Scholarship Opportunities

The Illawarra Connection has emerged as a pivotal force in shaping the future leaders of the Illawarra region by offering invaluable scholarship opportunities to its members.

Since its inception, The Illawarra Connection has recognised the immense potential and talent within the local community and has taken proactive steps to foster the growth and development of aspiring leaders.

Through our scholarship programs, we have not only provided financial support but have also offered a platform for networking, mentorship and personal growth. By investing in the education and advancement of our members, The Illawarra Connection has paved the way for a new generation of skilled, motivated, and visionary leaders who are poised to make a lasting impact on the Illawarra’s future.

We currently have two scholarship opportunities available to our members:

Sydney Business School - Graduate Certificate Degree

Since 2001, the University of Wollongong and its Sydney Business School have been offering scholarships to local business individuals to pursue an MBA or another approved qualification.

This year, the Sydney Business School is granting two fully funded scholarships, covering the full tuition fees, for a Graduate Certificate Degree to financial members of The Illawarra Connection or a member of their staff.

A Graduate Certificate is an independent qualification that consists of four subjects focusing on specific areas such as Marketing, HRM, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, or broader business areas like Business Administration. Successfully completing a Graduate Certificate allows you to count these four subjects towards your Master's degree. 

If your aspiration is to pursue higher education, we encourage you to apply and kickstart your studies in 2024.

Applications for these scholarships are available to financial members of The Illawarra Connection only and will be accepted from 1 October 2023 to 15 November 2023. The recipients of the scholarships will be announced at our black tie dinner on 5 December.

Leadership Illawarra Program

Since 2014, The Leadership Illawarra Program initiative has been making a significant impact on the Illawarra region.

This experiential program, a partnership between Regional Development Australia, the University of Wollongong Sydney Business School and The Illawarra Connection, is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in our community. Through a comprehensive two-year journey, participants gain invaluable knowledge, skills, and experiences that enable them to make a positive difference both in their organisations and the Illawarra region as a whole.

The program equips participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive as leaders. By fostering collaboration, providing mentorship, and encouraging self-exploration, the program empowers participants to make a positive impact throughout their career.

Applications for scholarships are available to financial members of The Illawarra Connection and members of their staff only and will be accepted in 2024.