The University of Newcastle offers a wide variety of scholarships which can provide students with anything from a bit of extra financial support, right up to once in a lifetime opportunities for education.

Born from the desire to build and inspire the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders, the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program is one of the University’s most beneficial and transformative programs offered to students who want to create positive and lasting change in the world.

The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program was founded through a philanthropic endeavour to honour the life changing and enduring friendship between successful Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma and respected Novocastrian Ken Morley. The program aims to inspire, educate and cultivate University of Newcastle students in becoming a part of the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders.

The revolutionary scholarship program brings together students from all colleges within the University who hold and display within their lives the core values of peace, demilitarisation and cultural respect, equity and justice for all, ethical rights for workers and environmental sustainability.

Those lucky enough to be awarded the scholarship receive the opportunity to partake in a powerful immersion experience!

Cooper Ivory, a 2023 Ma & Morley Scholar, recently travelled to China on the 12-day cultural immersion to connect with the origins of the Program, each other and gain an insight into life in China. He commented on how his preconceived ideas of China were transformed on the immersion:

“This trip has allowed me to experience Chinese culture firsthand, and I’ve found it’s very different to how our media portrays Chinese culture… I appreciate the opportunity to experience that. I’ll take these experiences home and continue to form my own opinion on things and hopefully influence others to go out and do the same thing.”

All socially-conscious University of Newcastle students with a desire to make a difference within their community and on an international scale are encouraged to apply.

Another 2023 Ma & Morley Scholar, Charlee Marshall, reflected on the lasting impact of such cultural experiences:

“Empathy and openness are extremely important when exploring other cultures – it’s what creates change and drives people to make a difference in the world. Understanding why someone sees something in a certain way and perhaps different to how I see it is really interesting and, important in developing my social and cultural awareness.”

The scholarship program is open to both first-year and returning students. Apply now.

Our top piece of advice for students thinking of applying is simple. Be yourself, make sure your application is a true reflection of you and your values. Make sure you have all the relevant documentation ready early and get someone to read over it. The best part is, this is not a test of your academic ability, but a chance to demonstrate that you align to the values.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there as you never know where it may take you!