Yvonne Aitken Bursary 2026

Yvonne Aitken AM, BAgrSc (Melb.), MAgrSc (Melb.), DAgrSc (Melb.) (dec. 29 November 2004) was, until her retirement in 1975, a senior lecturer in Plant Science at the University. Her publications focused on the genetic and environmental factors controlling plant flowering time in agricultural plants in Australia. She was also Vice-Principal of Janet Clarke Hall.

Pursuant to the Donor’s Will dated 18 June 1993, the Donor bequeathed $49,374.24 to the University (Bequest) ‘To pay or transfer one of such parts or shares to the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Melbourne University, for its Scholarship Fund’

The value of the scholarship is the net annual income of the fund which is approximately $2000. The value of the bursary may vary depending on the net annual income of the fund.

The Yvonne Aitken Bursary is awarded to an excellent research student in financial need in the The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) in a graduate coursework or graduate research degree.

The bursary will be awarded to the student with the highest weighted average mark (WAM) of her or his undergraduate studies and demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to candidates that have not received this award before.

To determine financial need, students must submit an online Student Financial Assessment form and applications will be assessed and ranked by Scholarships & Bursaries.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to:

• Be enrolled in a School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Science graduate coursework or graduate research program,
• Demonstrate Financial Need by completing an online Student Financial Assessment Form 

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

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