When students succeed, they don’t just change their own lives – they go out and change the world around them. They become academics, innovators, healers, and leaders – the ones with the courage to lead, compassion to lift others, and vision to shape a brighter, more just world.
Each of our students, reaching back to our history and forward to our hope, have accomplished remarkable things. Their potential is limitless, when met with belief and when we dare to trust their dreams as fiercely as they dare to chase them. Together, through their courage and our support, we can lift one another up.
Because they dare.
Support access to education
We need all kinds of minds and voices to build a better tomorrow. By supporting access to education, we can break down the barriers hindering our leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can foster a more inclusive educational environment that empowers all students to not just survive but thrive.
Support the student experience
Experiential learning opportunities not only deepens a students’ understanding of their field but also fosters their personal and professional growth. Supporting the student experience at Curtin empowers students who may face financial barriers to pursue development opportunities that could otherwise be out of reach.
Why your support matters
Mark Copley
Curtin student and Curtin Cares Scholarship recipient
“Scholarships really empower those who have the ability but perhaps not the means to achieve greatness – breaking down financial barriers, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, might be the make or break it means for you attending university.”
Toto Olita
Curtin alumna and donor
“As I’ve progressed through my journey, I’ve come to realise the importance of empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, and this can only happen if we support them throughout their journey. Sometimes people feel they do not have any support, so having this opportunity ensures they feel supported.”
Rebecca Nodolin
Curtin student and Curtin Cares Scholarship recipient
“Now that I’ve been given this chance, I’m committed to making the most of it. In the future I want to give back to the community that’s supporting me today. I want to build a future where young people, especially those from my country, aren’t afraid to dream of going to university.”
Sharnell Avery
Curtin student and Curtin Student Professional Development Grant recipient
“As a mature-age student, partner, and mum navigating the intensity of first-year medicine, support like this grant is incredibly meaningful.” Read more
Julia Walker
Curtin alumna and Curtin Cares Scholarship recipient
“I’m a recently graduated Occupational Therapist currently working in a regional setting. I grew up in Albany, where I was deeply involved in my local community through volunteering and advocating for young people.” Read more
Israel Bundjuri
Curtin student and Curtin Cares Scholarship recipient
“Scholarships are more than just money—it’s belief. It’s the reminder that we belong in all places, even when you’re the only blackfulla in the room. For the mob, it means there’s someone behind you with your story, supporting you and helping you carry it forward. It’s a message to us that says, ‘keep going—you belong here, we need you.”
Get involved
Curtin Cares About Students Equity
By supporting access to education, we can break down the barriers hindering our leaders of tomorrow.
Curtin Student Professional Development
Experiential learning not only deepens a students’ understanding of their field but also fosters their growth.
Become a Because They Dare Ambassador
Interested in lending your voice to help drive awareness and inspire community support for access to education?
Consider becoming an Appeal Ambassador.
Volunteering opportunities
Interested in volunteering at Curtin?
Update your details
Update your details now so you can be kept up to date on the causes that matter to you.
Curtin Giving Day
Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 10:30am – 1:30pm
Giving Day celebrations kick off at our Bentley campus. Bring a friend, colleague or fellow alum, or simply come along yourself and enjoy fun activities to spark joy and create meaningful impact.
Activities include:
- Gelato
- Live portraits by Dal Studios
- Therapy dogs from Delta Dogs
- Craft activities
- Micro-volunteering activities
- Lawn games and other fun activations
- Because They Dare merchandise
- A special yoga session from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, in partnership with Curtin Stadium
Because They Dare & Sea Gals Sunrise Dip
Friday 11 September 2026, 6:00am – 7:30am
Join Curtin alumna and Sea Gals founder Tara Jeisman for a refreshing sunrise swim and post-dip coffee.Inspired by the Sea Gals ethos of connection, confidence and showing up authentically, this special Giving Day event will bring together women, trans women and non-binary members of the Curtin community for a morning of conversation, community and shared purpose.
Dare to Advocate
Dare to Advocate is where art, reflection and conversation come together to help you explore where you sit within these issues and consider how you might want to engage in a way that feels both meaningful and sustainable.
International Acts of Service
Alumni, students, staff and members of the global Curtin community, will join forces to clean our parks and waterways, plant trees, recycle and reuse.
Date: Different per event
Time: Different per event
Location: Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Perth, Mauritius, Kalgoorlie, Miri, Singapore
A Founders’ Story
Whether you’re developing your own ideas, looking to connect with Curtin alumni in entrepreneurship, or interested in hearing an honest account of partnership in practice, we hope you can join us for this inspiring evening.
Date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth.
Dare to Explore
Partnering with the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, alumni will be provided an opportunity to connect with and hear about key programs at Curtin their contributions to space exploration and research, what the future of a more mature space program looks like in WA, and it’s applicability to science, technology and industry locally.
Thank you
Sharnell Avery
Curtin Student Professional Development Grant recipient
Current student – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
“Thank you sincerely for investing in my journey. Your support lifts a real burden (my hardworking husband is thrilled!), and more than that, it reminds me that there are others who want me to succeed. I carry this encouragement with pride and purpose, and I look forward to continuing this journey with the strength of my family and community behind me.”
Caitlin Kotula
Curtin Student Professional Development Grant recipient
Current student – Master of Arts (Creative Writing)
“Receiving this grant was one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received, and I lack the words to truly express my gratitude to you all. It has alleviated a significant financial burden for me, and in turn a mental one. I hope that one day I might be able to stand among you as a lecturer and a colleague and give the gift of opportunity and of change to a student like me.”
Emma Dennis
Curtin Cares Scholarship recipient
Alumna
“Though I am unsure where I would be had I not taken this path, I am focused on where I am now. I am hopeful and have more opportunities. I do know adversity could have taken me down a harder road. Statistics all point to poor later life outcomes for women who have experienced what I have experienced and therefore, poor outcomes for my daughters. I am deeply grateful for the assistance. I hope to pay it forward through my work.”
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Are you a student?
Are you a student wishing to apply for these scholarships? Visit the scholarships website to find out more.