“I really love the way that learning more about God challenges me and grows me and impacts the rest of my life. The way I parent, the way that I work in the church, the way that I serve people. The more that I learnt, the less that I knew and the more that I wanted to know.”
— Kylie Polkinghorne, inaugural scholarship recipient
The challenges for women entering ministry training are real – financial pressure, lack of support, and limited role models.
The reasons are complex, but the solutions begin with a clear, bold step – removing barriers to theological education for gifted women called to lead God’s people and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
St Mark’s launched the Equipped to Lead Women’s Scholarship in 2025 to support Christian women who are preparing for, or engaged in theological study at St Mark’s, are active members of an Australian church, and who desire to grow in Christian leadership and ministry. The scholarship is particularly aimed at encouraging women who are about to begin, or are in the early stages of, theological education.
Applicants may be eligible for a maximum award of $10 000, given in two instalments after the HECS-HELP census date in each semester.
The scholarship has supported me in funding student fees, textbooks, and childcare to free up time to study and research. This study has engaged my academic and ministry interests, and I have been applying my learnings in my community and church settings. The scholarship also contributed to me being able to hear and share ideas and research in biblical studies more broadly, through assisting with the costs of attending the Society of Biblical Literature’s International meeting in Adelaide.
— Marian Hiscox
The 2027 scholarships will open on 2 October 2026 and close on 18 December 2026.
To be eligible to apply you need to:
Preference will be given to applicants commencing or furthering previous theological studies. Unfortunately, PhD candidates are not eligible for this scholarship. Preference may also be given to applicants who are part of an Anglican church in the Canberra and Goulburn Diocese.
Scholarship payments are received in two instalments after each session’s census date. Recipients will be asked to provide a short progress report during their studies. If studies are discontinued, unused funds must be returned. The Scholarship committee reserves the right not to award the scholarship.
All applications should be submitted via the online application form.
Payments scheduled in two instalments after each session’s census date.
For further information, contact: [email protected].
On the day of Pentecost, the Risen Lord Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on all God’s people, young and old, female and male. This scholarship fund will ensure women are equipped for their vital role in bearing witness to Jesus from St Mark’s to the ends of the earth.
— Bishop Mark Short
The Equipped to Lead Women’s Scholarship invests in gifted Christian women who are called to lead and serve.
This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of God’s people. We thank God for your partnership in the gospel which is:
Partner with us as we help equip women for the future of gospel ministry.
Donations are tax-deductible.
Please contact Andrew Guile to discuss major gifts or bequests.
