Frequently Asked Questions

  • The scholarship does not cover university tuition costs.
  • The scholarship contributes to residential fees at specific residential colleges, to a level determined by the Trustees. (see FAQ Where can I study? and FAQ At which residential college can I stay?).
  • Applicants must be Australian citizens.
  • Applicants from regional Australia are encouraged to apply.
  • While preference is given to applicants who have not yet started their university education, undergraduate students who are already at university may also apply.
  • Applicants who have already commenced their university studies will need to demonstrate exceptional ongoing leadership development, continued and outstanding community service and excellent academic achievement in their university studies to be considered.
  • Scholarship applicants may reapply the following year, if unsuccessful the first time.
  • Exceptional postgraduate students may apply for a one-year scholarship if they have been accepted for a course of study at University of Cambridge and a residential place at Trinity College (see FAQ Studying at University of Cambridge UK).
  • An online application form is made live on the Hawker Scholarship website when the scholarship application window opens each year.
  • When open/close dates are finalised each year they will be published on the Home page and Apply page of the Hawker Scholarship website.
  • More information about the online application form can be found on the Apply page.
  • Follow us on social media for early and regular updates.

Only those planning to study at the following universities are eligible to apply for a Hawker Scholarship:

Successful Hawker Scholarship applicants are required to take up residence at one of the following colleges:

  • The Trustees do not prescribe the courses which can be studied, but consider applicants’ ability to make a contribution as a leader and to the community in their chosen field.
  • Students seeking to make a contribution in the field of agriculture are encouraged to apply.
  • Students who intend to defer their studies and take a gap year should not apply. Students should only apply if they intend to commence the course proposed at the start of the next academic year.
  • The scholarship normally covers the cost of residential fees at stipulated Australian colleges, up to $75,000 over three years.
  • Successful applicants must provide evidence they have been accepted for admission to their course of study and, where applicable, to the associated college.
  • Applicants seeking to undertake postgraduate studies at University of Cambridge should refer to FAQ Studying at University of Cambridge UK.
  • The Trustees shortlist written applications based on applicants’ ability to demonstrate their potential as a future leader, the contribution made to their school and community and their academic achievements.
  • Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by the Trustees.
  • Written referee reports are essential and considered as part of the shortlisting process.
  • During assessment, the Trustees may contact referees and make appropriate enquiries concerning applicants.
  • The Trustees must be satisfied that successful applicants are capable of successfully completing their nominated university course.
  • In selecting scholars, the Trustees may give preference to applicants aspiring to a career in public affairs, politics, community service and agriculture although applications from students seeking careers in other areas may apply.
  • Applicants will be notified within three weeks of the closing date if they have been shortlisted for an interview with the Trustees.
  • Interviews are normally held in late January/early February.
  • Interviewed applicants subsequently selected as Hawker Scholars, are notified of the details of their scholarship within a few days after their interview.

Current Hawker Scholars are required to provide a written report on their academic progress by 31 October each year, for the duration of the scholarship support.

Current Hawker Scholars wishing to apply for an extension or deferral of their scholarship are to use the reporting template and provide additional information outlined in the template.

 

The scholarship will be forfeited if in the opinion of the Trustees, the scholarship holder:

  1. Is guilty of serious misconduct or behaves in any way which would have been taken into consideration against their selection as a Hawker Scholar
  2. Fails their examinations without good cause to the satisfaction of the Trustees
  3. Commits a breach of any rule made by the Trustees in pursuance of the power conferred upon them by the Trust Deed
  4. Resigns their scholarship

The Trustees may change the rules of the scholarship, at their discretion.

  • Prior to applying for a Hawker Scholarship, it is essential that post-graduate applicants have been accepted for a place at both University of Cambridge AND Trinity College, UK.
  • A one-year residential scholarship, funded to a level determined by the Trustees, may be offered to exceptional applicants accepted to study at University of Cambridge, with a residential place confirmed at Trinity College.
  • The Scholarship will contribute to the cost of residential fees at Trinity College and will not cover university fees or travel costs.
  • Information on admission procedures is available via the Trinity College website (trin.cam.ac.uk)

Please note that the application dates for people wishing to study at University of Cambridge may vary.