The first cohort of Snow Scholarship recipients have arrived at the University of Canberra in time for the start of Semester One.

As the campus fills with the hustle and bustle of thousands of University of Canberra students taking part in O-Week activities to mark the start of another academic year – a smaller cohort of just 18 students is finding their feet as the first recipients of a Snow Scholarship.

Coming to the University from across regional New South Wales and the ACT, each recipient has been chosen for their resilience, strength and commitment to positive change.

Selected from a pool of 246 initial Expressions of Interest, 95 students were invited to submit a video application. This was further whittled down to 31 interviewees, with just 18 students finally selected as the first Snow Scholars. Five of the inaugural recipients come from First Nations families, including Birra Gubba, Torres Strait Islander, Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage.

The program is the result of a 10-year commitment from Snow Foundation of over $20 million dollars, which will support 160 Snow Scholars over the decade.

“We are so proud to support and welcome this first cohort of Snow Scholars. They bring not only academic promise but resilience, heart, and a real sense of purpose.

They are a diverse group, excelling in sport, leading community initiatives and social justice conversations. It’s a privilege to get to know them and walk alongside them on this journey, “ Snow Foundation Chief Executive Officer Georgina Byron AM said.

The program is a uniquely supportive model. Scholars will receive wrap-around support throughout their studies, including financial support of up to $30,000 per year to assist with living costs, accommodation and travel, along with dedicated academic, personal and leadership support.

The group is already becoming fast friends, quickly bonding as they settle into a life away from their existing support networks, with many of the Scholars the first in their families to attend university.

“It’s given me a family away from home. The other 17 Scholars are amazing people who have similar values to me, including a passion and ambition for their studies,” Bachelor of Physiotherapy student Kaeleigh Peard said.

“It has given me a real sense of hope.”

The program is also providing a sense of optimism for life after graduation.

Growing up across the Central West and regional New South Wales, university wasn’t something that was always easily seen as a next step for Bachelor of Primary Education student Isabella Cole – but a school-based apprenticeship working as a School Learning Support Officer during high school sparked the desire to further her studies.

“Hopefully in my future, I’ll be able to go back home and work in regional schools. I’m also keen to go and work across the Northern Territory in remote schools. I just really want to give back to the community.”

Applications for 2027 will open soon.