MS Go for Gold Scholarships

1. The application form has been completed in full via the online application form, or a paper form mailed to 54 Railway Road, Blackburn VIC 3130 and received by 5:00pm on Wednesday 13 September 2023. 

2. The application clearly identifies which of the following categories are being applied for:  

• Personal Expression
• Learning
• Living your best life

3. The application clearly describes a dream that the person living with multiple sclerosis wants to achieve and how the scholarship will help them to achieve it. 

4. The application clearly identifies how achieving the dream will have a positive impact on the lives of not only the applicant, but their networks as well.  

5. A focus on the long-term benefits will be helpful. These benefits may relate to physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual health and wellbeing. 

6. The application clearly explains how the person with multiple sclerosis will use the scholarship funds to achieve their dream. Whilst the application is not means tested, identifying the economic need for the financial support will be beneficial. 

7. The application includes all the required/relevant supporting information. 

8. The applicant has adhered to the word limit per question (approximately 500 words). 

*Please note, applications for equipment that will assist with the day- to- day management of multiple sclerosis do not fit the criteria for a Go for Gold Scholarship. Applications for equipment will be forwarded to the MS Connect team.

The judging panel consists of five assessors representing all states (Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) and will include:

• An MS Ambassador
• Executive Manager for Strategic Marketing and Fundraising
• MS service delivery specialist employee
• MS Mega Challenge fundraiser
• An external moderator

All applications will be assessed against the above selection criteria.

Please make sure to read and understand the Terms and Conditions for the Go for Gold Scholarship.

 If you: 
•    Have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis by a neurologist and;  
•    live in either Tasmania, Victoria, NSW or the ACT and;  
•    have not received an MS Go for Gold Scholarship in the last 2 years and; 
•    are an existing client, or willing to register as a client, with MS Plus (MSL). 
 
Yes, you may apply for a MS Go for Gold Scholarship in 2023.  
 
Please note: If you are not an existing MS Plus client, by applying, you agree to contact from the Plus Connect team to register as a client with MS Plus.  

If you have received an MS Go for Gold Scholarship in 2021 or 2022, unfortunately you are not eligible to apply again this year; however if you received a scholarship prior to this, you are now eligible to apply again. 
 
All applicants who have previously applied for a scholarship and were unsuccessful are welcome to apply again. 

Either online or via paper form.
 
All applications must be received by the deadline to be considered.

Please only submit a paper application form if you are unable to submit an online application.  
 
Please mail the completed application form to:

ATT: Go for Gold Scholarships
MS Plus
54 Railway Road, Blackburn VIC 3130  

What you can apply for is vast, but your dream or goal should align with one of the three categories which are described below (To improve your chance of success, remember that Go For Gold scholarships are to enable winners to live a dream, rather than cover living or medical costs):  

• Personal Expression: Arts, crafts, music - includes materials or participation costs
• Learning: Academic or lifestyle courses and directly associated costs
• Living your best life: Wellbeing activities such as yoga, alternative therapies, travel, or sports equipment/ participation fees

Please refer to the Selection Criteria and consider previous scholarship winners’ application and dreams for inspiration. 

 *Please note, applications for equipment that will assist with the day- to- day management of multiple sclerosis do not fit the criteria for a Go for Gold Scholarship. Applications for equipment will be forwarded to the MS Connect team.

 If you applied online, you will receive an automatically generated email notifying you the completed application has been received.  
 
If you applied by mail using a paper application form, you will receive a letter that your application has been received.  
 
All applications received by the closing date are submitted to the Go for Gold Judging Panel for assessment.  

Once the judging panel has completed the judging process, all applicants will be advised on the outcome of their application.  
 
*Please note: if your application was not successful, we will contact you to let you know the outcome.  

In 2023, you will be invited to attend a virtual presentation to receive your award. The presentation will be in October, and we are very keen to have all recipients attend if possible 
 
Your scholarship funds will be deposited into your nominated bank account within 7 days of the virtual presentation ceremony.  
 
MS Go for Gold Scholarships are awarded in good faith.  

You are strongly encouraged to use your scholarship to fulfil the dream outlined in your application, and it is recommended you use your grant within twelve months of receiving it.  
 
Please note: Your MS Go for Gold story may be used in various communications, therefore you may be contacted by the MS Marketing and Communications team and asked to share your experience and report back on your progress.  

Email [email protected] or call our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 for more information.