Apply for a scholarship

Pinnacle Foundation scholarship applications for study commencing in 2025 are now closed. Applications for Pinnacle Foundation scholarships commencing in 2026 will open on 1 July 2025 and close on 31 August 2025.

We provide educational scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to realise their full potential. Scholarships are awarded for fulltime study at public institutions of higher education in Australia, for the purpose of gaining an educational or vocational qualification in any profession, trade or the arts.

Scholarships are open to young LGBTQIA+ Australians who meet the criteria detailed below:

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration for a Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship, you must meet every one of the following eligibility criteria:

Australian citizen or permanent resident (proof required during application stage)

At least 18 years of age and younger than 27 years of age on 20 January in each year for which the scholarship is sought

Have achieved good or reasonable scholastic results given your circumstances

Will be undertaking fulltime studies at a public tertiary institution (including TAFE or university)

Identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community

Selection

Eligible applicants will be assessed for a scholarship by the Selection Committee and State/Territory Committees based on the following selection criteria:

Have faced, and attempted to overcome, challenges because of your identity and/or sexual orientation and/or sexual characteristics

Have personal or social circumstances which may hinder completion of your education. Personal and social circumstances may include whether you are first in family to attend a tertiary institution, identify as being from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, are culturally and linguistically diverse, have a disability, have been in foster care, have been homeless, or were raised or live(d) in a regional, rural or remote area of Australia

Can demonstrate sufficient motivation to complete a course or the remaining years of a course (as the case may be) of fulltime study and demonstrate an understanding of the rigors of academic life

Are clear about where your studies may take your career; and

Are proud to be a part of a diverse Australian community, including with respect to gender identity, sexual orientation and sexual characteristics

DESIRABLE SCHOLAR ATTRIBUTES

Scholarship applicants demonstrating the following attributes will be preferred:

Self-awareness, courage and determination

Problem solving capacity and initiative

Social and political awareness

Involved in extra-curricular activities including, but not limited to, causes related to the LGBTQIA+ community, politics, sport, music, a trade and/or the arts.

Pinnacle Foundation Scholarships

The Pinnacle Foundation scholarships awarded to students in their first year as a Pinnacle scholar are valued at $8,400.

Pinnacle scholarships awarded to returning scholars are valued at $6,300.

Multi–Year Scholarships

Scholarships may be granted on a multi-year basis, subject to the scholar continuing to satisfy the eligibility and selection criteria, and demonstrating an excellent attendance record, acceptable academic performance, a positive mentor review, and having made a positive contribution to the Pinnacle family.