Honours (or equivalent) scholarship in earth sciences

GSA
Playford Trust

The Playford Trust, in partnership with the South Australian Division of the Geological Society of Australia (GSA), offers an annual scholarship to an outstanding student entering a full-time Honours year in earth sciences at a South Australian public university.

This year, two (2) scholarships valued at $4000 each will be on offer.

GSA was established as a non-profit learned organisation in 1952 to promote, advance and support Earth Sciences in Australia. Members come from minerals and petroleum industries, government departments, research and education institutions and consultancy groups.

Applications for 2024 have now closed.

Selection Criteria

The Playford Trust will consider nominations from students studying at one of the three South Australian public  universities, and reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the nominations.

The GSA-SA Division and the Playford Trust will jointly make the final selection.

Applicants must be:

  • ready to commence full time Honours (or equivalent) degree in earth sciences at any one of the three universities
  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a holder of a permanent resident visa and resident in South Australia
  • intending to spend a significant part of their career in South Australia, or be likely to provide a benefit to the State
  • a high achiever, with an excellent undergraduate academic record
  • 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)
  • members of the Geological Society of Australia (or have applied for membership) at the time of award.

Consideration will also be given to the following, although students are not precluded from applying based on these criteria.

Applicants:

  • can demonstrate they are considering further studies/research post-Honours
  • can demonstrate how they intend to promote GSA and engage with the society
  • do not concurrently hold any other major industry-related scholarship.

It is essential that the applicant’s supervisor or an academic referee (e.g. dean of school/faculty, or lecturer) provides a supporting comment about the student’s achievements, character and leadership potential.