University of Melbourne students will have greater access to support scholarships to study business with the launch of the Melbourne Foundation for Business and Economics.


Created to raise funds in support of scholarships and access programs, the Melbourne Foundation aims to ensure that the most talented students will gain the best possible education regardless of geography, financial hardship or community.

 

Professor Margaret Abernethy, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, said the Melbourne Foundation would support the Faculty’s key strategic directions.  “It provides the necessary support for the Faculty of Business and Economics to innovate and excel in an increasingly competitive marketplace,“ she said.

 

“Philanthropic support increases our capacity to attract talented staff and students, and conduct programs that make vital contributions to education, knowledge and society.”

 

”The support of donors is vital, as they will play a critical role in maintaining the Faculty’s stature as a global leader in undergraduate and graduate business and economics education.”

 

“The Melbourne Foundation for Business and Economics opens up communication with existing and future donors and creates greater involvement and ownership in the future success of the Faculty,” said Professor Abernethy.

 

Several new scholarships and bursaries have been introduced as a result of recent donations, including:


First in the Family scholarships, awarded for the first time in 2011 to six students who are the first in their family to attend university


The Commerce Opportunity Bursary was awarded for the first time in 2010, to two students each year with financial or other hardships


Copland Scholars Program offers a scholarship and leadership opportunities to high achieving students. The first group of 15 students commenced in 2011.