University of Melbourne launches $30m Hansen scholarships

The University of Melbourne has formally launched the new Hansen scholarship, which will help talented students who could not otherwise afford higher education.

Paul Little and Jane Hansen

In today’s Higher Ed Daily Brief: lucrative scholarship, women in engineering

Launch of landmark scholarship

The University of Melbourne has formally launched the new Hansen Scholarship Program which next year will offer 20 awardees free student accommodation for the three years of an undergraduate degree, assistance with living expenses, and a grant for further study.

The program is the result of a $30 million gift from philanthropists Jane Hansen and Paul Little and is funded for the next 40 years. It is aimed at year 12 students who have excellent grades but whose financial circumstances could prevent them from going to university.

University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell said the gift was a tremendous legacy.

“Jane and Paul’s generosity and vision will change the lives of young people who otherwise would face significant barriers to attending university. I look forward to welcoming the first intake of Hansen Scholars when they commence at the university next year,” he said.

Jane Hansen is also the deputy chancellor of the University of Melbourne.

Applications for the scholarship are open from March 1 to March 21. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Support for female engineers

Charles Sturt University will launch a Women In Engineering Network to support female student engineers and female engineers in the university’s region.

Engineer-in-residence at CSU Shara Cameron said there were currently no female engineering groups in regional NSW and women engineers were often the only female in their workplace.

“It’s important for us to lead change in the industry in which our female cadets and graduates will work,” she said.

The new group will be launched at the CSU Bathurst campus on March 7 at 5pm at CSU Engineering, Building 1305, Village Drive.