NCWQ Bursary Program
About the Bursary Program
In conjunction with our Bursary partners, bursaries are awarded annually across a wide range of categories.
Established in 1905, the National Council of Women of Queensland Inc. (NCWQ) continues to represent the voice of thousands of women through its affiliated organisations and individual membership.
The bursary program, since its commencement in 2009, indicates the strong commitment of NCWQ to equality of opportunity for all women, especially in offering assistance to Queensland female students as they pursue their chosen pathway of study.
The 2025 program included 38 bursaries with a combined total value of more than $50,000.
Subscribe to the NCWQ newsletter to receive news of the 2026 bursary, and other NCWQ activities.
FAQs
What is an NCWQ bursary?
NCWQ Bursaries are awarded to the successful Queensland female student applicants for one of the range of bursaries on offer each year.
The Bursary program, through NCWQ and its sponsors, offers a range of bursaries, to assist Queensland women with their educational expenses. Most bursaries are valued between $1,500 to $2,000 each.
The Bursary Listing details the specific criteria for each bursary on offer.
Since the Bursary Program commenced in 2009, over 200 bursaries have been offered
What is the timeline for the 2026 Bursary Program?
The timeline for the 2025 bursary program is:
Saturday 21 March 2026 – Applications open.
Monday 2 June – Applications close. Applications submitted or post-marked after that date will not be considered.
Bursary presentation – TBC
Can I apply for a 2026 Bursary?
Once the application period opens, you can apply for one or more Bursary. Applications can be made online. The list of available bursaries will help you determine what you may be eligible for.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for a bursary?
Each bursary has its own criteria. To find out more about the specific criteria, contact the Bursary Program Coordinator, Kathy Cavanagh, on 0407 117 378 or bursaries@ncwq.org.au
Full details of each of the bursaries on offer in 2025
What if I can't submit my application online?
We understand that it may not be possible to submit your application using our online Bursary Application process. In special circumstances, we do offer a hard copy / printed version of the application for you to submit. Please contact our Bursary Program Manager, Kathy Cavanagh Ph: 0407 117 378 or Email: bursaries@ncwq.org.au to discuss your options.
Can we sponsor a bursary?
We always welcome bursary partners.
Please contact our Bursaries Manager, Kathy Cavanagh Ph: 0407 117 378 or Email: bursaries@ncwq.org.au
Interested in being on the team to assist with the selection process?
If you are interested in being involved in the selection process of bursary recipients, please consider joining Team Bursary.
With several long-time members stepping back after this year, we are looking to welcome new participants to Team Bursary. For most, the busy time is June, but for full details, please contact:
Kathy Cavanagh AM
Bursary Program Manager
bursaries@ncwq.org.au or Ph 0407 117 378
General Eligibility Criteria
Each bursary has its own criteria. To find out more about the specific criteria, please see the Available Bursaries.
- A Female Student studying full-time
- A resident of Queensland or identify as a Queenslander
- An Australian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Australia
- Plus, Bursary specific
How To Apply
Applications are submitted online.
- Review the Available Bursaries to determine what Bursary you would like to apply for. Please note: You may apply for more than one bursary if you meet the relevant criteria.
- Determine your eligibility. Click on the selected Bursary to review the criteria, then follow the the link to complete you eligibility test.
- Have your Selection Criteria information ready. Gather all your supporting information and documentation.
- Complete the Online Application. All applications are to be submitted online by the Close Date, however if this is not possible, please contact us directly.
Previous Bursary Recipients
Bursary News

2024 Bursary Presentation
Report from NCWQ Bursary Program Manager, Kathy Cavanagh AM The idea of the NCWQ Bursary Program was conceived in 2009 by two members of the then Management Committee – Noela

NCWQ 2023 Bursary Presentation
The NCWQ 2023 Bursary Presentation was held on Saturday 16 September at The Women’s College, The University of Queensland. Download the Yearbook.

2023 Bursary Program – Launching 17 April
Applications for the NCWQ 2023 Bursary Program open on Monday 17 April, with more than 30 bursaries on offer. For female students living in Queensland, bursaries range from secondary school

Thank you to our generous Bursary Program Sponsors
Kathy Cavanagh AM
NCWQ Bursary Program Manager
Bursary Enquiries
We welcome enquiries from potential bursary partners and bursary applicants. Please contact the NCWQ Bursary Program Manager, Kathy Cavanagh AM.





