Dawson Bursary 2026

William Henry Dawson, late of Bendigo, who died on 30 July 1949, bequeathed the balance of his residuary estate to the University for the purpose of providing a bursary in the biological sciences, preference to be given to children of returned soldiers.

The Dawson Bursary will be awarded to graduate researchers who are enrolled in the Faculty of Science and are undertaking research in the field of Biological science and who are experiencing financial need. Preference is given to children of returned soldiers.

To be considered for this bursary, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a graduate research degree in the Faculty of Science and be undertaking research in the field of Anatomy, Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Botany, Genetics, Paleontology, Physiology or Zoology 
• Have at least 2 years (EFTSL) of Doctoral degree candidature remaining or 1.5 years (EFTSL) of Masters degree candidature remaining 
• Have met the requirements for confirmation of their candidature 

The bursary is offered to 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.

Applicants must submit the University of Melbourne Student Financial Assessment Form and an application and include:

• Personal statement addressing the purpose of and commitment to their research
• Letter of endorsement from their supervisor
• Evidence of parent's military service, if applicable 

This bursary cannot be deferred. Recipients must agree to the University sharing their name and their course details with the donor of this scholarship and provide a brief report on the benefits of the scholarship if requested.​​ 

All scholarship outcomes will be sent via SmartyGrants.

Please see outcome timing below:

• Round 1 (Jan-March applications): May-July
• Round 2 (June-August applications): September-October
• Future Rounds - TBC

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