Len Tierney Social Work Travelling Award

Key scholarship details

Application status

Open for applications

Applications open

5 May 2025

Applications close

6 Oct 2025

Eligible study level

Graduate coursework

Eligible student type

Domestic and international students

Eligible study stage

Current study

Benefit duration

One-off

Summary

The Len Tierney Social Work Travelling Award was established in memory of Dr Tierney’s son Mark Julian Tierney, who died in infancy in 1964, and is offered to students to support the cost of attendance at Columbia University School of Social Work for the study of direct practice, or, at the option of the University of Melbourne, such other University school department or program of social work of comparable standing.

About the donor

Dr Leonard James Tierney OAM (1925 – 1996) was a leader in the development of social work education and professional practice at the University of Melbourne from 1961 until his retirement in 1990. In 1976 he was awarded Honorary Life Memberships of both the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Australian Social Welfare Union (ASQU) in recognition of his outstanding services to the social work profession.

In 1954 he was conferred with an MSc (Social Work) and subsequently in 1976 a DSW (Doctor of Social Welfare) at Columbia University School of Social Work. Dr Tierney’s sons, Nathan and Richard, also completed PhDs (in Philosophy) at Columbia. Dr Tierney’s initial overseas studies were partly funded through a postgraduate bursary provided by Columbia University. Through his estate he wished to provide similar opportunities to outstanding candidates to further their understanding of emerging international trends and perspectives in social work practice and education. Dr Tierney died in 1996. Following the death of his widow, Mrs Joan Tierney in 2018, the balance of the gift in his Will became available for purposes of funding this award.

Benefits

The award provides a one-off payment, the value may vary according to the trust net annual income and the awardees proposed program for the travelling award.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Eligibility

To be considered for this award you must be currently enrolled and completing the final semester in the Master of Social Work.

Selection criteria

The award will be offered to students based on:

Academic merit based on the weighted average mark in the Master of Social Work at the time of submitting the scholarship application
Evidence of excellence in their field education placements based on reports from their University and Field educators
A clearly stated program of study that demonstrates relevance to the advancement of direct social work practice.

Application

How to apply

You must submit an application via the application form below. Candidates must respond to each question in the form.

Application Form

Please note that late applications will not be considered.

For further information, please contact Van Callaly at van.callaly@unimelb.edu.au

When will I know the outcome?

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview late October / early November.

Recipients of the scholarship will be advised in writing mid to late November.

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.

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