The Opel Collective Scholarship (Scholarship) has been developed to support and encourage Curtin University dedicated practitioners to deepen their knowledge and skills in communication and positive behaviour support within the disability sector.

Established by Susan Peden, Managing Director of Opel & Associates and a leader with over 30 years’ experience in the disability and human services industry, the Scholarship reflects her commitment to strengthening the local WA disability workforce.

By supporting individuals to lead the development of systems that prioritise inclusion and well-being, this scholarship encourages lasting sector-wide impact. With a focus on practical application and system-level change, recipients will be empowered to drive meaningful progress across a rapidly evolving landscape.

• Future Students

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Postgraduate coursework

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

• Merit Based

The Scholarship will provide the following support for up to one year:

• A cash stipend of $5,000 per semester. A total value of up to $10,000.

The amount can be used at the recipient's discretion towards educational and travel related expenses

• Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
• Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs

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

• Domestic student (Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, Permanent Humanitarian visa)
• Receive an offer for and enrol in a minimum of 50 credit points, in an eligible course at Curtin Perth in semester 1, 2027.
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships that are from the same funding source and/or for the same purpose

Step 1: Access online application form

• Applications are to be submitted using the online application form. Access the form by clicking on the ‘Apply Online’ button on the top right-hand side of this page
• Please create a new scholarship account so you can lodge your scholarship application as a future student.
  • If you already have your Curtin student ID with your previous course or with your course offer, please do not use your Curtin student ID for this scholarship application.
• If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student and would like to be considered for all other scholarships (equity and merit scholarships) available in this round, we recommend that you apply for the "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program".

Step 2: Complete

• Complete the application form online
• Application form can be saved at any point of the process
• Multiple scholarships can be applied for at one time
• Tips on how to complete your application can be found under the Applying for scholarships link on the scholarships website

Step 3: Submit

• Closing date is listed at the top of the page
• Incomplete applications will not be assessed
• Once submitted, application status will change to submitted

Step 4: Receipt

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

Step 5: Assessment

• Applications will be assessed by an assessment panel using the following criteria:
  • Receipt of an offer of a place into an eligible degree at Curtin University in 2027
  • Responses to questions in application form
  • Non-Academic achievements (extra-curricular and leadership)
  • Passion for course / vision for career
  • Demonstrated Community Service

Step 6: Outcome

• Outcome will be sent via the email address listed through your direct Curtin course application after main round course offers (all successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified)

Step 7: Acceptance

• Successful applicants must return acceptance documents by the deadline specified in the terms and conditions
• Deferral of this scholarship is not permitted.

Please note:

• Scholarship will be awarded if there are applicants of sufficient merit
• Scholarship is not transferable to another major, course or university

• Remain enrolled in initial course of study
• Maintain a full time study load of at least 50 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 each study period
• Not be in receipt of any other scholarship 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

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.