- Triple the opportunities for regional students on offer under revitalised Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship
- Program supports students from the South West, Great Southern, and Goldfields-Esperance
- Three $50,000 scholarships provided to undergraduate students for study at Curtin University
Applications are now open for the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship, which has been refreshed and bolstered for its third year.
The $50,000 Southern Ports-backed scholarship is open to students in the first year of an undergraduate Science and Engineering or Business and Law degree at Curtin University’s Bentley or Kalgoorlie campus.
Originally offered to a single student annually, the scholarship is now being awarded to three students from across the South West, Great Southern,and Goldfields-Esperance regions each year.
Each recipient will receive a $6,250 per semester for up to four years of full-time study over the course of their degree.
The scholarship celebrates the lasting impact and legacy of former Southern Ports CEO Steve Lewis who retired from the industry in 2023.
For more information, including full scholarship criteria, visit curtin.edu.au/study/scholarships/ and search Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship. Applications close Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
As stated by Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
“It’s fantastic that the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship has been extended to reach more students because it’s a prime example of how a regional employer, such as Southern Ports, can have a lasting and positive impact by investing in its communities.
“The Cook Labor Government knows that our regions have a bright future and will need a wide range of skills and roles as our regional innovative industries continue to grow.
“Programs like this one which upskill our talented regional students should be commended.”
As stated by Southern Ports chief executive officer Keith Wilks:
“The Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship offers a level of financial support each semester so young people from our regions can pursue a university education without being financially disadvantaged.
“Education has a positive and lasting impact, not only for the students but also for their communities, and that is why we’re proud to be able to partner with Curtin University to offer these scholarships.”
As stated by Curtin University chief advancement officer John Fitzgerald:
“Opportunities such as the Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship help students make the most of their university experience by easing financial barriers and creating greater access to education.
“I commend Southern Ports for its commitment to supporting this scholarship – an investment not only in students, but in the future strength, capability, and prosperity of regional communities and industry across Western Australia.”
