“Receiving a scholarship made a real difference to me. The support  didn’t  just ease financial pressure. It gave me time to focus, improved my wellbeing, and opened the door to an internship where I gained real, hands-on experience. That experience changed how I see myself, not just as a student, but as a future engineer.”
Scholarships are crucial for a significant number of our students, enabling them the opportunity to access transformative higher education, regardless of financial disadvantage or difficult personal circumstances.
Scholarships are also a gift of confidence-building, reminding recipients that others recognise their merit and value the contributions they’ll make in the future.
“My passion for Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering comes from wanting to be able to build accessible and affordable assistive technology. My goal both during and after completing my studies is to go into disability assistive technology and become an advocate for the disabled community.”
- Maddy, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Robotics and Mechatronics student
Right now, Maddy is in her third year at Swinburne, building the practical engineering skills she once only dreamed about.
Moving away from home wasn’t easy, and without the scholarship she received, Maddy doesn’t know if she would still be at university. It’s helped ease the financial pressures and has even given her the chance to take on an internship where Maddy has gained invaluable hands-on experience.
Maddy has lived with disability her whole life. She was born with Brachial Plexus Palsy (also referred to as Erb’s Palsy), affecting the use of her arm. But everything changed after a serious accident just 10 days after finishing high school.
Maddy broke her spine and had to relearn how to walk.
It was during that time, navigating hospitals, ramps, and spaces not designed for people like Maddy, that she realised something powerful…
Technology to support disabled people isn’t always designed by the people who truly understand it and it was this experience that cemented her desire to study Robotics and Mechatronics.
“It was when I was learning to walk again that it became apparent to me that disability access was designed by able-bodied people. I remember trying to push myself up a hospital ramp and thinking “Is this the hospital…or Mount Everest?”.
Walking up that same ramp for her 3-month follow up appointment, Maddy realised that while the best of intentions were there, the execution needed some work.
Maddy’s long-term dream is simple: to build technology that gives people independence and removes barriers they shouldn’t have to face.
There are many students who need the support that scholarships provide to truly thrive at Swinburne.
Scholarships provide vital support to students like Maddy, helping to reduce financial pressure and giving student’s the opportunity to fully embrace their Swinburne experience and achieve their goals.
Every donation goes directly towards supporting students, making a tangible impact where it is needed most. With 100% of your donation going directly to student support, you can make a meaningful difference in a student’s life.
You can make an immediate and transformative difference by donating to Swinburne’s Student Success.
To donate to another cause click here
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible within Australia.
For donations via Cheque or Direct Deposit refer to our Giving FAQs.
Get in touch
Contact Swinburne’s Philanthropy team to learn more about how your support can enable people and technology to come together for a better world. Call us on +61 3 9214 4409 or email giving@swinburne.edu.au.
