| Applications open | Monday 19 January 2026 |
| Applications close | Saturday 14 March 2026 |
| Total value | $2,500 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Residency | Australian Permanent Resident, Permanent Humanitarian visa holder, Australian Citizen |
| What best describes me | Current student |
| Level of study | Undergraduate |
| Degree | Bachelor of Medical Studies, Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) |
| College | College of Health; College of Business and Law |
| Type of scholarship | Financial need, High achiever/academic |
In 1952, William Donnithorne bequeathed approximately £2,050 to the University to assist one medical student and one law student to continue their studies at the University.
William Donnithorne, a graduate of the University of Adelaide, was admitted to the degree of LLB and was over 40 years of age when he began his law studies. After a successful business career in Adelaide, he devoted his time to painting in oils, and travelled to Rome, Paris, London, Florence, and New York. Upon returning, Mr Donnithorne enlisted for active service.
His travels inspired a love of literature, and following advice of Mr G.G. Newman, BA, he decided to matriculate with the aim to studying law. Through sheer hard work and determination, he passed at first attempts in Latin, French, English history, and physiology. Over the course of four years, he completed eleven subjects, marking a highly successful university career.
For more information contact:
Student Assist
Email: StudentAssist@study.adelaideuni.edu.au
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a continuing student undertaking the Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Medical Studies or Doctor of Medicine
- In the case of the award for Law, have completed at least two years of tertiary study, including a minimum of 8 units of law courses
- In the case of the award for Medicine, have completed at least one full year of the Bachelor of Medical Studies or Doctor of Medicine
- Be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident of Australia, or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa
- Be enrolled on a full-time basis in a Commonwealth Supported Place
- Demonstrate financial need*
* Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide supporting documentary evidence at the time of application, e.g. details of income tested Commonwealth income support payment, such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY benefits, or other details of their financial circumstances.
Selection criteria
Selection of the successful candidate will be made according to:
- Academic merit (GPA)
- Financial need
- Answers to questions on the application form
Important information
- You must meet all of the above listed criteria to be eligible to apply
- The Scholarship must be taken up in the year in which it is offered
- Applicants may reapply for scholarships in subsequent years but will compete with new applicants
- No preference will be granted to Continuing students who have held a scholarship in the previous year
- Students receiving other Adelaide University Scholarships may apply for this Scholarship
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