University of Newcastle students Benjamin Ellis and Matthew Storey have been awarded scholarships from the charity Redkite to support their studies.

Mr Ellis, 18, a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management student, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2005. He has received $500 to assist with study expenses.

Mr Storey, 19, is studying physiotherapy. He was a top 10 nationally ranked swimmer between the ages of 9 and 16, before being diagnosed with cancer.

His $2,000 scholarship will support his studies and qualifications in swimming, which Mr Storey says helps him mentally, physically and emotionally as he undergoes cancer treatment.

Redkite is a childhood cancer support charity. Its scholarship program helps 16-21 year olds who have had cancer at some point to pursue their potential in an area of special interest such as music, academic study, drama and sport.