Establish a named scholarship

Establish a named scholarship

Shape the future with the gift of education

At the heart of our University’s mission is a deep commitment to excellence, equity, and access. Scholarships are a powerful way to honour this mission by recognising high achievers, removing financial barriers, and opening doors to life-changing opportunities.

When you choose to establish a named scholarship, you’re not only investing in education — you’re creating a legacy in your name, or in honour of someone special, with the opportunity to shape the award’s identity and impact.

You can choose the study area that’s most meaningful to you and help a student in that field achieve success in their studies. You’ll also have the option to work with our team to establish the scholarship’s criteria.

With your gift, you’ll be empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers and creating a permanent connection between your values and their success.

Your dedication, our commitment

The process is simple and rewarding. Our Advancement team is available to offer guidance and administrative support to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. 

When you fund a scholarship at Adelaide University, you are making a direct investment in the future of our community, with 100% of your donation going towards supporting our students. 

Choose between annual or endowed scholarships, with flexible options for upfront or pledged payments over time. 

Together, we can make education accessible, transformative, and empowering for generations to come. 

 

FAQs

 

Asset Type

Minimum Philanthropic Contribution - Fixed-term (AUD)

Minimum Philanthropic Contribution - Endowed (AUD)

Schools/ Institutes/ Centres/ Program               

50% of the entity’s budget per annum for a minimum of 5 years 

Sufficient endowed fund to generate annual earnings to provide 50% of the entity’s budget  

Professorial Chair       

$250,000 plus on costs per annum for a minimum of 5 years 

$5,000,000  

Lecture/Event Series – existing  

 

Lecture/Event Series – new  

 

50% of ongoing costs  

 

100% of ongoing costs  

Sufficient endowed fund to generate annual earnings to cover costs  

Lectureships & Fellowships 

Annual salary (1.0 FTE) of the selected academic per annum for 5 years plus on costs. Refer to Adelaide University’s [Enterprise Agreement] for salary rates. 

Sufficient endowed fund to generate annual earnings to cover costs. Refer to Adelaide University’s [Enterprise Agreement] for salary rates. 

 

Undergraduate scholarship  

$7,500 per annum, per student, for minimum 3 years 

$150,000 

 

 

 

Postgraduate coursework scholarship  

$7,500 per annum, per student, for minimum  3 years. 

 

$150,000 

 

 

 

Masters by research scholarship  

$7,500 per annum for a minimum of 2 years  

 

$150,000 

Graduate Research  scholarship 

 

 

Graduate Research scholarship – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 

 

$36,500 minimum per annum – in line with major scholarship round – for minimum of 3.5 years  

 

$53,0608 minimum per annum – in line with major scholarship round – for minimum of 3.5 years 

 

$700,000  

 

 

 

 

$1.1M 

Graduate Research  Scholarship  top up  

$10,000 minimum per annum for minimum 3.5 years 

$200,000 

Prize 

 $1,000 per annum, per student, for minimum 5 years. Paid upfront. 

$20,000 

Grant 

$5,000 per annum, per student, as a one-off payment to support a designated component of a program (Refer to Scholarship Policy definitions)

 

$100,000  

Donations to eligible scholarships may be tax-deductible, depending on your individual circumstances.

We recommend consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand the specific tax implications of your donation.

As a scholarship donor, you can work with the University to establish specific criteria for selecting scholarship recipients, ensuring that your preferences align with the goals of the scholarship.

As a scholarship donor, you can work closely with our Advancement team to establish criteria that reflect your philanthropic goals and priorities and areas of interest or specialisation.

We know how meaningful it can be to connect with the student whose life you’ve helped change and we’re committed to offering enriching ways for you to engage with the impact of your gift.

You’ll be invited to events such as our annual Scholarship Reception and other special activities, where you may have the opportunity to meet students and hear their inspiring stories. Where direct meetings aren’t possible, we aim to share written updates, student messages, and other heartfelt expressions of thanks that reflect the life-changing effect of your support.

We’re committed to keeping you informed and inspired by the difference your scholarship makes.

You’ll receive regular updates featuring student stories, achievements, and outcomes, all made possible by your generosity. Our Advancement team will share impact reports and testimonials, so you can see how your support is helping students thrive.

In addition, you will also be invited to scholarship events where you can connect with recipients, meet fellow donors, and hear directly from University leaders about the broader impact of your philanthropy.

Your gift is creating real change — and we look forward to sharing that journey with you.

Adelaide University provides comprehensive support in administering scholarships, including assistance with establishing scholarship criteria, managing the selection process, and disbursing scholarship funds.

Our Advancement staff will work closely with you to ensure that the administration of your scholarship is seamless and efficient. We do not charge fees for setting up or administering scholarships, allowing you to maximise the impact of your donation.

Yes, you may leave a gift in your Will to establish a scholarship. If considering a planned gift in your Will, please contact our Advancement team, who can suggested appropriate wording to provide to your legal advisors. It is recommended that you receive independent legal advice when updating your testamentary documents.

Learn more about our Gift in Will program. 

Adelaide University welcomes gifts that establish perpetual or endowed funds. With guidance from independent asset advisers and oversight by the University’s Finance Committee, these contributions are invested through financial markets to achieve targeted long-term returns. This ensures long-term sustainability and impact, supporting your chosen area well into the future.