World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship

The experience of studying abroad at some of the world’s most coveted academic institutions is an experience like no other.

Benefactor Paul Ramsay wanted to support young Australian leaders in their pursuit of this opportunity, so they could realise their goals and make their own unique contribution to Australian society.

The World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship supports young Australians to undertake graduate study at the world’s best universities (e.g. Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Harvard, Princeton, Bologna etc.) for one, two and, in select cases, three years of graduate coursework and/or research.  Levels of support are fully competitive with the Rhodes, John Monash, Fulbright and other major scholarships. The scholarship covers living and tuition fees and other related expenses. Students applying for the scholarship will need to have secured a place in a graduate program abroad before finalising their application.

Selection Criteria

While it is expected that most applicants will have graduated in the past 5 years, the Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships are open to all Australian citizens. The three criteria are assessed as follows:

Strength of character, leadership and service

It is expected that Ramsay Scholars will go on to make significant contributions to Australian society in their chosen career. In your application you will therefore need to show and articulate a sustained record in leadership and community contribution. Examples could include active participation in charitable activities and projects; music, theatre, debating and sport; and entrepreneurial activities. Evidence of real-world problem solving, or overcoming personal challenges, will also be considered. 

In your application, you will be asked the following questions:

• What kind of leader are you?
• What contribution have you made as a leader to your community? (What tangible benefit has the community seen?)
• What have you learnt from your community work and extra-curricular activities?
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Academic achievement

Applicants will need to have secured a place in a graduate program at a university of their choice before finalising their Ramsay Scholarship application. You will need to provide evidence of this (in the form, for example, of a letter of offer) when applying for the scholarship. 

In evaluating the strength of an applicant’s academic credentials (including the prestige and benefits of the program into which they have been accepted), the Ramsay selection committee will consider evidence of non-degree intellectual attainment, e.g. academic publications, public commentary, op-ed pieces, the publication or public performance of creative works, etc.

In the application, you will be asked the following questions:

• Reflect on your academic career to date – your struggles and successes. What has been the most interesting thing you have learnt about your area/s of study and about yourself?
• Have you changed your mind about anything important as a result of your studies?

Commitment to advancing a richer and deeper understanding of our civilisation

In keeping with Mr Ramsay’s vision of promoting studies of Western Civilisation, applicants will need to provide in their applications either evidence of prior interest and achievement in Western civilisation studies broadly defined and/or a proposal for postgraduate study in a coursework or research programme with a significant element demonstrably related to this same general field. 

In your application, you will be asked the following questions:

• How have your studies to date deepened your appreciation of western civilisation broadly defined?

And/or 

• Identify how your proposed course of study or research will help you gain and advance a deeper appreciation of some aspect of western civilisation.

Future Goals

Finally, you will be asked to reflect on your choice of graduate program, your main professional goals for the future, how your course of study will help you realise these goals and how they will benefit the Australian community.

In the application you will need to:

• Provide evidence of Australian citizenship (or permanent residency)
• Provide evidence that you have been accepted into one or more of the graduate programs for which you have applied, for 2023 start. List up to three. If you are enrolling in a research program, you will also need to include your research proposal.
• Provide an academic summary of your career to date (institutions and degrees obtained), including certified transcripts and awards
• Provide a 2-page CV (including work experience, community service and leadership, and other noteworthy non-academic activities)
• Address the selection criteria and describe your future goals
• Provide contact details of three referees. Your referees will only be contacted in the event you are shortlisted for interview. At least one of the referees must be able to speak about your academic ability.

To open an application, click here .
For any questions related to opening an application or regarding an open application, please email [email protected]

FAQ’s available at: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/scholarships-courses/postgraduate-scholarships/faqs/