Deadline: April 22, 2026
The In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for women from migrant and multicultural backgrounds in Australia to access financial support, mentorship, and career development opportunities. This initiative is designed to empower emerging female leaders who are building impactful careers, businesses, and creative ventures.
Through the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026, selected scholars will receive funding, professional mentorship, and access to a network of industry leaders who can support their long-term professional development. The program recognises women who are making meaningful contributions to their industries and communities while striving to create positive change.
In 2026, five outstanding scholars will be selected to receive scholarships valued at $10,000 each, along with structured mentoring and leadership development opportunities that can accelerate their professional journeys.
About the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026
The In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 is delivered by the Australian Multicultural Foundation in partnership with the Carla Zampatti Foundation. The scholarship honours the legacy of the late Carla Zampatti, whose life and work championed diversity, creativity, and opportunities for women from culturally diverse backgrounds.
This program was established to celebrate and support women who are shaping industries, influencing culture, and driving innovation across different sectors. By providing financial assistance and mentorship, the initiative enables scholars to pursue ambitious goals, strengthen their leadership capacity, and expand their professional impact.
The scholarship also reflects a broader commitment to advancing inclusion and representation within Australia’s professional and creative sectors. Women from migrant and multicultural backgrounds often face barriers when accessing opportunities and networks. The program therefore focuses on removing these barriers and ensuring talented women have the resources needed to succeed.
Through funding, mentoring, and exposure to influential leaders, the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 aims to empower the next generation of female innovators and change-makers.
Scholarship Categories
In 2026, the program will award five scholarships across four distinct categories. Each category supports women working or aspiring to work in specific professional or creative sectors.
1. Fashion Entrepreneurship Prize
The Fashion Entrepreneurship Prize is designed for emerging fashion entrepreneurs who are developing or launching a fashion brand or business.
Recipients of this prize will receive $10,000 in funding, along with opportunities to showcase their work and gain exposure within the fashion industry.
Key features of the prize include:
- Participation in a runway showcase at the Kaleidoscope World of Fashion Festival in Perth
- Mentorship through BN Collective
- Access to networks and professional guidance from established figures in the fashion industry
This prize is ideal for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs who are building brands, exploring new fashion concepts, or looking to expand their presence in the fashion industry.
2. Creative Industries Prize
The Creative Industries Prize supports women who are pursuing careers or projects in creative fields such as media, design, art, film, music, writing, or other cultural industries.
The scholarship provides $10,000 in financial support, which can be used to develop a creative project, pursue professional training, or expand an existing creative initiative.
Recipients will also benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities that connect them with professionals across the creative sector. These connections can help participants gain industry insights, develop their creative portfolios, and increase visibility for their work.
The goal of this prize is to support women who are using creativity as a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural expression, and social impact.
3. Business Prize
The Business Prize is aimed at women who are building or scaling a business venture.
Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in economic growth and innovation, and this prize recognises the contributions of women who are developing impactful businesses.
The selected recipient will receive:
- $10,000 in funding to support business development
- 12 months of one-on-one mentorship from Wendy El-Khoury
- Strategic guidance on business growth, branding, and leadership
Mentorship from an experienced business leader provides valuable insights that can help entrepreneurs overcome challenges, strengthen business models, and scale their ventures more effectively.
This prize is particularly suited for women who are launching startups, expanding small businesses, or developing innovative business ideas.
4. Career Accelerator – Health & Allied Health
The Career Accelerator – Health & Allied Health category will award two scholarships, each valued at $10,000.
This category supports women pursuing careers in healthcare, allied health professions, and related fields. These sectors are essential to community wellbeing and offer numerous opportunities for leadership and innovation.
Recipients will participate in the Worldwide SHEroes 10-month mentoring program, which connects participants with experienced professionals who can provide guidance on career progression, leadership, and professional development.
The program helps scholars build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in healthcare careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Benefits of the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026
Successful applicants selected for the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 will gain access to a wide range of benefits designed to support both immediate goals and long-term professional development.
Key benefits include:
Financial Support
Each selected scholar will receive $10,000 in scholarship funding. This funding can be used to support projects, professional development, business expansion, or career advancement.
Mentorship
Scholars will receive 12 months of structured mentorship through BN Collective. Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping participants navigate their industries, build confidence, and make strategic career decisions.
Networking Opportunities
Participants will gain access to a strong network of industry professionals, mentors, and alumni. These connections can open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and future career opportunities.
Industry Recognition
Being selected for the scholarship provides national recognition and visibility. Scholars will be recognised as emerging leaders within their fields and may gain opportunities to showcase their work.
Alumni Community
Scholars will join the In Her Name alumni network, allowing them to stay connected with past recipients and mentors while continuing to grow professionally.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Applicants must identify as a woman, including transgender women and non-binary individuals.
- Applicants must have migrant or multicultural background experience in Australia.
- Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or humanitarian visa holders.
These criteria ensure that the scholarship supports women who are part of culturally diverse communities in Australia and who are committed to contributing positively to society.
Application Requirements
Applicants for the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 will need to prepare and submit several materials as part of the application process.
The key application components include:
Personal Statement
Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their journey, aspirations, and the impact they hope to create in their chosen field.
Project or Career Pitch
Applicants should explain how the scholarship funding will support their professional goals. This may include launching a project, expanding a business, pursuing training, or developing a creative initiative.
Supporting Materials
Applicants may also submit additional materials that showcase their work, achievements, or ideas. These materials help demonstrate the applicant’s passion, creativity, and potential for impact.
A strong application clearly communicates the applicant’s vision, leadership potential, and commitment to making meaningful contributions to their community or industry.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 is:
22 April 2026
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early to ensure a strong and complete submission.
Why the In Her Name Scholarship Program Matters
The In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 represents more than just financial support. It is a platform for recognising and empowering women who are shaping the future across multiple industries.
By investing in women from migrant and multicultural backgrounds, the program contributes to greater diversity, inclusion, and representation in professional and creative spaces.
The scholarship also honours the legacy of Carla Zampatti by continuing her vision of supporting women, celebrating cultural diversity, and fostering innovation.
Programs like this play a vital role in ensuring that talented women have access to the opportunities, resources, and networks needed to succeed.
Final Thoughts
The In Her Name Scholarship Program 2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for women to advance their careers, launch innovative ideas, and build lasting professional networks.
Whether you are a fashion entrepreneur, creative professional, business founder, or healthcare professional, this program provides the resources and mentorship needed to turn ambitious ideas into reality.
Women who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to gain funding, mentorship, and recognition for their work.
Application Links
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