Melbourne discovery scholarship fund

Each year, thousands of regional Victorian students travel to Melbourne on school camp, many for the very first time. For some, it’s a life-changing experience filled with discovery and unforgettable moments. For others, financial constraints mean they experience Melbourne from the outside looking in.

As school camp costs continue to rise, accommodation, transport and meals consume the majority of school budgets. Urban Camp data now shows that more than 60% of schools staying with us choose primarily free attractions, leaving many students unable to experience some of Melbourne’s most inspiring educational destinations.

The Melbourne Discovery Scholarship Fund exists to change that.

Opening Melbourne’s Doors

The scholarship fund helps regional and financially disadvantaged school groups access educational experiences that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

Scholarships can assist with entry to curriculum-linked attractions including:

• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

• Scienceworks

• Melbourne Skydeck

• O'Brien Icehouse

• Old Melbourne Gaol

• Other educational and cultural attractions across Melbourne

Every dollar donated goes directly towards student entry fees.

Why it matters

Imagine travelling hundreds of kilometres to Melbourne. You travel past the Aquarium on the tram. You walk beneath the Melbourne Skydeck and see it shining in the sun. You pass the Old Melbourne Gaol on the bus. But your school cannot afford to go inside. This is the reality for many regional and rural students.

For many students, a Melbourne camp is their first opportunity to explore Victoria's capital city. The Melbourne Discovery Scholarship Fund ensures that financial circumstances don't determine which educational experiences they can access.

Proven Impact

Last year, scholarship funding enabled 177 students from seven regional school groups to experience SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.

Teachers told us the experience gave students opportunities that simply would not have been possible within their school budgets.

As financial pressures continue to grow, demand for scholarship support continues to increase.

What your support makes possible

Last year, a $5,000 scholarship enabled 177 students to visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.

A contribution to the Melbourne Discovery Scholarship Fund helps more students access curriculum-linked educational experiences that would otherwise be beyond their school's budget.

Whether your donation supports one student or an entire school group, every dollar goes directly towards educational attraction entry fees.

Help every child discover Melbourne

Every child deserves the opportunity to experience Melbourne's museums, science centres, cultural attractions and unique learning experiences.

By supporting the Melbourne Discovery Scholarship Fund, you're helping regional students experience Melbourne as participants, not spectators.

Donate today and help open Melbourne's doors to the next generation of explorers.