Hunstead Student Support Scholarship 2025

The Hunstead Student Support Scholarship 2025-2026 at the University of Sydney is a merit- and need-based award established with funds from the Dick Hunstead Fund to support postgraduate research students undertaking studies in Astronomy within the School of Physics in the Faculty of Science, specifically with the Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIfA). The scholarship provides a one-time payment of AUD 5,000 to assist with educational or living expenses. The University of Sydney, ranked 18th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), hosts over 60,000 students, including 23,000 international students, and is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in physics and astronomy. SIfA is a leader in astronomical research, contributing to projects like the Square Kilometre Array. Recipients benefit from access to world-class facilities, such as the Molonglo Observatory, and a vibrant research community, enhancing their academic and professional prospects.

• Email: scholarships@sydney.edu.au (Scholarships Office); hdrac@sydney.edu.au (Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre).

• Phone: +61 2 8627 8112 (Scholarships Office).

• Address: Scholarships Office, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (AEST).

• Website: www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships

To be eligible for the Hunstead Student Support Scholarship 2025-2026, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled full-time or part-time in a Master’s by Research or PhD program in the School of Physics, Faculty of Science, at the University of Sydney, undertaking research with the Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIfA).

• Hold an Honours or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Physics, Astrophysics, or related fields).

• Demonstrate an interest in astronomical research, as evidenced by their research project or supervisor’s endorsement.

• Demonstrate financial disadvantage, supported by a personal statement or evidence (e.g., income statements, Centrelink documents).

• Have the support of their research supervisor, who must provide an endorsement letter.

• Be open to all nationalities (Australian citizens, permanent residents, and international students).

• Exclusions:

  • Not available for students not enrolled in a Master’s by Research or PhD program with SIfA.

  • Not available for students who have completed their degree, submitted their thesis, or exceeded the maximum candidature period as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011.

  • Not combinable with another supplementary scholarship that increases the overall supplementary rate to more than 75% of the primary scholarship amount (in such cases, the higher-value scholarship prevails).

• Value: AUD 5,000, awarded as a one-time payment.

• Disbursement: Paid directly to the recipient’s nominated bank account upon submission of the Scholarship Acceptance Form, typically in Semester 1, 2026 (March–April 2026).

• Duration: Non-renewable, awarded once for the 2025-26 academic year.

• Additional Benefits:

  • Recognition as a Hunstead Scholar, enhancing academic and research credentials.

  • Access to SIfA’s research facilities, including telescopes and computational resources, and collaboration opportunities with leading astronomers.

  • Support from the University of Sydney’s career services, with 95% graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2024).

  • Networking with SIfA’s global research community, including partnerships with institutions like the Australian Astronomical Observatory.

• Note: The scholarship can be used for educational expenses (e.g., research materials, conference travel) or living costs (AUD 25,000–30,000/year in Sydney). It does not cover tuition fees (AUD 46,500/year for international PhD students in 2025-26) or additional fees (e.g., student services, ~AUD 1,500/year). Total financial aid cannot exceed tuition costs, and adjustments may be made if combined with other funding. Education loans via WeMakeScholars or banks (e.g., SBI, HDFC Credila) are available for remaining costs. International students must enroll in or waive the university’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) by February 28, 2026, for 2025-26 coverage.

Applicants must submit their application through the University of Sydney’s scholarship application system. Follow these steps:

1. Confirm Enrollment: Be enrolled in a Master’s by Research or PhD program with SIfA in the School of Physics for the 2025-26 academic year.

2. Prepare Application Materials:

   • Complete the Hunstead Student Support Scholarship application form, available via the university’s scholarship portal (www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships).

   • Provide:

     • Personal statement (500–750 words) outlining research interests in astronomy and evidence of financial disadvantage (e.g., low income, dependents, or other financial burdens).

     • Academic transcripts (accessed via Sydney Student portal or prior institutions, in English or with certified translations).

     • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic achievements, research experience, and any publications or presentations.

     • Endorsement letter from the research supervisor, confirming the applicant’s research alignment with SIfA and financial need.

3. Submit Application: Upload materials to the scholarship portal by the deadline, December 10, 2025, 11:59 PM (AEST).

4. Evaluation: The Faculty of Science scholarship committee assesses applications based on:

   • Academic merit (Honours/Master’s degree performance).

   • Research interest and alignment with SIfA’s astronomy projects.

   • Financial disadvantage (based on personal statement and evidence).

   • Strength of supervisor’s endorsement.

5. Notification: Successful applicants are notified via their university email by January 2026.

6. Accept and Maintain Eligibility: Submit the Scholarship Acceptance Form and maintain enrollment in the research program to receive the payment. Notify the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) of any changes to enrollment (e.g., suspension, withdrawal).

Note: International students must hold a valid Australian student visa (subclass 500) and be onshore by February 2026. Apply for a visa by November 2025 to allow 3–4 months for processing. Contact scholarships@sydney.edu.au for portal access or application support. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. Misrepresentation or misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, breach of the Research Code of Conduct 2023) may result in scholarship repayment.

• Completed Hunstead Student Support Scholarship application form (via www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships).

• Personal statement (500–750 words) on research interests and financial disadvantage.

• Academic transcripts (in English or with certified translations).

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting research experience.

• Endorsement letter from the research supervisor.

• Note: Documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Submit via the scholarship portal by December 10, 2025. Incomplete applications are ineligible.

• Application Deadline: December 10, 2025, 11:59 PM (AEST).

• Notification: By January 2026.

• Acceptance Deadline: Submit Scholarship Acceptance Form by the deadline in the offer letter, typically February 2026.

• Enrollment Deadline: Maintain enrollment for Semester 1, 2026, by late February 2026.

• Health Insurance Deadline: Enroll in or waive OSHC by February 28, 2026, for 2025-26 coverage.

• Note: The December 10, 2025, deadline is strict; verify at www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships or contact scholarships@sydney.edu.au. Early application by November 2025 is recommended for international students due to visa processing.