Riady Foundation Scholarship is offered to domestic students enrolling in an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne and experiencing disadvantaged circumstances. The scholarship provides financial support, with preference given to students intending to undertake the Bachelor of Commerce.
The scholarship was established with a gift from Dr James Riady and is administered by the University of Melbourne. Offers are made shortly after the Victorian Year 12 ATAR results are released in December, with further offers for IB and interstate/overseas Year 12 applicants.
Benefits of Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026
- This scholarship provides a living allowance of $6500 per year for four years paid in half-yearly instalments of $3250.
- The living allowance will be extended by one year if students enrol in the Diploma of General Studies, a concurrent diploma, a bachelor extended degree or a bachelor degree with honours.
Eligibility Criteria for the Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a holder of an Australian permanent visa
- Have completed Year 12 or International Baccalaureate in Australia
- Not have completed subjects undertaken as part of a tertiary course (excludes extension program subjects)
- Have applied for a University of Melbourne undergraduate degree and submitted a VTAC Equity Schemes and scholarships application (formerly SEAS) under the category: Personal Information and Location and other categories (if applicable) for commencement in the year following completion of Year 12 or International Baccalaureate
- Meet the Access Melbourne entry requirements for the University of Melbourne course nominated in your VTAC application
How to Apply for Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026?
- Citizenship / Residency: Be an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, or the holder of an Australian permanent visa.
- Secondary Education: Have completed Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia.
- Tertiary Education: Must not have completed subjects as part of a tertiary course (excluding extension program subjects).
- Course Application: Have applied for an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne for commencement in the year following completion of Year 12 or IB.
- SEAS Application: Have submitted a VTAC Equity Schemes and scholarships application (formerly SEAS) under the category Personal Information and Location (and other relevant categories if applicable).
- Entry Requirements: Meet the Access Melbourne entry requirements for the nominated University of Melbourne course in your VTAC application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Riady Foundation Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, when offers are made, and how automatic consideration through VTAC works.
Who is eligible for the Riady Foundation Scholarship?
To be considered you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold an Australian permanent visa, have completed Year 12 or IB in Australia, not have completed tertiary subjects, have applied for a University of Melbourne undergraduate degree and submitted a VTAC Equity Schemes and scholarships application, and meet Access Melbourne entry requirements.
What benefit does the Riady Foundation Scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides a living allowance of $6,500 per year for four years paid in half-yearly instalments of $3,250. The allowance may be extended by one year if students enrol in specified diploma or extended/honours pathways.
How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship provides the living allowance for four years, with the possibility of an additional year if students enrol in the Diploma of General Studies, a concurrent diploma, a bachelor extended degree or a bachelor degree with honours.
Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?
No. You are automatically considered for the Riady Foundation Scholarship if you have applied for admission to the University of Melbourne and submitted a VTAC Equity Schemes and scholarships application (formerly SEAS).
When are scholarship offers made?
Scholarship offers are made shortly after the Victorian Year 12 ATAR results are released in December. Further offers are made from December onwards to students who have completed IB or Year 12 at a school outside Victoria.
Is there a preference for any course?
Yes. Preference is given to students who intend to undertake the Bachelor of Commerce, although the scholarship is offered to domestic students enrolling in an undergraduate degree generally.
How is selection determined?
Selection is awarded to eligible students who have the highest overall level of disadvantage based on information provided in their VTAC Equity Schemes and scholarships application (formerly SEAS).
Can the scholarship be deferred?
Yes. This scholarship is subject to the Coursework Scholarships Terms and Conditions and can be deferred to the following academic year, as stated in the scholarship conditions.
Are recipients required to report to the donor?
Recipients must agree to give permission for the University to provide their name and course details to the donor and to provide a brief report on the benefits of the scholarship if requested.
How many Riady Foundation Scholarships are available and what is the amount?
The webpage lists the amount as up to $32,500 and indicates a quantity of 1, with benefit duration of one or more years; the living allowance breakdown is $6,500 per year for four years as described in the benefits section.
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