Gowrie Bursary

About this scholarship

The Gowrie Bursary derives from a fund that was set up in 1943 to maintain research scholarships in perpetual memory of those Australian men and women who gave their lives for their country in the Second World War.

The bursary is targeted at those who are serving or have served in the Australian Defence Forces and their lineal descendants, particularly those for whom its relatively small monetary value will make a real difference.

SUMMARY

VALUE

As mentioned in the offer letter

1 on offer

Payments made for 1 year

APPLICATION PERIOD

05-Dec-2025 to 02-Mar-2026

Student types
Domestic, Current, Prospective
Student levels
Postgraduate research
Number of scholarships awarded
1 on offer
Selection bases
Academic merit, Financial hardship

Field of study

To students to complete a research-based degree program at universities or recognised research institutions in Australia or overseas.

Eligibility

The Award is available each year to Australian citizens who:

are past or present members of the Australian Defence Force (whether permanent or Reserve) or are lineal descendants of such members (see Section 18. Definitions); and
are able to demonstrate financial hardship; and
have completed a Bachelor Degree with Honours (AQF1 Level 8) or equivalent (AQF Level 9 Extended) and have graduated from a university or recognised tertiary institution in Australia or overseas; and
have applied for, been accepted into, or are a continuing student in a Higher Degree Research program at any Australian or international university.

Additional information

The bursary is currently valued at up to $8,000 per annum.

The duration of the award is up to one year in the first instance. Successful applicants are required to re-apply if they are seeking funding for a second year, and to include a progress report from their research project supervisor.

Please support the Bursary with a Donation.

Your Completed Online Application Must Include:

Proof of Citizenship: Copy of your passport or other official proof.
Academic Records: Official or certified copies of your academic transcripts.
Defence Force Eligibility: Statutory Declaration certifying your relationship to any Australian Defence Force member through whom you are claiming eligibility.
Certified copy of their service record or other supporting evidence.
Research Program Details: Description of your proposed research program and progress in securing a place (attach supporting documentation as appropriate).
Financial Hardship Evidence: Statutory Declaration certifying financial hardship circumstances, with supporting documents.
Personal Referee Report
Applicant’s Personal Statement.

For current Gowrie Scholarship/Bursary holders applying for an additional year:

Applicant's statement on academic performance and progress to date.
Research supervisor's statement confirming progress and ongoing support.

If you have any questions, please contact the Scholarships Team Coordinator at philanthropic.scholarships@anu.edu.au. Once all referee reports have been received, I will inform you.

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

Academic Referee Reports due on 1 March 2026, 5:00pm AEDT.

In the event that you have a new referee, please provide them with the following link and please let me know via email at philanthropic.scholarships@anu.edu.au

https://anu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9nbhfleEFk2LOJM

Please be aware that you may need to cover the cost of having the statutory declarations signed.