HORSHAM College student Jess Fogwell is one of 21 Victorian Koori students awarded a two-year scholarship.
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The Wannik Education Scholarship Program supports high-achieving year 10 students to complete their final years of secondary school.
It aims to promote Koori students' career aspirations.
Jess, 16, hopes to achieve an ATAR score to study education at the University of Melbourne.
She wants to become a literacy teacher.
Jess said she was surprised and thrilled to be awarded the scholarship.
"I didn't think I would win it," she said.
Her teachers encouraged her to apply and supported her through the process.
"I had two teachers write recommendations for me, and I don't think I would have got it unless they had written those recommendations," Jess said.
"To see how helpful they are makes me feel really good that I want to be just like them, in some ways."
She said the scholarship would also ease some financial pressure on her family.
Jess's proud mother, Tamla Haby, is a single mother.
"This is an outstanding achievement," she said.
"Jess will be the first member of her family to attend university."
She said Jess was committed to her studies, and also worked a part-time job.
Horsham Koori engagement support officer Nola Illin said Jess's scholarship was great news for the community.
"Jess is an inspiration and a great role model for all students," she said.
Minister for Education Martin Dixon said recent strong growth in the number of indigenous students completing year 12 reflected great work being done across the education system and within the Koori community, including the Wannik Education Scholarships.
The scholarships are open to year 10 Koori students moving into year 11.
