Experience a taste of university life
The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high-achieving secondary school students in achieving their personal best.
Each year, high-achieving Year 10 students from Victoria and select schools in the border regions of New South Wales or South Australia are encouraged to apply for the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program.
Successful applicants will take part in an exciting two-year program of events and activities that will expand their academic and personal horizons and set them up for success at Melbourne, and beyond.
When you finish your secondary studies, you could also be offered a guaranteed place in an undergraduate degree, financial assistance to move to Melbourne, and an overseas scholarship during your studies.
Benefits of the program
Join a community of high achievers
KLD Scholars come from diverse backgrounds. You'll form a close bond with your peers throughout the two-year program, taking part in a number of events and activities including personal development workshops and overnight adventures on campus.
Largest library collection in the southern hemisphere
Access more than 3.5 million books and study resources to help you to achieve your best. Our library network includes specialist resources in law, business, chemistry, physics, architecture, biomedicine, fine arts and music.
Support to move to Melbourne
If you’re moving from a rural area to study at the University, we offer a $2500 allowance to help with relocation costs. This may include living expenses, transport to university, textbooks or other course-related expenses.
Study overseas with a scholarship
If you go on to study at Melbourne, you could be awarded a Melbourne Global Scholars Award of up to $2500 to study at one of more than 200 partner institutions in over 45 countries on exchange, or anywhere in the world on study abroad.
Helping you every step of the way
We are committed to helping you achieve your academic and personal best. Our team are on hand to offer you assistance any time you have questions about the program, events, University resources or future study at Melbourne.
Events and activities available to Young Scholars
Personal development and academic events | Scheduled in Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3 school holidays | |||
Unit 3 revision lectures | Preparation and guidance for your upcoming exams during Term 2 school holidays (for Year 11 and 12 students studying Unit 3 subjects) | |||
Unit 4 revision lectures | Preparation and guidance for your upcoming exams during Term 3 school holidays (for Year 11 and 12 students studying Unit 4 subjects) | |||
Celebration event | A University hosted event for Young Scholars and their families to celebrate the end of the program and secondary school | |||
About Professor Kwong Lee Dow
Professor Kwong Lee Dow is a former University Vice-Chancellor, a distinguished education scholar, and an active contributor to curriculum reforms.
He was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 1984 and in 2012, was made an Officer of the Order. He has received various awards and recognition for his achievements and leadership.
In 2007, the University of Melbourne welcomed 700 of Victoria's most talented secondary students as the inaugural Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars. Today, the number of Young Scholars who have participated in the program has reached more than 8000 students from 500 participating schools.