Sometimes students who are school captain or leader, or have other leadership experience, ask if this can be a benefit when applying to university. The answer is yes. There are lots of university benefits for school leaders, including bonus points, scholarships, study support, access to exclusive opportunities, and more. Here are some opportunities for school leaders we’ve found.
University of Sydney Future Leaders Scheme
Sydney’s Future Leaders Scheme allows school captains and dux students to apply for a degree with a lower ATAR requirement. In most cases, it means students can gain entry into a degree with 5 less points than would usually be required. Not all courses are eligible, so check that the list before applying.
Applications to the program are made at the same time as a student’s UAC application. Find out more.
Macquarie Leaders and Achievers
Leadership experience and academic performance could net you an early offer to university with Macquarie’s Leaders and Achievers Scheme. All students need is to provide Year 11 results and demonstrate leadership experience (such as school captaincy).
Applications aren’t open yet, but they should be opening soon. Find out more.
University of Newcastle Leaders, Athletes and Performers Scheme
Through this scheme, students can gain an extra 4 points towards their selection rank, plus receive extra support once they start university.
Applications for 2025 should be submitted before 31 October. Find out more.
Bond Adjustment Factors
Bond University offer adjustment factors for a wide variety of circumstances, and students can receive an extra 2 points for their leadership achievements. There are lots of other things they can earn bonus points for too, for a total of 5.
All students need to do is submit evidence of their achievements alongside their application to Bond. Find out more.
La Trobe Aspire Community Contribution
Through the Aspire Community Contribution Program, students can get an early offer based on your community and leadership experience (including if they’ve been a school captain or leader).
Applications aren’t open yet, but students can register their interest to be the first to find out when they open. Find out more.
UNSW Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) Program
UNSW’s EAPL program offers up to 5 bonus points to students who can demonstrate achievement in leadership and extra-curricular activities.
Applications for the EAPL Program should open later this year. Find out more.
UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship
One of the country’s most prestigious scholarship programs, this scholarship offers budding future leaders money for their studies, access to mentoring and leadership opportunities, and much more.
Applications for 2025 are open now, and they close on 31 May. Find out more.
UniSC Tim Fairfax Regional Scholarship
This scholarship awards school leaders relocating from a regional or remote areas financial support to study.
Applications for 2025 should open later in the year. Find out more.
Melbourne Principals’ Scholarship
Students can be rewarded for their contribution to the school community with a Melbourne Principals’ Scholarship. Principals are invited to nominate a candidate from their school.
Nominations usually open in August. Find out more.
Find out more
This is by no means a comprehensive list – if you’re interested in a particular university, contact their future students team and ask if there might be any programs or benefits for leaders.
We also have a database of scholarships and awards on our website here.