Summer Vacation Scholarship Scheme

The Australian War Memorial provides one or more Summer Vacation Scholarships for history students in the third or fourth year of an undergraduate course, or who are undertaking early-stage postgraduate studies. The scholarships are also open to students enrolled in museum or public history courses.

This is an important opportunity for students hoping to make history their career. If successful you will acquire skills in public history by working with staff in the Memorial's Military History Section. You will gain an understanding of the range and significance of the Memorial's collections and of the work of historians within a major cultural institution.

You will need an excellent academic record, as well as an ability to think imaginatively and work collaboratively. While you do not need a background in military history, you will need a willingness to engage with the subject. If military history is your particular interest, you will gain valuable experience by working intensively with some of Australia's leading experts in the field.

Each scholar is allocated a project relevant to the Memorial's research interests. At the end of their time, scholars are normally expected to submit a report on their project and to give a short presentation to staff and interested others.

An honorarium of $505 per week is payable for the duration of the scholarship (provided the holders are not in receipt of a regular, full-time income) and free accommodation is provided. A return fare between a scholarship holder's home and Canberra will also be provided.

Overseas applicants – As of late 2010, the Memorial will consider applications from overseas students. Overseas applicants must be undertaking a level of study equivalent to that outlined above; be able to fund their own travel to and from a major point of entry to Australia (an international airport); and make their own arrangements for the necessary Australian visa. The Memorial will fund travel only within Australia, and will provide supporting documentation for any required visa applications; but the Memorial will not act as an agent for the visa application. All visa inquiries should be directed to the nearest Australian diplomatic mission. Overseas applications will be considered on their merits, but no more than one overseas scholar will be appointed each year.