| Applications open | Monday 19 January 2026 |
| Applications close | Sunday 15 March 2026 |
| Total value | $5,000 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Residency | New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, Permanent Humanitarian visa holder, Australian Citizen |
| Level of study | Undergraduate |
| Degree | Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) |
| College | College of Education, Behavioural & Social Science |
| Type of scholarship | High achiever/academic |
The Ian Cox Memorial Social Work Honours Scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of the late Ian Cox‚ who was Director-General of the Department of Community Welfare from 1970 to 1984. He was also an Associate Professor and lecturer in Social Work at UniSA from 1987 to 2000. Ian Cox was instrumental in a comprehensive reform of juvenile justice and made a significant contribution to establishing community engagement with the government's program of support for South Australians experiencing disadvantage.
Each year‚ the Department for Child Protection awards the Ian Cox Memorial Social Work Honours Scholarship to up to two students at Adelaide University (each scholarship valued at $5‚000). The scholarship aims to encourage research that supports the Department’s purpose to protect‚ care and empower children and young people at risk and in case.
During the final Honours year‚ students receiving the scholarship will also have 50% of their tuition fees paid by the College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences at Adelaide University.
The scholarship was established to inspire inquiry and further research in the area of child protection‚ in recognition of the work of the late Ian Cox‚ Director-General of the Department of Community Welfare from 1970 to 1984‚ and Associate Professor and lecturer in social work at the University of South Australia from 1987 to 2000.
Throughout his career Ian Cox was a champion for all Australians‚ researching‚ advising and pioneering new ways of working to improve services to those experiencing disadvantage. He also advocated for the rights of parents to have their voices heard in professional discussions about their children and families and to access their own information.
The scholarship will provide $5‚000 to assist with educational costs including living expenses‚ research expenses and travel costs. 50% of the recipient's tuition fees will also be paid the year they receive the scholarship.
Value: $5‚000 plus payment of 50% of tuition fees for the year in which the scholarship is held.
The recipient will receive two payments of $2‚500 after the Semester 1 and Semester 2 census dates‚ provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress.
For more information contact:
Student Assist
Email: StudentAssist@study.adelaideuni.edu.au
Eligibility
• Australian Citizen‚ Permanent Resident of Australia, Holders of Permanent Humanitarian Visa or New Zealand Citizens• Enrolled in Honours year of the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program
• Full-time or part-time study load
Selection criteria
Applicants must provide a written statement (500-750 words) detailing:• Your research (drawing on the research proposal)
• Which strategic pillar(s) your research aligns with
• How you intend to use the scholarship funds to assist with your studies in the Honours year
Important information
Preference may be given to research that is aligned with the Department’s Strategic Plan.
Selection will be based on academic merit and a written statement.Short-listed applicants may be invited to attend an interview with the scholarship selection panel.
Applicants are also encouraged to consider whether the project methodologies are viable and achievable within the one-year Honours program‚ such as policy reviews‚ scoping reviews‚ or systematic literature reviews.
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