The Helen Macpherson Smith Scholarship is established by a donation from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust. It aims to support outstanding female students undertaking research study in two areas:
- Scientific and Technical disciplines
- Humanities and Social Sciences
The scholarship provides a stipend of $5,000 per year for:
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- 2 years for students pursuing a Master by research degree
- 3.5 years for students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree
- It can be held concurrently with another graduate research scholarship.
Scholarship Information
- Host Country: The scholarship is hosted by the University of Melbourne, which is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sponsor: The scholarship is sponsored by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust. The trust is committed to philanthropic endeavors and supports various educational initiatives.
- Eligible Countries: The scholarship is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
- Degree Level: The scholarship supports graduate research studies.
- Deadline: October 31.
Eligibility
To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne
- Have not already completed a research qualification at the same or higher level as the course for which a scholarship is sought
- Intend to study as a full-time student unless there are compassionate or compelling circumstances that prevent full-time study
- Not have previously received a graduate research scholarship with similar benefits
Selection Criteria
This scholarship is offered to eligible candidates with the highest overall score for their academic result for prior study and their research potential in their field of study. Factors such as relevant professional experience, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications or composition of original music may be taken into consideration.
Scholarships offer a variety of benefits to students, both financial and academic. Here are some of the key advantages of receiving a scholarship:
Financial Benefits
- Reduced Debt: Scholarships help you pay for college without relying heavily on student loans. This can translate to significant savings after graduation, as you’ll have less debt to repay.
- Increased Affordability: Scholarships can make attending your dream school or a more expensive institution more attainable.
- Focus on Studies: By reducing financial worries, scholarships allow you to focus more on your studies and academic pursuits.
- Less Pressure on Family: Scholarships ease the financial burden on your family, making college education more accessible.
Academic Benefits
- Improved Academic Performance: Scholarships can motivate students to perform well academically, knowing they need to maintain certain standards to keep the scholarship.
- Prestigious Recognition: Receiving a scholarship can be a mark of academic achievement and open doors to future opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: Some scholarships come with networking events or connect you with mentors, providing valuable career advice and connections.
- Research and Study Abroad Opportunities: Certain scholarships might offer funding for research projects, conferences, or even study abroad programs, enriching your academic experience.
Overall Benefits
- Increased Confidence: Receiving a scholarship can boost a student’s self-esteem and confidence in their academic abilities.
- Reduced Stress: Knowing you have financial aid can alleviate stress and anxiety about college costs.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Earning a scholarship is a rewarding experience, demonstrating your hard work and potential.
- Investment in Your Future: Scholarships are an investment in your future, opening doors to higher education and potentially a brighter career path.
Remember, the specific benefits of a scholarship can vary depending on the scholarship program itself. Make sure to read the fine print of any scholarship you apply for to understand the specific financial awards and opportunities offered.