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Girls Who Build Scholarship

Applications are open

Scholarship Overview

 The Girls Who Build Scholarship supports female-identifying students who want to step into the technical side of the creative industries and be taken seriously from day one. Open to aspiring game developers, FX artists, 3D modellers, animators, and programmers, the scholarship is for students ready to challenge themselves, develop industry-standard skills, and build work that holds up.

Recipients will also receive additional coaching from a female-identifying professional working in the industry, offering guidance from someone who has already walked the path. 

What you can Study

Scholarships can be applied to eligible CG Spectrum bachelor programs commencing in the February 2027 intake. Whether you're interested in animation, games, visual development, or digital art, you'll study in a specialised pathway designed to help you develop industry-relevant skills and build a professional portfolio.

Eligible courses include:

  • Bachelor of Digital Art (2D Animation)

  • Bachelor of Digital Art (Concept Art)

  • Bachelor of Digital Art (Illustration)

  • Bachelor of Animation and VFX (FX)

  • Bachelor of Animation and VFX (3D Modeling)

  • Bachelor of Animation and VFX (3D Animation)

  • Bachelor of Game Development (Game Design)

  • Bachelor of Game Development (Game Programming)

Not sure which pathway is right for you? Our Student Advisors can help you explore your options and find the course that best aligns with your interests, strengths, and career goals. 

Courses
Bachelor's Degrees  
Next Intake
Applications are now open for February 2027  
Eligibility
Check full eligibility details  
Value
Full-tuition scholarship valued at $65,973  
Delivery
Online  
Application Close Date
Applications close Friday, 18 December 2026.  

Who Can Apply

The Girls Who Build Scholarship is for female-identifying students who are ready to take their interest in games, VFX, animation, 3D, or programming seriously. You do not need professional-level work or previous industry experience to apply. We're looking for potential, commitment, and genuine interest in the field.

Applicants must:

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Be applying for first-year entry into an eligible CG Spectrum bachelor course
  • Submit a scholarship application and a CG Spectrum course application to be eligible for an offer
  • Identify as female (no formal evidence is required)
  • Demonstrate an interest in a relevant creative or technical field through drawings, projects, animations, game ideas, personal work, or other creative examples
  • Show passion, curiosity, and a willingness to develop their skills, regardless of their current experience level

You don't need a polished portfolio or professional-quality work. We're interested in seeing your potential and what you could become with the right guidance, feedback, and support.

How to Apply

To apply for the Girls Who Build Scholarship, submit a short video (between 3 and 5 minutes) introducing yourself and telling us why you're applying. This doesn't need to be professionally produced. We're interested in your ideas, interests, and potential.

In your video, tell us:

  • Which scholarship you're applying for
  • Which CG Spectrum bachelor course and specialisation interests you
  • What inspires you about this field
  • What creative projects, work, or ideas you've explored so far
  • Why you believe you should receive the scholarship
  • What you hope CG Spectrum will help you build, improve, or become

You're welcome to include examples of your work, such as drawings, animations, game projects, personal creations, or other relevant creative pieces.

As part of the application form, you'll also be asked to nominate the CG Spectrum course you're interested in and provide supporting application details.

Successful applicants will be notified before the commencement of the February 2027 intake.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are reviewed by a CG Spectrum Scholarship Review Panel made up of academic and industry representatives. Scholarships are not awarded based on grades alone or on having the most polished portfolio. Instead, the panel looks for students who demonstrate genuine potential and a strong commitment to their chosen field.

The panel will assess applications based on:

  • Passion and enthusiasm for the discipline you're pursuing
  • Commitment to developing your skills and pursuing a creative career
  • Creative evidence that demonstrates your interest, curiosity, or potential
  • Alignment with the scholarship and chosen field of study
  • The quality of your application video and how clearly you communicate your goals and motivations

We understand that students will be at different stages of their creative journey. You do not need professional-level work to be considered.

Examples of creative evidence may include:

  • Games: Game ideas, gameplay analysis, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, level design concepts, personal projects, problem-solving examples, favourite games and what you would improve about them, or experience experimenting with tools such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
  • 2D Animation: Drawings, character designs, animation clips, school media projects, visual storytelling work, or evidence of a unique creative voice and interest in animation.
  • Concept Art: A portfolio demonstrating artistic ability, creativity, and visual development skills. Applicants may stand out through a particularly strong artistic style, original ideas, or a distinctive perspective.

Most importantly, we're looking for students who are ready to be challenged, eager to improve, and serious about building their creative future.

Application Deadline

 Scholarship applications for the February 2027 intake close at 6:00pm AEST on Friday, 18 December 2026. 

We recommend submitting your application well before the deadline to allow time to complete your CG Spectrum course application and upload any supporting materials.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application before the February 2027 intake commences. This includes both successful and unsuccessful applicants, so you'll know where you stand before making your final study plans.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have professional-level work to apply? No. We're not looking for polished portfolios or industry experience. We're looking for potential, passion, and evidence that you're interested in developing your skills. 
Do I need to know how to code, animate, or use professional software already?

No. The scholarship is designed for students at different stages of their creative journey. Whether you're just getting started or have already begun exploring your chosen field, we encourage you to apply.

What does "female-identifying" mean?  The Girls Who Build Scholarship is open to anyone who identifies as female. No formal evidence or documentation is required. 
What types of creative work can I include in my application? You can share drawings, animations, game projects, coding projects, 3D work, school assignments, personal projects, creative ideas, or anything else that demonstrates your interest in the field.
Can I apply if I'm still in high school? Yes. Current high school students who intend to commence an eligible CG Spectrum bachelor's program in February 2027 are encouraged to apply. 
Do I need to apply for a CG Spectrum course before applying for the scholarship? You can submit your scholarship application before making a final study decision. However, to be awarded a scholarship, you must have completed a CG Spectrum course application and received an offer for an eligible bachelor's program. 
How many scholarships are available? For the Girls Who Build Scholarship, CG Spectrum will award one full scholarship and two half scholarships. 
When will I find out if I've been successful? All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application before the February 2027 intake commences. 
Can I apply for more than one scholarship? Students should apply for the scholarship that best aligns with their background, interests, and circumstances. If you're unsure which scholarship is the best fit, our Student Advisors can help guide you. 
What does the scholarship cover? Successful applicants will receive either a full or partial tuition scholarship towards their eligible CG Spectrum bachelor's program. Scholarship details and conditions will be provided to successful recipients. 

Apply for the Girls Who Build Scholarship

Complete the form to apply for our scholarships and program. We’re eager to help you secure funding for your education. Your journey begins here. Let’s make it happen!