Lilly Murphy Memorial Scholarship

The Public Education Foundation’s Lilly Murphy Memorial Scholarship supports public school students who are passionate about equity and social justice. It targets students whose personal circumstances mean they may not otherwise have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

This scholarship is named in memory of Lilly Murphy, who was studying Year 12 at Princes Hill Secondary College when she became ill with cancer and tragically passed away in November 2021. Lilly was deeply involved in school and community activities around climate action, women’s rights, LGBTQI+ equality, First Nations sovereignty and worker rights. This scholarship honours Lilly’s courage and commitment to justice.

Each scholarship provides financial support of $1,250 per year for Years 11 and 12 (total value $2,500 per student), plus free access to Studiosity and mentoring support.

Eligible Expenses

  • Laptop, iPad or other similar device
  • Software and printing supplies
  • Uniforms, textbooks and stationery
  • Study equipment and home study furniture
  • Internet connection at home
  • Excursions, school camps, tutoring

If a student leaves public school before completing Year 12, or their attendance falls below an acceptable level, the scholarship may be withdrawn. Any unspent funds must be refunded to the Foundation.

Please read the scholarship terms and conditions before applying.

Basic Eligibility

  • Attending a Victorian public school
  • Currently in Year 10 in 2025
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

  • Strong commitment to equity and social justice
  • Demonstrated potential to succeed at school
  • Positive attitude to school and strong attendance
  • Intent to complete the VCE
  • Engaged in school life and the wider community

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a selection panel including PEF representatives and education experts. Recommendations are made to the PEF Board, and applicants will be notified of the outcome via email in December 2025. The recipient’s principal will also be contacted directly.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal. Create a PEF-Apply account to access the application form.

Note: All sections, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.

Information to Prepare

  • Applicant and parent/guardian contact details
  • Residency documents (Visa or Citizenship certificate)
  • School details including school point of contact
  • Background information (cultural heritage, household, language, disability status, etc.)
  • Which languages are spoken at home
  • Statements (as Word or PDF):
    • Commitment to equity and social justice (max 150 words)
    • Why you are a strong candidate, based on the criteria (max 400 words)
    • Future plans after completing the VCE (max 150 words)
    • How your subject choices/work experience align with your goals (max 250 words)
    • How you will use the scholarship funds (max 150 words)
  • Most recent school report (all pages)
  • Reference from a teacher/counsellor/wellbeing officer (max 400 words)
  • Principal’s supporting statement (requested through the online form)

Note for Principals: Your statement must go beyond simple endorsement. Thoughtful, specific feedback against the criteria is critical. Generic or copy-paste responses will disadvantage the applicant.

Submitting Your Application

Once all sections are complete (including references), submit the form online.

Applications close: 5:00pm on Friday, 19 September 2025

For Further Information

Call the Public Education Foundation on 02 7814 2806 or email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.