Key scholarship details
Application status
Open for applications
Applications open
1 Jun 2026
Applications close
2 Aug 2026
Benefit amount
Up to $5,600
Eligible study level
Graduate research
Eligible student type
Domestic and international students
Eligible study stage
Current study
Benefit duration
One or more years
Summary
The Dawson Bursary was established with a gift from William Henry Dawson and is awarded to graduate researchers who are enrolled with the Faculty of Science and are undertaking research in the field of Biological Science and who are experiencing financial disadvantage. Preference is given to children of returned soldiers.
Benefits
This bursary provides a payment of approximately $5600 in total (depending on the annual gift income) in yearly payments (approx $2800) for two years for the PhD or 1.5 years for the Master of Philosophy.
Amount:
Up to $5,600
Duration:
One or more years
Quantity:
At least 1
Eligibility and selection criteria
Eligibility
To be considered for this bursary, you must:
- Be enrolled in a graduate research degree in the Faculty of Science and be undertaking research closely aligned with a field of Anatomy, Bacteriology Biochemistry, Botany, Genetics, Paleontology, Pathology, Physiology or Zoology
- Have at least 2 years (EFTSL) of Doctoral degree candidature remaining 1.5 years (EFTSL) of Masters degree candidature remaining
- Have met the requirements for confirmation of your candidature.
Selection criteria
The bursary is offered to the candidate(s) ranked highest by the selection panel based on their research project and financial assessment score. Preference will be given to graduate researchers who are the child of a returned soldier if ranked tenth or higher.
Conditions
This bursary cannot be deferred. Recipients must agree to the University sharing their name and the name of their course with the donor of this scholarship and to provide a brief report on the benefits of the scholarship if requested.
Study level:
Graduate research
Student type:
Domestic and international students
Study stage type:
Current study
Study area:
Science
Need help understanding the process?
Visit our scholarship guideApplication
How to apply
You must submit the University Student Financial Assessment form and an application and include:
- Personal statement addressing the purpose of and commitment to your research
- Letter of endorsement from your supervisor
- Evidence of parent's military service, if applicable
Status:
Open for applications
The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Where we have listed information about jointly run scholarships programs, please also see our partners' websites. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.
Looking for more study options?
Courses and career pathways
Browse all undergraduate and graduate courses, study areas and career pathways on the Study website. Explore courses
Graduate research
Whatever your passion, you'll discover stimulating research opportunities at Australia's #1 ranked university. Research at Melbourne
International students
Find support, advice and what to expect living and studying as an international student at the University of Melbourne. Learn more