The Sliding Doors Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that awards financial scholarships to support young people who face economic and social disadvantage and who demonstrate potential in academics, leadership, empathy, and drive and ambition.

Scholarships are designed to reduce barriers, open pathways, and support long-term development and leadership potential.

• Applicants aged up to 25 years

• Students entering or currently in secondary school (Years 7 to 12)

• Individuals pursuing university, TAFE, vocational education, apprenticeships, internships or traineeships

• Applicants pursuing postgraduate study where entering the workforce mandates this qualification

• School-Based Scholarships for students in Years 7 to 12

• Tertiary Scholarships for university, TAFE and accredited tertiary pathways

• Skilled Trades Scholarships for recognised apprenticeships

• Internships and Traineeships supporting structured workplace pathways

• Applications are submitted through the Sliding Doors Foundation online application form

• For school-based scholarships, applications are typically completed by a school representative in collaboration with the applicant and their parent or caregiver

• If a school representative is unavailable, the applicant may complete the application with support from a parent or caregiver

• For all other scholarship types, applicants submit their application directly

• Applications may be submitted by a parent or caregiver, school representative, or third party, with the knowledge and permission of both the applicant and their parent or caregiver

• All applications must be completed accurately and include sufficient information to support assessment

• For applicants under 18, parent or caregiver consent is required

• Parent or caregiver support is encouraged when completing the application, where applicable

• Please provide information that supports assessment across all five selection criteria

• This may include academic reports, grade summaries, or evidence of progress

• Supporting letters from teachers, mentors, community leaders or school representatives

• Information outlining personal circumstances, including social or financial challenges

• Evidence of leadership, community involvement, volunteering or participation in programs

• Financial documentation where applicable, such as statements, invoices, or supporting letters

• Evidence should clearly reflect the applicant’s circumstances, achievements, and potential

Yes please. Financial information is required to assess economic disadvantage. As part of the application process, this is collected through a separate confidential form to protect your privacy.

• This information must be provided by a parent or caregiver if the applicant is under 18

• If the applicant is 18 or over, they are obligated to provide this information themselves

• If the applicant lives with a parent or caregiver, financial information should reflect the combined household income

Applications are assessed using the Sliding Doors Foundation Selection Criteria. Each application is scored across the following:

1. Social Disadvantage (20%)

2. Economic Disadvantage (25%)

3. Academic Potential (25%)

4. Leadership and Empathy Potential (15%)

5. Drive and Ambition (15%)

Each criterion is weighted and scored from one to five based on the evidence provided.

The combined weighted score supports the final recommendation.

• Assessors assign a score from one to five for each selection criterion

• Each score is multiplied by the relevant weighting

• The combined total produces a final weighted score out of 500

• This score supports the recommendation made to the Board

• All applications are reviewed by a Sliding Doors Foundation Assessor

• The Foundation partners with schools, universities and other institutions to support the application process

• In some cases, partner institutions may operate their own application or assessment processes

• Where this occurs, these processes are aligned to the Foundation’s selection criteria and requirements

• All final decisions remain subject to Sliding Doors Foundation Board approval

• Interviews are required for tertiary, vocational, internship and traineeship applications

• These may be conducted in person or virtually

• Partner schools or institutions may also conduct their own interviews as part of their internal processes

• School-based applications do not require a formal interview under the Foundation’s policy

This depends on the scholarship pathway.

Scholarships may cover all or part of a study or training period.

Our Scholarship Guidelines are reviewed annually, and continuation is subject to the ongoing requirements outlined below.

Scholarship funding varies depending on the scholarship pathway:

• School-Based Scholarships may support school fees within capped limits.

• Tertiary Scholarships provide a fixed annual amount to support cost-of-living expenses.

For specific funding amounts, please contact us at enquiries@slidingdf.com. Funding levels are reviewed annually and may be adjusted in line with program requirements.

All scholarship funds are paid directly to the relevant school, university, training provider or host organisation.

Please note, funds are not able to be paid directly to applicants in line with the Foundation’s governance and legal requirements.

• Scholarships may cover all or part of the study or training period

• Duration is determined by the Sliding Doors Foundation Board

Yes, we are very invested in the development and success of our scholarship recipients.

• All scholarship recipients are required to provide annual reporting.

• For school-based scholarships, reporting is typically provided through the school.

• For applicants over 18, reporting is to be provided directly by the recipient.

• Reports include academic or training progress, engagement, and any changes in circumstances.

The Board may adjust, suspend or withdraw a scholarship if concerns arise regarding performance, conduct or use of funds.

• Applicants may be identified through partnerships with schools, universities and training providers

• Applications may also be received through public outreach, digital marketing and community engagement

• All scholarship decisions are made by the Sliding Doors Foundation Board

• Recommendations are provided by Assessors and, where applicable, partner institutions

• The Board may approve, modify, defer or decline any application

• If an application is not successful, applicants are welcome to seek feedback or reapply in future rounds where appropriate

The Sliding Doors Foundation is committed to supporting young people beyond financial assistance alone.

Scholarship recipients may have opportunities to stay involved through:

• Mentoring opportunities

• Networking events

• Professional development opportunities

• Foundation events

• Social media features

• Impact stories

• Video updates where appropriate

These opportunities are designed to help recipients build confidence, connections, and professional pathways, while also helping demonstrate the impact of the scholarship program to supporters and the wider community.

Participation is always optional and approached respectfully in line with privacy, consent, and safeguarding requirements.

For applicants under 18, the Foundation works closely with parents or caregivers and remains committed to child safety, online safety, and protecting the privacy and wellbeing of young people.

If you have any questions or need support completing your application, please contact enquiries@slidingdf.com

Our team may also contact you directly to help guide you through the process if needed.