The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) is proud to announce a new accommodation partnership with Wesley College, one of the University of Sydney’s oldest co-residential colleges.
From 2026, the Wesley College–CEF Scholarship will provide $15,000 per year (for up to two years) to support CEF students relocating to Sydney to study.
This new partnership will ease the financial and emotional pressures of moving away from home by providing a safe, inclusive and empowering residential community. Each year, one new scholarship will be awarded, building to two scholarships per year in 2027 and 2028.
To be eligible, students must receive a local CEF grant, have applied and been offered a place at Wesley College. Scholarships will be applied as a credit towards accommodation fees, reducing one of the biggest barriers rural and regional students face when pursuing higher education in the city.
”For so many young people in rural and regional communities, the cost of accommodation in metropolitan areas can be a major hurdle to pursuing further education. This partnership with Wesley College helps break down one of the biggest barriers they face.
Wendy MasonCEO | Country Education Foundation
Through this partnership, we are not only supporting students financially, but also ensuring they have a welcoming and supportive place to call home while they pursue their studies.
Wendy Mason, CEF CEO, said the partnership is a vital step in breaking down barriers to higher education for young people from rural and regional Australia.
Lisa Sutherland, Master of Wesley College, said the College is proud to play its part in improving access to the college community for regional students.
”Wesley has a long tradition of welcoming students from all over Australia, and we are especially proud to be expanding opportunities for those from regional and rural backgrounds. This year Wesley supports 29 students from rural and regional areas with our 107 first year students coming from 77 different schools.
Lisa SutherlandMaster of Wesley College
Through this partnership with CEF, we can provide financial relief and an inclusive community that allows students to thrive both academically and personally. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these scholarships will have on our College and beyond.
Wesley College offers students a supportive environment where academic, social and personal growth is nurtured. With 275 residents, the College provides a close-knit community that helps students thrive during their transition to university life.
The impact of this partnership is supported by CEF students and alumni currently residing at Wesley College, such as Sea McManus, Bachelor of International Relations/Bachelor of Arts student at The University of Sydney.
This partnership highlights the shared commitment of CEF and Wesley College to ensure young people from regional Australia have equal opportunities to achieve their post-school ambitions.
”Under the guidance of our Master, Lisa Sutherland, Wesley College is a welcoming, dynamic and inspiring community. It is the perfect place for regional students to transition from regional to city life. Wesley has been a transformative and life changing experience for me. With a large student population from regional backgrounds and diverse cultural, sporting, musical and social opportunities, Wesley College has provided me with a strong support network and a place where I truly belong.
Sea McManusBachelor of International Relations/Bachelor of Arts | University of Sydney
