Female students supported by Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) now have more accommodation options in Sydney, with CEF announcing a new partnership with Sancta Sophia College (Sancta).
Education partner: Sancta Sophia College
Scholarship type: Accommodation
Number of scholarships: 5
Scholarship value: $7000
Sancta is a residential college located on the grounds of the University of Sydney in Camperdown, NSW, and is a great option for those enrolled at The University of Sydney, Notre Dame and UTS who are seeking a vibrant and supportive environment as they undertake tertiary studies.
It's the first time Sancta has partnered with CEF, with up to five scholarships of $7,000 in fee relief on offer to eligible female undergraduate students for the 2025 academic year. Students who apply will also be considered for Sancta's privately donated scholarships for regional women, ranging in value from $10,000 to 100% fee remission.
Known as the Sancta-CEF Bursary, they will become part of CEF's national scholarship program, CEF Extra.
CEF Manager of Partnerships, Hilary Matchett, said the partnership will strengthen its suite of dedicated accommodation scholarships, providing regional women with another secure option for a place to live in Sydney.
With an emphasis on community engagement, this partnership will give female students wider access to a well-rounded college experience; one which is focused on a balance of academic, social, sporting and community activities.
– CEF Manager of Partnerships Hilary Matchett
"There is strong alignment between Sancta and CEF, especially in empowering young rural women to achieve their goals. We look forward to connecting Sancta with our volunteers, committees and networks in the first half of 2024 and working collaboratively to raise educational aspiration in regional young women."
Sancta Principal Fiona Hastings said the college focussed on providing a "home away from home," with over 60% of its undergraduate cohort being women from regional areas who have relocated for study.
"Partnering with CEF enables Sancta to activate local networks to support young women from country towns. More than just telling young women about these scholarship opportunities, CEF volunteers provide encouragement and provide practical support along the HSC-to-Uni journey. This type of personalised community support for young women is transformative," she said.
A Sancta Sophia College student reads near her room window.
Ms Hastings said Sancta was fully committed to addressing the current cost of living crisis for students studying in Sydney and establishing the Sancta-CEF Bursary was key to easing the pressure for regionally based students.
With all meals, utilities and rent covered in one fee, Sancta makes living in Sydney more manageable for young women who have not lived away from home before.
– Sancta Sophia College Principal Fiona Hastings
CEF alumnus Josie Kearney, a grant recipient of CEF Orange and District, lived at Sancta this year while studying in Sydney.
She said there were many benefits of living there and highly recommended it to future students.
"Sancta is conveniently located a short bus trip away from the centre of Sydney. The ease continued with meals provided in the dining hall, and this meant I could focus on day to day living and studying without worrying about expenses and preparing food. Sancta provided me with various pockets of friends and experiences I would not have found elsewhere," she said.
Country Education Foundation of Australia alumnus, Josie Kearney, seated at the head of the table, enjoys a meal with fellow students at Sancta Sophia College.
Any female student who receives support from a local CEF foundation and has an offer of place at Sancta in undergraduate accommodation in 2025 will be eligible to apply for a scholarship.
Information on how to apply for the Sancta - CEF Bursary will be provided in 2024.
