Mentor Support Network (MSN) has announced its application timetable for its popular 2026 Educational Scholarships Program with the application window opening at the beginning of Term 3 this year.
Chair of the Scholarships Sub-committee, Helen Doust, said nearly 50 scholarships have been offered in each of the past two years to students experiencing financial disadvantage or other socio-economic challenges.
“We are expecting to offer a similar number of scholarships for 2026. We have also recently announced a two-stage extension of the program which will be introduced in late 2025,” said Helen.
MSN is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation that assists young students experiencing significant socio-economic difficulties or family challenges. Each scholarship is valued at up to $2000 and is available to students in Hunter Region high schools or vocational colleges (TAFE students may also apply) who are entering senior studies in Year 11 in 2026.
The timetable for the 2026 Educational Scholarship program is:
| Date | Event | Note |
| July 2025 | Scholarship Applications Open | First week Term 3 – 2 July, 2025 |
| Sept 2025 | Applications Close (no extensions) | Last day Term 3 – 26 Sept, 2025 |
| Oct 2025 | Applications reviewed and short listed for interview | |
| Oct 2025 | Students contacted re: outcome of application process. Successful students invited for interview | |
| Oct 2025 | Interviews. Time, venue & format to be advised | Week 2 Term 4 – 20, 21, 22Oct |
| Nov 2025 | Students contacted re: interview outcome – early Nov) | |
| Dec 2025 | Scholarships operational for 2026 academic year | |
| May 2026 | Presentation Ceremony – all successful students required to attend (tentative date – 5 May 2026) | Newcastle Harness Racing Club, Broadmeadow |
Helen said MSN will contact regional high schools and education institutions to promote the 2026 Educational Scholarship program and that initial feedback had been encouraging.
“We work closely with regional high schools and education institutions as our scholarships are designed to assist eligible students who must be 15 years of age entering Year 11 studies in 2026,” added Helen.
“We also have TAFE students and students from independent colleges apply for scholarships which are granted to those applicants who demonstrate the drive and determination to achieve educational goals, despite experiencing financial need.
“The scholarships are not necessarily awarded because of academic achievement, but rather because of a student’s demonstrated desire to succeed.
“The overall goal of the scholarship program is to assist disadvantaged young people stay in senior years at high school or vocational training and reach their education and career goals potential.”
Applicants mustbe nominated by a school/college/organisation representative and must include an individual letter of reference from the supporting person.
Helen said the recently announced extension of MSN’s scholarship program will start in late 2025.
She said MSN was introducing a Senior Educational Scholarship for current scholarship holders who will enter Year 12 in 2026 and a Tertiary Scholarship for those students undertaking tertiary studies in 2027.
“The scholarships are each valued at $500 and MSN will invite existing Year 11 scholarship holders to apply in late 2025 for a Senior Educational Scholarship. They must meet nominated criteria in continuing to perform well in their studies. Criteria for the Tertiary Scholarships will be announced next year,” said Helen.