The expanded scholarship program marks a major milestone and a shared commitment to creating life-changing opportunities for young Queenslanders.
Established in 2019, the $5000 UQ Firebirds Scholarship supports new UQ students who have demonstrated a passion for netball.
Netball Queensland and Queensland Firebirds CEO Kate Davies said the 10-scholarship offering was a fitting way to celebrate the 10-year anniversary.
“We’re thrilled the UQ Firebirds Scholarship has been extended from four to 10 recipients in 2026,” Davies said.
“This partnership has made a real difference – not just on the court, but in classrooms, communities and careers across Queensland.
“We encourage all eligible young people in our netball community to apply and make the most of this life-changing opportunity.”
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the University was thrilled to be expanding the annual offering to mark this enduring partnership.
“Applications are now open and we encourage those particularly from regional, remote, low-SES, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to apply,” Professor Terry said.
In addition to scholarships program, Professor Terry said the partnership reached across the state through regional carnivals and competitions such as the Vicki Wilson Championship and includes collaborations with the Firebirds' high-performance department to advance sports science.
UQ undergraduate and postgraduate students can gain experience working with professional athletes and in high-performance environments in areas like strength and conditioning, performance analysis, physiotherapy, marketing, and sports media.
The scholarship has already opened doors for many students, including 2021 recipient Savanna Detlefson.
Originally from the small Queensland town of Kilkivan and a graduate of Victory College in Gympie, Savanna said the scholarship helped her settle into life in Brisbane while studying a Bachelor of Social Work at UQ.
“I applied for the UQ Firebirds Scholarship because I’m passionate about netball and the community, and this scholarship represented that,” she said.
“It has helped me transition from rural to city living, and cover some of my expenses as a young university student living away from home.”
Applications for the 2026 UQ Firebirds Scholarship close 16 November 2025.
Apply now: https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/uq-firebirds-scholarship
