Stellar Scholarships
Donate now to support year 11 and 12 girls studying physics
Click here for Information and Eligibility Criteria.
Click here for an Information Pack and Application Form
The Public Education Foundation’s Stellar Astronomy Scholarship for Girls is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship which aims to encourage girls to study Physics for the Higher School Certificate and to seek a career in science.
In 2010, twelve inaugural recipients of the Stellar Scholarships received ‘scholarship packages’ made up of financial and in-kind components such as books, a laptop computer, a telescope and individual mentoring. Each scholarship had a total value of up to $4,000.
The response from scholarship winners was overwhelmingly positive. One recipient said:
"It allowed me to meet other girls who are also passionate about science…I loved it when we all stayed in the city and got to visit the observatory and listen to talks about space! I also really liked all of the teachers and scientists that we met in the city and also at the Pulsar Parkes outing. It is interesting to hear about all of the occupations relating to physics that are out there. So all in all I think this scholarship has been a very enlightening experience and has given me some unforgettable memories."
Applications for ten new Stellar Astronomy Scholarships for Girls open on Friday 11 November 2011. Applications close on Friday 16 December 2011.
Information and Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply?
What does the Stellar Astronomy Scholarship provide?
What are the criteria for selection?
Who selects the Scholars?
How do I apply for the Scholarship?
How do I submit my Application?
What is the closing date for Applications?
Information Pack and Application Form
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the award of a Stellar Scholarship you must:
- Be a female student in a NSW public school currently completing Year 10;
- Intend to study Physics in Years 11 and 12;
- Have high rates of attendance;
- Be a permanent resident of Australia; and
- Have demonstrated high achievement in all courses studied in Year 10.
One of the scholarships is designated for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student.
What does the Stellar Astronomy Scholarship provide?
Each scholarship is valued at up to $4 000 over two years.
In 2010, the scholarship included:
- A cash amount made at the beginning of Year 11;
- A second cash payment made at the beginning of Year 12, provided normal academic progression requirements were met;
- A laptop from Lenovo;
- One week work experience at the Sydney Observatory;
- A personal teacher mentor who supported the student in her studies;
- A Tasco astronomical telescope valued at $699;
- A workshop that taught recipients how to get the best use out of their Tasco telescope;
- Remote Telescope Site Access to a telescope mounted on Mt Joy in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, USA;
- A copy of the 2010 Australian Skyguide;
- A copy of Planisphere;
- Year 11 and 12 physics textbooks;
- Books: The Life and Times of the Telescope and Why is Uranus Upside Down?;
- Membership to the Sutherland Astronomical Society.
What are the criteria for selection?
The selection panel will consider the following selection criteria:
- Evidence of academic achievement, commitment and capacity for academic success in the future;
- Evidence of intention to study Physics in Years 11 and 12; and
- Other personal qualities and personal circumstances which would enhance the candidate's suitability for a Stellar Astronomy Scholarship.
Who selects the Scholars?
A selection panel will review all scholarship applications according to the criteria set out in the Application Form.
The selection panel will include representatives of the Public Education Foundation, a representative of the NSW Department of Education and Training and other independent experts.
After considering all applications, the selection panel will draw up a short list of applicants and will make recommendations to the Board of the Foundation which will make the final decision on the recipients of the scholarships.
Note: The selection panel may invite a number of applicants for interview before making its final decision.
How do I apply for a Scholarship?
To apply for the scholarship you must:
- Complete the Application Form enclosed in the Information Pack and Application Form and submit it either by scanning the completed application and emailing it to the Foundation or by mailing it to the Foundation’s address below;
- Provide references from TWO referees. Your first referee could be your science teacher or head teacher science. Your second referee must be your school Principal; and
- Provide a certified copy of your Year 10 results to your Principal to be attached to your references.
Please provide only photocopies of documents that are requested. You should ask your science teacher, head teacher science or Principal to certify photocopies of your Year 10 results. Please do not send original documents.
How do I submit my Application Form?
Application forms can be submitted by post:
Public Education Foundation Ltd
PO Box 1393
DARLINGHURST NSW 1300
Or by scanning the Application Form and accompanying documents and emailing to info@publiceducationfoundation.org.au
What is the Closing Date for applications?
The closing date for applications for the 2012 scholarships will be announced when applications open.
Please submit your application on time, unfortunately we cannot accept late applications.