ICDA Scholarships
Diploma of Governance
Don't just do good. Be good at it.
Strengthening boards. Supporting leaders. Building better communities.
Good governance changes everything for community organisations. These scholarships help community leaders, board members, and emerging directors access the skills they need to guide their organisations with confidence.
Applications are now open for 2026.
We've completely revamped our scholarship rounds this year. You might now be eligible.
These $1,000 scholarships allow prospective students to apply immediately for any of the below rounds, with decisions made on eligibility within 10 business days of submission.
While applications are rolling – and will remain open throughout the year – places in diploma courses are strictly limited, and scholarships are subject to terms and conditions.
The full cost of the Diploma is $4,999, comprising enrolment, assessment and administration. Scholarship recipients will need to arrange payment of the remaining fee of $3,999.
Note: Scholarships cannot be combined with any special discounts. Only one scholarship can be granted per applicant.
Board Chair
Chairs play a crucial role in setting the tone, guiding discussions, and ensuring their board stays on track. This scholarship invests in the people leading community organisations, helping them build confidence, capability, and stronger board cultures.
Board Treasurer
Treasurers carry significant responsibility for financial oversight and accountability. This scholarship helps treasurers deepen their governance skills so they can support stable, transparent, and sustainable organisations.
Board Secretary
Board secretaries keep organisations compliant, organised, and moving forward, yet their work often goes unrecognised. This scholarship supports secretaries to build skills in governance processes, meeting management, and legal responsibilities.
Aspiring and New Directors
Good governance starts with good foundations. This scholarship helps new and emerging directors build confidence, understand their duties, and bring fresh perspectives to community boards. It’s designed to support the next generation of sector leaders.
CEOs
The relationship between a CEO and the board is central to an organisation’s success. This scholarship supports CEOs to strengthen their understanding of governance, improve board-staff dynamics, and lead with clarity and confidence.
Small-medium NFP Directors
Many smaller organisations operate on lean budgets, but their impact is anything but small. This scholarship supports directors at organisations with under $3m in annual revenue. It’s designed to strengthen governance where it can make a big difference.
WATCH NOW: Graduate Mary Henley-Collopy talks about her experience with the Diploma of Governance
Download the brochure
Terms and conditions
The following section details the terms and conditions of diversity scholarships offered towards the Institute of Community Directors' Diploma of Governance.
All applications will be assessed within 10 business days of the date of submission. The number of places is limited and rolling in nature, so please get your application in sooner rather than later.
The full cost of the Diploma of Governance is $4,999, comprising enrolment, assessment and administration. Partial scholarship recipients are liable for the remainder ($3,999).
This fee is payable in full 10 working days before the first day of the course.
If enrolment and fee payment has not been finalised by this time, ICDA reserves the right to re-allocate the scholarship to another applicant.
Applications must be made via the online application system. No mailed, faxed or emailed applications will be accepted. Please read the full details on the applicant site for opening and closing times and dates. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances, so don't delay.
Please note that previous scholarship recipients are ineligible to apply.
Scholarship recipients need to have read the course snapshot and understand that they will be required to:
- Have time to watch videos, read course materials and reflect on fundamental governance principles
- Have the ability to attend and actively participate in all online tutorials and webinars
- Commit to completing all competency based assessment within twelve months of the first day of the course (you must complete one unit of assessment per month)
- Commit to transferring the knowledge gained to an organisation once the course is completed.