AFUW Victoria is a not for profit organisation, founded in 1920 and affiliated with the Australian Federation of Graduate Women and the International Federation of University Women.
The current scholarship program offers scholarships to women enrolled in universities in Victoria, women who have experienced disadvantage in the pursuit of their studies. These include awards specifically for Indigenous women. Disadvantage is defined broadly and may include low income, family responsibilities, geographical isolation, disability, English as a second language and migrant or refugee status. Since 1931, the scholarships have enabled 196 women to continue their university courses and go on to contribute to society through their research and professional activities. This year scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 were awarded to 13 students. Experience is that relatively small sums of money can make a big difference to students. As one of the winners of a $2000 scholarship said, “You might as well have given me a million dollars.”