Guidelines for Educational Bursaries to Support Pastoral Associates

Bursaries are provided to assist Pastoral Associates in completing requirements in the area of formal education.

The following principles will be applied in the review of applications for Educational Bursaries.  Bursaries are not an entitlement, but are considered as financial support to assist Pastoral Associates in their formal education.  The annual budget of $15,000.00 received from the Diocesan Pastoral Development Fund is to be allocated in the fairest possible manner.

• Pastoral Associates applying must hold provisional accreditation or be accredited at Grade 1 or Grade 2 level.
• Pastoral Associates must be currently employed within a parish setting.
• Pastoral Associates in other settings, such as Catholic Schools, are encouraged to seek education funding within their professional setting
• Priority will be given to Pastoral Associates seeking bursary funding for the first time.
• Priority will be given to applications for studies to be undertaken at Bachelor’s level within the associated colleges of the Melbourne College of Divinity:
  1. To assist Pastoral Associates holding Provisional Accreditation to complete the formal theological requirements for Grade 1 Accreditation;
  2. To assist Pastoral Associates accredited at Grade 1 or Grade 2 levels to complete units of study towards a BTheol or Grad Dip Theol.
• Applications to support formal education at higher levels will also be considered.

Applications for educational bursary funding will be invited each year in October / November for the following year’s study. Application Forms can be obtained by contacting the office on 03 9926 5761.

Applicants should note that bursary funding will be reimbursed after Pastoral Associates have paid their accounts.  Applicants are kindly asked to send a copy of their receipt for reimbursement.  This is important so bursaries are not seen to be taxable income.