The Impact of Scholarships

2021 has been another year of uncertainty and change for our medical students, who have faced both personal and academic challenges as a result of the widespread impact of coronavirus within the community.  

We recognise the pandemic has created financial hardship for the wider community too, so we are especially humbled and greatly appreciative of the continuing generosity we have seen from our donor community. Your donations, whether big or small, contribute greatly to our ability to support and encourage our talented young doctors in training. Ensuring our students can continue to achieve their potential despite the persistent uncertainty the pandemic has presented, is an important responsibility. On behalf of the Melbourne Medical School, thank you for making this possible.

Scholarships really are a lifeline for students experiencing financial or other hardships. Unsurprisingly, the Melbourne Medical School saw an increased number of applications for financial support in 2021, with many students presenting with a higher degree of need than in previous years. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, I am pleased to report that the School was able to increase its scholarship offerings this year, with over $600,000 awarded to 55 Doctor of Medicine students.  

Every scholarship makes a tangible difference in the life of a student. I am amazed and inspired each year by the stories I hear of our scholarship recipients, some of which are highlighted in the below video, following an introduction from Associate Professor Justin Tse. You will hear how your support has helped these students in a variety of ways, whether allowing them to stay focused on their studies or enabling them to repay the spirit of kindness and generosity you have afforded them by giving back through volunteering.  

On behalf of the Melbourne Medical School, thank you again for your enduring support and partnership which we hope will continue for years to come.  

Professor John Prins 
Head, Melbourne Medical School  
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences