1854 Student Scholarships

The programme celebrates the museum's long history of research across both the Sciences and the Humanities, and builds relationships between Museums Victoria and the university communities.

They are awarded to students undertaking an Honours, Masters or PhD research project related to Museums Victoria's collections, or in association with a museum researcher. Scholarships may be awarded in the fields of Natural Sciences, Australian History & Technology, and Indigenous Cultures.

Successful applicants are provided with funding which enables them to undertake field work or other research-related activities. Without this funding, these activities may not otherwise be possible.

Eligibility and application process

Eligibility

Applicants must be undertaking an Honours, Masters or PhD research project related to Museums Victoria's collections or other museum activities, or in association with a museum researcher. Information about the museum's collections can be found on Museums Victoria Collections.

Award

Scholarships of between $500 and $1,500 will be awarded, in the fields of Natural Sciences, Humanities (including history and indigenous cultures) and Contemporary Museums (including museum based learning, collection care and museums and technological innovation).

Applications

Applications should be no more than two A4 pages in length (12 point font), detailing the project, its relevance to Museums Victoria's research activities and collections, intended outcomes and budget requested.

The budget should clearly identify the costs as they relate to the project, such as airfares and accommodation for fieldwork, equipment purchases and research consumables. The 1854 scholarships will not fund budget items such as salaries, parking, thesis binding/printing or other costs that aren't directly relevant to the proposed research project.

In addition to the project proposal, a summary academic record and letters of recommendations from supervisors should be provided. It is recommended that applicants discuss their project with a relevant Museums Victoria curator prior to completing the application.

The application should be submitted by email to [email protected] by the due date. Criteria for selection are the applicant's record of achievement, relevance of the project to the museum's research program, and the quality and achievability of the project.

Conditions of the Scholarship

A brief final report must be forwarded to the Director, Collections and Research by 30 June. Any publications arising from work supported by the scholarship should include an acknowledgement to that effect within the publication.

A copy of any such publication should be forwarded to the Director, Collections and Research. Recipients will be encouraged to give a seminar at the museum on their research program.

Got a question?

Queries and applications should be directed to:

Tim Stranks
Executive Support Manager
Research & Collections Directorate
[email protected]

Applicants should note that Museums Victoria reserves the right to not award the scholarships following its assessment of the scholarship applications.