First Year Rural STEM Scholarships ** New in 2026 **

Commonwealth Hill Trust / Playford Trust Rural Scholarships

The Commonwealth Hill Trust seeks to support outstanding students from rural and regional South Australia who intend to enrol as undergraduates to study science, engineering, mathematics or technology (STEM) subjects at one of the State’s public universities.

Four awards of $5000 each are available to students entering the first year of their university course. These scholarships will be awarded to high achieving students who will need to overcome the practical and financial disadvantages associated with living away from their home and community, whilst studying in Adelaide.

Preference will be given to students enrolling in subjects aligned to Commonwealth Hill Trust priority areas.

Commonwealth Hill Trust priority areas are:

  • Soils and pasture management (Soil Science + Environmental land management, water and ecosystem sustainability);
  • Stock (Livestock development);
  • Forestry (Agronomy and plant science);
  • Weather (including meteorology, climate adaptation and ecosystem management);
  • Defence and related technologies.

Applicants with an interest in these areas of primary production and supporting technologies/sciences are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth Hill Trust may at its discretion offer work experience to the scholarship recipients to help the student develop skills and knowledge and enhance their experience. 

 

 

Selection Criteria

Apart from addressing each of the selection criteria, applicants must seek comments about their achievements, character and leadership potential from a teacher or a school referee (such as the Principal, Assistant Principal or Co-ordinator).

Any other awards or scholarships held by the student must be disclosed.

Applicants must:

  • be ready to commence an undergraduate degree studying science, engineering, mathematics, or technology at one of South Australia’s two public universities, with preference given to students living in regional or rural areas
  • be enrolled to study in primary production subjects aligned to CHT priority areas
  • be Australian citizens or holders of a permanent resident visa and who are resident in South Australia
  • intend to spend a significant part of their career in South Australia, or be likely to provide a benefit to the State
  • show potential for high achievement with an excellent academic record
  • be of good character. Preference will be given to students who display leadership potential. This could include your involvement in community, charity, sporting or special interest organisations, or any other relevant personal achievements.
  • be supported by an academic referee providing comments about the student’s achievements, character, and leadership potential.