The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) has announced the opening of applications for two significant scholarship opportunities designed to support and advance culturally diverse women residing in Queensland,. Developed in partnership with local leaders, professionals, and businesses, these scholarships aim to provide financial aid, educational assistance, and mentorship to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women looking to advance their leadership skills and chosen professions,.

The scholarships recognize the contribution of women in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. They specifically address the complex barriers that culturally diverse women face, including Australia’s persistent gender pay gap and underrepresentation in leadership roles,.

General Eligibility and Deadline

All applicants must identify as female, reside in Queensland, and be culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD),. The term CALD is broadly used to describe a person who may natively speak a language other than English, or identify with an ethnic background, nationality, cultural tradition, or religion different from the majority community of Australia, including both migrants and second-generation migrants,.

Applications opened on December 4, 2025, and will close at 11:59 pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026,. Applicants may only apply for one scholarship category,. The scholarship winners will be announced at ECCQ’s International Women’s Day Event on March 14, 2026.

Scholarship 1: Cleo Xynias Multicultural Woman of the Year

This scholarship honors Cleo Xynias, the wife of ECCQ co-founder Nick Xynias, who dedicated her life to the advancement of multicultural Australians. It is intended for women committed to making a difference and improving the lives of others from similar backgrounds.

The ideal winner should demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of Queensland’s multicultural communities and the development of their own leadership role within these communities, and may identify as an emerging leader,.

Specific eligibility requires the applicant to identify as female, be bilingual or multilingual, be born in a country other than Australia (all visa types and citizens are eligible), and reside in Queensland.

Key Prizes and Commitments:

• Cash Prize: A $2,000 cash prize,.
• Education: A full tuition-paid course valued up to $2,500 from the Australian Institute of Management (AIM),.
• Mentorship: A six-month mentorship (equating to 20 hours) with a professional relevant to their career path or goal, supported by Windsor Group.
• Community Service: In recognition of Cleo Xynias’s role in establishing Berlasco, the winner must complete 20 hours of internship or project-based work for the residents of Berlasco Residential Aged Care within one year,. This work can be remote, utilizing their personal or professional skills or interests,.

Scholarship 2: Emerging Professional Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically aimed at women who are beginning their professional career in Queensland,. It acknowledges the complex barriers that culturally diverse women face when entering professional employment.

Specific eligibility requires the applicant to identify as female, be CALD, reside and study in Queensland, and have completed a tertiary qualification within the last three years, or be set to complete one within six months of the application date.

Key Prizes:

• Education: A full tuition-paid course valued up to $2,000 from AIM,. AIM offers a range of short courses, micro credentials, and non-accredited courses covering leadership, strategy, business, and communications, delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face workshops,. The winner has one year to complete the course,.
• Training: Credit to attend one of the Transcendence workshop trainings of choice,. The Transcendence Framework Coaching Program is designed to equip women with tools and strategies to overcome barriers and achieve their potential, focusing on areas like resilience building, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.
• Mentorship: A six-month mentorship (20 hours) with a professional relevant to their career path.

ECCQ encourages eligible women to carefully read the guidelines and application requirements. If any part of the application is not answered, the overall score will be significantly lower. For confirmation on eligibility or general questions, applicants can email scholarship@eccq.com.au,.