Undergraduate Research Scholarship in Stellar Astrophysics

Scholarship details

Establishment

This scholarship is available to support a program of supervised research in the field of Stellar Astrophysics with the School of Science (Physics) over the Midyear Session 2026.

Students applying for this should also consider applying for the Margaret Crawshaw Schmidt Winter Research Scholarship which is open for application now.

For more information on this scholarship, please review the Terms and Conditions.

Applicable to academic achievement, math, science, astrophysics.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you will need to:

• Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Science and/or Bachelor of Mathematics degree (including Combined, Advanced and Honours programs).
• Have completed 80 units of current program or more.
• Have successfully completed all first year Physics core courses (MATH1110, MATH1120, PHYS1210, PHYS1220).
• Have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.0 or higher.
• Be available and interested in participating in the research experience offered with this scholarship.
• Have some experience in coding to assist you in the research.

Required Documentation

Required documents will be listed on the ‘Your Documents’ page of your application. The application portal accepts PDF only. A maximum of 3 PDF smaller than 5 MB can be added per document type upload field.

• A personal statement (approx. 1 A4 page) outlining your academic achievements, career aspirations in the relevant area of study, and how this scholarship would assist you. This statement will cover all scholarships you are submitting for.

• A 300 word statement outlining your motivation to undertake a research project during the Midyear/Winter Session. The research project must fall within astrophysics, eg solar/stellar interiors, flares, winds, and exoplanet atmospheres.

Benefit

The scholarship provides a benefit of $5000. This will be paid in two instalments of $2500 on acceptance of the scholarship offer and at the conclusion of the scholarship.

The scholarship also offers the opportunity to undertake supervised, non-compulsory research during the 2026 Midyear Session. This will be for the equivalent of 20 full-time days and will conclude before the start of Semester 2. The schedule details can be arranged in consultation with your supervisor to accommodate your other commitments.

Although participation is not compulsory, it is the intention of this scholarship to support a student genuinely interested in and committed to making the most of this opportunity.

Selection

Selection shall be based on a review of all eligibility criteria and your interest in the experience as demonstrated in your personal statement. Selection will be made by a panel of three members of University of Newcastle Academic staff, including Professor David Pontin.

College

College of Engineering Science and Environment

Contact Details

Scholarships
Student and Academic Services
University of Newcastle
University Drive
CALLAGHAN NSW 2308

Phone: +61 2 4921 5000
Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au