Manifold Road Creative Scholarship
The Public Education Foundation’s Manifold Road Creative Scholarship supports public school students attending a high school in Western Sydney who are passionate about pursuing a career in graphic design, visual arts or marketing. This scholarship targets students whose personal circumstances may otherwise limit their opportunities to reach their full potential.
The scholarships are funded by the Houston Group, a brand and communications consultancy that creates enduring, effective solutions through business and brand strategy, campaign development, and communications planning.
Up to six scholarships are available. Each provides $1,000 per year in both Year 11 and Year 12 (total value: $2,000 per student) to support educational expenses and improve academic outcomes.
Eligible Expenses Include:
- Uniforms and equipment
- Stationery and books
- Laptop, iPad or similar device
- Study-related software
- Printer
- Internet connection at home for study
- School excursions and school camps
- Study furniture (e.g. desk, chair, lamp)
- Face-to-face or online tutoring
If a student leaves public school before the end of Year 12, the scholarship will lapse. Note: The scholarship may be withdrawn if the student’s attendance rate falls below an acceptable level at any time during the scholarship period. Any unused funds must be returned to the Public Education Foundation.
Read the scholarship terms and conditions before applying.
Basic Eligibility
- Attending a NSW public school in the Greater Western Sydney area
- Currently in Year 10 (in 2025)
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Keen to pursue a career in graphic design, visual arts and/or marketing
Selection Criteria
- Attending a school in the Western Sydney region
- Commitment to community issues
- Academic potential and how the scholarship will assist
- Positive school attitude and high attendance
- Intention to complete the HSC and progress to tertiary education
- Active school participation
- Demonstrated community and/or extracurricular involvement
Selection Process
A selection panel including Public Education Foundation staff, a Houston Group representative, and independent experts will assess applications against the selection criteria. Recommendations will be submitted to the Foundation’s Board. Successful applicants will be notified by email in December 2025. School principals of successful students will also be notified.
How to Apply
Apply via our online portal: PEF-Apply. All sections must be completed, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, before submission.
Information Required:
- Applicant details (name, DOB, contact info, email)
- Residency status (Visa/Citizenship certificate)
- Parent/guardian details (name, relationship, contact info)
- School details (school name, address, principal name and email)
- School point of contact for correspondence
- Background info:
- Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander or Pacific heritage
- Language group, cultural background
- Languages spoken at home
- Household and caregiver info
- Parental education level
- Disability or out-of-home care status
- Socio-economic background
- How you heard about the scholarship
- Personal statement (max 400 words) addressing selection criteria
- Future goals (max 150 words)
- Study/work alignment with future plans (max 250 words)
- Statement on scholarship fund usage (max 150 words)
- Most recent school report (all pages)
- Reference from a teacher/counsellor (PDF or Word, max 400 words)
- Principal’s supporting statement submitted online via the application form
Note for Principals: The Principal’s statement is critical. Panels require detailed, original feedback — generic responses or duplicated content from other sections will disadvantage the applicant.
Submitting Your Application
Once all required elements are complete, submit the application online.
Deadline: 5:00pm, Friday 19th September 2025
Further Information
Contact the Public Education Foundation on (02) 7814 2806 or email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
