Our 2021 Hansen Scholars

Meet the recipients

Castlemaine Secondary College
Sandon, VIC
Bachelor of Agriculture

Amy Ferguson


Studying and living in Melbourne is bound to be full of new adventures and most excitingly, provide extensive opportunities to learn, see and be a part of the community at the University of Melbourne. The Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Melbourne will further my understanding of how to sustainably change to an industry has grown to be an integral part of this country. The Hansen Scholarship community has quite literally changed my life. The generosity of the program will enable me to further my education, move to the city and have the support base to make the most of my time at university.

Moutain Creek State High School
Minyama, QLD
Bachelor of Science

Ainsley Lea


Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, I have never been exposed to the multitude of arts and culture Melbourne offers and to be able to study in this progressive city, is a dream I have always had. I am studying a Bachelor of Science with the intention of completing my Major in Environmental Science. The Hansen Scholarship has given me the opportunity to change my life and provided me with the stepping stones for future success in many aspects including, social and career opportunities.

Gleneagles Secondary College
Berwick, VIC
Bachelor of Arts

Joshua Davis


Melbourne is a global hub of ideas, innovation, and political progress; studying in Melbourne allows me to fully embrace that environment, and contribute to it in a way that enriches both myself, and the community around me. I want to study a Bachelor of Arts, majoring either in Economics or Politics, while also exploring the various other fields that the University of Melbourne's course structure offers, such as Sociology, History, Commerce, and International Relations. The Hansen Scholarship has provided me with an opportunity I would never otherwise have had, and am extremely grateful for.

Melbourne High School
Preston, VIC
Bachelor of Commerce

Albert Dong


I find it such a privilege to study here in this environment because I have been granted so many opportunities that have helped me develop my talents and given me the strength to thrive as well. I will be studying the Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne. It is an incredible honour and privilege to be a part of the Hansen Scholarship Program. By facing less financial obstacles, I am now more confident than ever in taking the next step towards my future in commerce.

McKinnon Secondary College
Glen Waverley, VIC
Bachelor of Arts

Coco Greenberg


Melbourne is an exciting and forward-thinking city with a long history of embracing diversity and celebrating its artists. I am beginning my tertiary studies with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Gender studies and Politics and International studies. I hope to continue my education after this degree and obtain my Juris Doctorate.  I very grateful to the benefactors for their generosity, but this opportunity has meant that I can study in a field about which I am passionate and hone my skills without the worry of financial hardship.

Merewether High School
Thornton, NSW
Bachelor of Arts

Hannah Harrison


Studying in a diverse city like Melbourne presents so many opportunities to young people that I was driven to work towards. In addition to this, the flexibility and broadness of the Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Melbourne stood out to me. I want to study this degree and major in History and Media and Communications. I have always enjoyed studying history as I highly value the ability to think critically and understand the 'why' behind the past. Without the financial benefits of the generous scholarship, it would have been incredibly difficult for me to move interstate, this scholarship is genuinely life-changing.

Hellyer College
Strahan, TAS
Bachelor of Science

Emily Grining


Studying in Melbourne means that I will meet a diverse group of people, experience new things and explore big opportunities that I may otherwise not receive living where I do. Growing up in a small rural town is vastly different to the bustling streets of Melbourne, however I am ready to broaden my horizons. I would like to study Zoology, as I have always held a strong passion for animals. Growing up surrounded by rainforest and native wildlife, I have developed a connection to and understanding of how important Earth's creatures are. I hope to make a difference in this world, as action is needed now more than ever. The Hansen Scholarship means that a whole world of opportunities have been opened up for me; opportunities that a kid from the West Coast of Tasmania can often only dream of. This scholarship will provide that and more, alongside a community of like-minded people.

Melton Secondary College
Brookfield, VIC
Bachelor of Arts

Dominique-Dee Jones


The sheer breadth of opportunities the Melbourne Model provides continues to inspire and astonish me - the possibilities are endless. I will be studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and International Studies and Indigenous Studies. The Hansen Scholarship Program has lifted the stressful financial obstacles that laid in the way of my tertiary study, it has allowed me to get to know my fellow scholars who are each amazing in their own right. The sense of community the Hansen Scholarship fosters means that the transition into tertiary study will be much more seamless.

The Friends' School
Bellerive, TAS
Bachelor of Biomedicine

Zoe Knight


Melbourne is a vibrant city full of wonder and excitement and has always been a city I wanted to live in. I am studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine because I am passionate about health sciences and would one day like to pursue a career in medicine. Receiving the Hansen Scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to attend my dream university, for which I am eternally grateful.

Thomas Carr College
Tarneit, VIC
Bachelor of Biomedicine

Ating Maker


I would like to study the Bachelor of Science and pursue a career in medicine. This scholarship provides me with the means to reject social norms in regard to the stereotypes and aspire to build a positive reputation, acting as a role model for other refugees who too may have felt ostracised upon their immigration in search for a better life.

John Monash Science School
Hallam, VIC
Bachelor of Biomedicine

Zahra Mozaffari


The city of Melbourne offers rich cultural experiences that will allow me to develop interpersonally, all whilst enriching my academic pursuits. I want to study the Bachelor of Biomedicine and major in Immunology before progressing into Medicine. I aspire to work with Médecins Sans Frontières in the future. As someone that grew up with few opportunities in a war-torn country, I know the importance and significance of education and seeking opportunities. The Hansen Scholarship Program will allow me to continue pursuing my humanitarian pursuits by building connections and employing skills I have attained to continue the ongoing support I provide to local and international disadvantaged communities without the burden of financial stress. The Hansen Scholarship Program also means that I will become a part of a group that inspires the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and enthusiasts.

Coburg High School
Northcote, VIC
Bachelor of Biomedicine

Mahnoor Naqvi


I have been fascinated by the atmosphere of University of Melbourne not only because of its academic excellence but also because of its cultural diversity and extracurricular activities, all of which drive me to study, learn and be a better version of myself everyday. I believe that studying in a university like the University of Melbourne will develop me academically, personally and socially and would better prepare me for my future studies and career. Studying the Bachelor of Science will allow me to open the door too many of the public health careers that I’m passionate about. The valuable support that we’ll receive in the form of pastoral care, mentoring and social connections will not only enhance my academic growth but also my personal and social development.

Lourdes Hill College
Belmont, QLD
Bachelor of Biomedicine

Samara Roy


The University of Melbourne has always been my dream university because of its amazing reputation and the atmosphere of the city itself. The campus is absolutely beautiful, and I know the education I will be receiving is at an extremely high standard. I want to study a Bachelor of Biomedicine and eventually go onto either research or becoming a doctor. I really hope to spend some time in rural or remote areas practicing medicine where medical care is particularly needed. Getting the Hansen Scholarship means the absolute world to me. I can study exactly what I wanted to do and not have to financial stress when moving and living in Melbourne.

Trinity Catholic College
Lismore Lillian Rock, NSW
Bachelor of Science

Arky Ryall


I am excited about the variety of people I can meet and the wide range of things I can learn as part of my degree. I want to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Nutrition, because I have a massive love of food! I love to prepare food that I know will benefit my body and can’t wait to learn more about how my body works! Getting the Hansen Scholarship means so much to me as it allows me to meet and live with new people, and to focus on my study. The financial relief that the scholarship will provide me with is a massive weight lifted off my shoulders, and I believe it will allow me to achieve the results I hope for.

St Columba's College
Taylors Lakes, VIC
Bachelor of Science

Paige Samuel


At the University of Melbourne I will be completing a Bachelor of Biomedicine. Being awarded the Hansen Scholarship has broadened my horizons in ways I could never have imagined and I am beyond grateful and humbled to have received such an opportunity from the Hansen Little Foundation. It is a privilege to a part of this community of young leaders, striving towards excellence together.

Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology
Carina, QLD
Bachelor of Arts

Ashjayeen Sharif


I want to study at Unimelb because it offers a really flexible degree structure that suits my interests and career pathway in studying psychology. Getting the Hansen Scholarship means I can dedicate my time to studying and feel less stressed about supporting myself financially during my degree.

Queensland Academy Creative Industries Campus
Carina, QLD
Bachelor of Science

Thomas Stevenson


Melbourne is a beautiful city bursting at the seams with opportunities rich with culture and will allow me to leave my comfort zone and challenge myself in all new ways. I am currently looking to study a Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemical Systems. Receiving the Hansen scholarship means I can pursue my passion in Chemical Systems without financial boundaries and limitations. The opportunity to move and study in Melbourne is something I never thought was possible.

Castlemaine Secondary College
Welshmans Reef, VIC
Bachelor of Arts

Shanti Steventon-Lorenzen


Studying in Melbourne is a massive opportunity to build relationships with a huge variety of people and participate actively in the world. I hope that a Bachelor of Arts from Melbourne is a flexible and creative space to start this process! The Hansen Scholarship will enable me to engage in a massive amount of learning that I would otherwise struggle to access.

Penrhos College
South Perth, WA
Bachelor of Science

Ashleigh Stielow


Melbourne is an incredible city with so many opportunities. I plan to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Chemical Systems to later complete a master's of Chemical Engineering. I am passionate about the ocean and believe that with this degree, I could help to make a difference by working on solutions to combat ocean acidification and coral bleaching. The Hansen Scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity and without this scholarship I never would have been able to study at the highest-ranked university in Australia.

Gosford High School
Springfield, NSW
Bachelor of Arts

Evelyn Thompson


I intend on studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Theatre Studies, as well as German Studies. I don’t know exactly what I want to do after university, but I know that I want to do something remarkable, and I want to be able to shape people’s worlds the way that artists have shaped mine. Receiving the Hansen Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. From the obvious financial assistance, finally allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of working most days, to the social benefit of meeting likeminded people who have experienced similar hardships to mine.