The Illawarra Centenary of Anzac Committee will officially launch them at a special service at Balgownie WWI War Memorial next Monday, held to mark 100 years since war was declared on Germany and our nation thrust into battle.

Committee chairman Peter Poulton said the aim was to honour the deeds and actions of the Anzacs and ensure their sacrifices were held in the memories of our young people.

"The successful introduction of an Illawarra tertiary scholarship scheme will permanently enhance the commemoration of Anzac, but more importantly, will focus on the future which is in the hands of our young people," he said.

The scholarships, worth $5000 each year for three years, will be open to students who begin their undergraduate studies in 2015 in any subject, and who are direct descendants of Australian or New Zealand WWI veterans or have served in the Australian Defence Force, including the Army Reserve.

They will help support the students through their undergraduate degree to go on and make their own contribution.

"For some of them, their grandfather and great-grandfather didn't come home, they paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation," he said.