Scholarships are offered annually
• Applications open: TBA
• Applications close: TBA
• Assessment period: 4–6 weeks following application closure
• Successful applicants notified: Within 2 weeks of final assessment
• Scholarship support begins: TBA
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Timeframes may vary depending on funding availability and application volume.
9. Contact & Support
Families or individuals seeking help with the application process are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Foundation for assistance. Our dedicated support team is ready to provide guidance and resources to ensure that every student has a fair and equal opportunity to complete their application successfully. We understand that the application process can be challenging, and we are here to help navigate any questions or concerns you may have.
For personalised support, feel free to contact us at the following email address:
We look forward to assisting you!