About this scholarship

 

Each year the National Security College (‘the College’) at the Australian National University (‘the University’) may offer a number of awards known as the National Intelligence Community and National Security College Scholarship for Women (‘the Award’).

The objectives of the Award are to:

  • foster the talent of Australian women from a diverse background and skillset who are interested in national security and pursuing a career in the national intelligence community,
  • showcase the College's programs for high achievers, and
  • provide an opportunity to standout women who may otherwise be unable to undertake a Master of National Security Policy degree.

Funding for this Award has been provided by one or more Commonwealth government agencies in the National Intelligence Community (‘NIC’). The members of the NIC are as follows: the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (‘ACIC’), the Australian Federal Police (‘AFP’), the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (‘AGO’), the Australian Signals Directorate (‘ASD’), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (‘ASIO’), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (‘ASIS’), the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Defence Intelligence Organisation (‘DIO’), the Department of Home Affairs and the Office of National Intelligence (‘ONI’).

SUMMARY

SCHOLARSHIP TYPE

Academic

VALUE

Up to $56,010 per annum. 100% tuition for the full degree of up to 72 units

2 on offer

Payments made per semester

Payments made for program duration

APPLICATION PERIOD

01-Nov-2025 to 06-Dec-2025

  • Student types

    Domestic

  • Student levels

    Master Degree

  • Number of scholarships awarded

    2 on offer

  • Selection bases

    Academic merit, Financial hardship, Gender, Indigenous, Regional, rural or remote

  • Ongoing eligibility

    Continuation based on academic performance

  • Extension duration

    6 month extension available.

Field of study

 
National security policy

Eligibility

 
The Award is available each year to a commencing NSC student who:
  1. is an Australian citizen;
  2. identifies as a woman;
  3. has received an offer for the Master of National Security Policy degree program; and
  4. is not employed, nor has accepted or been offered a position when the scholarship is accepted in:
    • the Australian Public Service (APS),
    • Australian Defence Force,
    • Australian Federal Police,
    • one of the NIC agencies, including those employed under other legislative provisions such as the ASIO Act or the Intelligence Services Act.

Additional information

 
The scholarship provides tuition fee sponsorship for the duration of the eligible study program.
 
The recipient is responsible for making payment of all non-tuition fees including the student services and amenities fees by the prescribed date as set out by the University each session. Recipients of the Award are responsible for the costs of books, study materials, accommodation and all other costs of study.
As well as applying for admission to the Master of National Security Policy, applicants must:
  • Complete the application form
  • Attach a statement of aims of no more than 500 words to support their application
  • A current Curriculum Vitae of no more than 3 pages attached as part of the application
  • Two (2) academic written references.
The references must be "closed envelope" references are to be sent directly from the referee to the Senior Student Engagement Coordinator, at crawford.degrees@anu.edu.au  prior to the closing date.
 
The statement of claims should address the following questions:
  1. What are your reasons for undertaking the Master of National Security Policy?
  2. What are your long-term objectives and how will the degree help you achieve them?
  3. How do your circumstances align with the selection criteria listed in the conditions of award?

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

All enquiries regarding the National Intelligence Community and National Security College Scholarship for Women should be made to:

Senior Student Engagement Coordinator
National Security College
Crawford School of Public Policy
ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
 

Contact us:

icon_human Senior Student Engagement Coordinator
icon_human +61 2 6125 6261
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