National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ)

The National Council of Women of Queensland is proud to offer the ESA International - Australia Bursary as part of our 2026 Bursary Program.

This bursary supports a female student in Queensland who has a current cancer diagnosis, or who has an immediate family member undergoing cancer treatment, and is enrolled in tertiary studies.

We recognise the extraordinary resilience required to continue education while navigating the impact of cancer. This bursary aims to ease financial pressure and help recipients continue pursuing their goals with confidence and support.

✨ Who can apply:
• Female students enrolled in tertiary study in Queensland
• Applicants who have a cancer diagnosis, or an immediate family member with a current cancer diagnosis

📅 Applications for the 2026 NCWQ Bursary Program are now open.
🔗 Apply or learn more: ncwq.org.au/bursary-program

Please share this opportunity with someone who may benefit. Together, we can uplift women facing some of life’s toughest challenges while they continue their educational journey.

Find out more information at ncwq.org.au/bursaries

Among the 37 bursaries on offer as part of the 2026 NCWQ Bursary Program are a number supporting women with special circumstances. These include:

Broken to Brilliant Bursary – Open to a female domestic violence survivor enrolled in a university for TAFE course.

The Gown Chick – For a female mature-aged (over 25), first year student at university or TAFE, taking the opportunity for a ‘second chance’ to follow her educational dreams.

SIMNI Audrey Martin Bursary – Open to women aged 18 to 30 years undertaking vocational training, possibly living with an invisible disability, and living in the City of Moreton Bay.

SIMNI Adele Rice AM & Chris Knight Bursary: Available to support language programmes/conversation courses and education or vocational training, including apprenticeships, skills and other job training at a recognised TAFE or tertiary institution.

Soroptimist International Bursary – For an Indigenous female student in education or health-related fields, including nursing.

ESA International Bursary – Open to a female student whose immediate family is affected by cancer.

NCWQ Refugee Bursary – Open to a female high school student from a refugee background, having lived in Australia for at least one year.

Find out more information at ncwq.org.au/bursaries

The secret is out! Bursaries are available for girls and female students from Year 12 to mature-aged. Here are just some of the 37 bursaries available:

Broken to Brilliant Bursary: To support female domestic violence survivor’s access to higher education or vocational training.

The Gown Chick Bursary: For a female student taking the opportunity for a 'Second Chance' to follow their educational dreams.

Cr Vicki Howard Bursary: For a young female student in Brisbane who identifies with the LGBTIQ+ community.

Elsie Byth Bursary - For a female student currently in Year 12, planning to study teaching.

Ethel Rowbotham Memorial Bursary: Open to a Year 12 student planning to study nursing or midwifery in 2026, and interested in working in regional/rural Queensland.

NCWQ Refugee Bursary: To assist a female high school student from a refugee background, aiming to achieve further educational outcomes.

NCWQ Digital Technology Bursary: For a female full-time student in a university or TAFE course majoring in Digital Technology.

The Women’s College Bursary: This bursary is specifically designed to support a first-year university student planning to start tertiary studies in 2027.

Women’s Network Australia: The WNA Women in Business Bursary being offered to a female (any age) studying business or entrepreneurship.

Online applications close Monday 4 May. For further information or to apply, visit
www.ncwq.org.au/bursaries

Help us celebrate women in history by attending the NCWQ Event on Sunday 3rd May at 10a.m. For $40 plus fees which includes morning tea and a tour of the Women’s Museum at Miegunyah House. Why not bring your mum as we approach Mother’s Day.

Join the National Women's Council Queensland for a house tour and Devonshire tea on May 3 at Miegunyah House Museum home of the Queensland Women's Historical Association.
Bring a friend for lovely morning out. Book your tickets today
https://events.humanitix.com/miegunyah-house-morning-tea-and-tour-hosted-by-ncwq

BURSARIES CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

Among the 37 bursaries on offer as part of the 2026 NCWQ Bursary Program are a number supporting women from diverse backgrounds. These include:

Councillor Vicki Howard Bursary: This bursary, sponsored by Councillor Vicki Howard from the Brisbane City Council, focusses assistance for female students living in this council area, who identify with the LGBTIQ+ community. Applicants can be enrolled in secondary or tertiary studies

NCWQ Refugee Bursary: This bursary, sponsored by NCWQ, is one of the inaugural bursaries offered since the commencement of the program in 2009. The focus of the bursary is to assist young women from a refugee background, now enrolled at high school, aiming to achieve further education.

First Nations Bursary: Supported by the Queensland Government though the Office for Women, is open to a First Nations student participating in training/studies.

SIMNI Adele Rice AM & Chris Knight Bursary: These two SIMNI members share a 40-year friendship and a passion for eliminating barriers for women and girls from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. The bursary is available to support language programmes/conversation courses and education or vocational training, including apprenticeships, skills and other job training at a recognised TAFE or tertiary institution.

Applications are open until 4 May 2026. For further information or to apply, visit
www.ncwq.org.au/bursaries

Union Q***r Collective
Guild Q***r Collective
Tutoring Queensland (VoRTCS)
- Brisbane Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Network