Variety Heart Scholarships
Variety Heart Scholarships support Victorian children with a demonstrated talent who are living with a disability, chronic illness, or financial hardship, to reach the next stage of development.
Applications for 2025 scholarships are now closed.
Sports Scholarships
Sports scholarships support talent in areas such as, but not limited to:
Physical sports including ball sports, athletics, cycling, gymnastics, swimming and martial arts
Motor sports including cars, bikes and boats
Animal assisted including equestrian and canine
Mind sports including board games, card games and e-sports
Arts Scholarships
Arts scholarships support talent in areas such as, but not limited to:
Visual Arts including ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, filmmaking and game design/ coding
Performing Arts including dance, music and theatre
Literary Arts including fiction, drama, poetry and prose
Jack Eadon Equestrian Scholarship
The Jack Eadon Equestrian Variety Heart Scholarship is designed to help fund the costs of competing in equestrian events, including the funding of equipment, training, and travel.
This scholarship recognises and honours the success, talent, and impact of Jack Eadon in the equestrian community. As well as his equestrian achievements, Jack was known for his generosity and described as a true gentleman and a role model to riders of all ages.
Who can apply?
Variety Heart Scholarships are available to support children with a demonstrated talent who are living with a disability, chronic illness, or financial hardship.
To apply for a Variety Heart Scholarship, applicants must be residents of Victoria and fall within the age range of 8 to 17 years old. Each applicant is eligible to hold only one scholarship within a 12-month period. Additionally, applicants are required to showcase a demonstrated talent that has been cultivated and refined over time, which should be attested by a professional in the respective field of talent.
Scholarship applications can be made under two specific funding categories: financial hardship or disability/chronic illness. We encourage young individuals with exceptional abilities and talents to seize this opportunity and apply for the scholarship that aligns with their unique aspirations and circumstances. We are dedicated to recognising and supporting the potential of these promising applicants and assisting them in achieving their dreams.
How does it work?
Application
Applications are submitted through an online form and must meet eligibility criteria and provide all relevant documentation as outlined in the Variety Heart Scholarship guidelines.
Assessment
Applications are reviewed by the Kids Support department, and eligible submissions are assessed by the Kids Support Grants Committee. Approved applications are submitted to the Variety Board for ratification.
Outcome
Outcome letters are emailed to applicants within 10 weeks of each grant round closing. Variety Heart Scholarships are awarded to successful applicants for the advertised calendar year.
Please note that scholarship applications are only open from September to November and will be granted for the following calendar year.
Past Recipients
VHS 2004
Dylan Alcott
Multiple gold medal winner, disability advocacy trailblazer and 2022 Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott OAM was awarded a Variety Heart Scholarship as an up-and-coming athlete.
VHS 2011
Nick Hum
In 2011, Nick Hum was awarded the Variety Young Sports Achiever award. Since then, Nick has achieved numerous milestones that have solidified his position as a true sports champion.
VHS 2019 - 2022
Jack Howell
Jack received our Variety Heart Scholarship from 2019 to 2022 and became a Variety Ambassador in 2023. In 2024, he made his Paralympics debut in Paris, finishing an impressive 7th. We’ve been thrilled to see him continually excel in his triathlon achievements!
VHS 2022 - current
Charlee Lang
Gymnastics has given 15-year-old Charlee the ability to compete in an inclusive environment and make new friends, all while increasing her confidence and developing her motor skills. Charlee was awarded the 2023 Variety Young Sports Achiever.
Educational Scholarships are also available to children who are experiencing disadvantage and require financial support for basic educational needs.
