The Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship (Scholarship) has been established to encourage and support regional students in their studies at Curtin University. The Scholarship aims to reduce barriers to education and provide financial support for passionate regional students to pursue higher education and consider possible future employment with Southern Ports. The Scholarship further aims to make transformative difference to families and communities in the Western Australian regions. 

Developed by Southern Ports, the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship is named after its former Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steve Lewis. 

• Current Students

• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

• Undergraduate

• Students from regional or remote areas

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

• Need Based
• Merit Based

The Scholarship will provide the following support for up to a maximum of 4 years (based on a full-time study load of 100 credits per semester):

• A total value of up to $50,000 paid as a cash stipend of $6,250 per semester
• Possible paid vacation work or mentoring with Southern Ports, arranged directly between the scholarship recipient and Southern Port

The recipients can use the funding at their discretion to contribute towards education related expenses.

*Please note, students who commenced in 2026 Semester 1 will receive the full annual scholarship amount of up to $12,500; students who commenced in 2026 Semester 2 will receive their semester entitlement of up to $6,250.

Enrolled in the first year of any undergraduate award degrees in:

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
• Faculty of Business & Law

*Double-degrees will be considered, as long as one of the degree courses is within the above faculties

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to apply for the Scholarship:

• Domestic student (Australian Citizen or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holder)
• Have a course weighted average (CWA) of 50 (if applicable)
• Enrolled in a minimum of 75 credits in the first year of an eligible course in 2026 Semester 2
• Relocated from the South West, Great Southern or Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia to study at Curtin University
• Low socio-economic background and demonstrating financial hardship
• Provide evidence of accommodation-related expenses
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships that are from the same funding source and/or for the same purpose

Step 1: Access application form

• Application form can be accessed via the ‘My Studies’ tab in OASIS or via the ‘Apply Online’ button on the top right-hand side of this page
• Please note that this link will direct you to the general "Equity Scholarship Program" application form. Once you submit your application, you will then be considered for all equity scholarships that you are eligible for in this round.
• If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student and would like to be considered for all scholarships (equity and merit) available in this round, we recommend that you apply for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program here. Once you submit your application, you will then be considered for all scholarships that you are eligible for in this round.

Step 2: Complete

• Complete the application form online
• Application form can be saved at any point of the process
• Tips on how to complete your application can be found on the ‘Applying for scholarships’ link on the scholarships website

Step 3: Submit

• Closing date is listed at the top of the page and within the Scholarships Channel on OASIS
• Incomplete applications will not be assessed
• Once submitted, application status will change to submitted

Step 4: Receipt

• Application receipt will be sent to student email once application has been submitted

Step 5: Assessment

• Applications for the Scholarship will be assessed by an assessment panel using the following criteria:
  • Responses to questions in application form
  • Socioeconomic background and demonstrated financial hardship
  • Demonstrated passion/vision for their chosen course
  • Interview performance (for shortlisted applicants)

Step 6: Shortlist for Interview

• Shortlisted applicants will be sent an interview date and time via their student email approximately late August - early September
• Shortlisted applicants must be available for the designated interview time (early to mid September)

Step 7: Outcome

• Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their outcome via the Scholarship Channel (Student OASIS) within 7-8 weeks of the scholarship closing date

Step 8: Acceptance

• Successful applicants must accept the terms and conditions via the Scholarship Channel (Student OASIS) by the deadline

Please note:

• Scholarship will be awarded if there are applicants of sufficient merit

Recipients must meet all of the following:

• Remain enrolled in initial course of study
• Maintain a minimum study load of at least 75 credit points each study period at Curtin University
• Maintain a course weighted average (CWA) of at least 50 each study period
• Pass all units attempted
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships that are from the same funding source and/or for the same purpose

Scholarships Office

E: scholarships@curtin.edu.au

T: 1300 222 888

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

Application Advice

For further information about applying for scholarships including important dates and tips for preparing your application, utilise the resources available on the Applying for Scholarships webpage.