More than one in three students rely on financial assistance to train at The School. Scholarships and bursaries ensure that exceptional talent can thrive, regardless of background, postcode, or family circumstances.
Your support fosters a diverse cohort of young artists who will contribute richly to Australia’s cultural landscape. You help ensure that the next great dancer may come from any community, anywhere in the country.
To learn more or discuss how you can support our students and their families, please contact our Development team on (03) 9669 2854 or email development@australianballetschool.com.au
The Gina Macpherson Memorial Scholarship
The Gina McPherson Memorial Scholarship supports one male and one female student to attend The Australian Ballet School from Level 4 through to Level 8. The scholarship covers tuition fees, boarding house fees and uniform costs, helping talented young dancers pursue their training regardless of financial circumstances. Recipients must be permanent residents of Australia and are selected by the Artistic Director and Head of School based on their potential and suitability for the award.
The Laurie Cowled Regional Scholarship
The Laurie Cowled Regional Scholarship supports talented female students from regional areas of Australia (with a preference for regional QLD) to undertake full-time training at The Australian Ballet School. Awarded at the discretion of the Director, the scholarship assists students who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise and who would benefit from financial support, helping to remove barriers to accessing elite ballet training.
The Elizabeth McDonald Memorial Scholarship
The Elizabeth McDonald Memorial Scholarship was established by Elizabeth’s family in memory of a talented Australian Ballet School student whose training was tragically cut short before completion. Awarded at the discretion of the Artistic Director, the scholarship supports promising students in their pursuit of professional ballet training.
Those wishing to honour Elizabeth’s legacy and contribute to future generations of dancers are invited to support the Elizabeth McDonald Memorial Scholarship by contacting the Development team.
“In 1988 we started at the ABS in our first year, 20 young excited ballet students from all over Australia. Elizabeth was a beautiful bright soul from Newcastle, who would light up the studio with her smile and laughter. I remember she would make us all laugh while we warmed up, she knew how to find the fun in all things. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to meet Elizabeth and start our adventure together. Her tragic loss brought all of us in 1st year so much closer and friendships forged have lasted. Elizabeth’s friendship and memory is something I hold close to this day.” Gabby Davidson
