Edna Briggs Scholarship in Physics
Highlights
| Value | Eligibility | Open date | Close date |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,250 p.a. (up to one year) |
|
2026 | 2026 |
How to apply
Scholarship will be offered in 2026. Open and Close dates are indicative and may vary. No application required. Successful recipients will be notified by email after the relevant census date.
Benefits
This scholarship is valued up to $5,250 per annum and is tenable for one year only.
Who's eligible
You must:
- domestic/international student
- be currently enrolled full-time in second year in an undergraduate Science degree
- be enrolled in at least 12 credit points of 2000 level Physics units of study in your second year of enrolment
- have achieved the highest average mark in at least 12 credit points of Physics units of study in your undergraduate degree in the previous calendar year
Background
This Scholarship was established in 2021 for students undertaking studies in physics at the University of Sydney.
Edna Briggs (BSc, 1917) was the first woman to graduate in physics from the University of Sydney. More than a century on, Edna's daughters, Dr Barbara Briggs and Margaret Wright, are still drawing inspiration from their late mother. Both daughters followed in her footsteps and studied science at Sydney.
Edna was a pioneer for women in physics, excelling academically at a time when science and academia were the domain of men. Barbara and Margaret established the Edna Briggs Scholarship for Women in Physics in their mother's name to ensure that her life and achievements continue to inspire more young female scientists.
1. Background
a. This Scholarship was established in 2021 for students undertaking studies in physics at the University of Sydney.
2. Eligibility
a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant being currently enrolled full-time in second year in an undergraduate Science degree within the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.
b. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 credit points of 2000 level Physics units of study in their second year of enrolment.
c. Applicants must have achieved the highest average mark in at least 12 credit points of Physics units of study in their undergraduate degree in the previous calendar year.
3. Selection Criteria
a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of the highest average mark across a minimum 12 credit points of 1000 level Physics units of study in one calendar year.
b. Preference will be given to female students.
c. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Head of School of Physics, or their nominated delegates.
4. Value
a. The Scholarship is valued up to $5,250 per annum tenable for one year only. The value will be stipulated in the Offer Letter.
b. The Scholarship will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.
c. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of the Head of School of Physics and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university without prior approval.
d. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.
e. No other amount is payable.
5. Ongoing Eligibility
a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate Science degree and have completed 12 credit points of 2000 level Physics units by the end of the year of tenure of the Scholarship.
b. Part-time enrolment will only be permitted with the prior approval of the Head of School of Physics, or their nominee, for exceptional circumstances, which limits a recipient’s capacity to study full-time. If part-time study is approved the recipient will receive the payment as pro-rata.
6. Termination
a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:
I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,
II. commences part-time study without prior approval,
III. does not enrol in at least 12 credit points of 2000 level Physics units of study in their 2nd year of enrolment,
IV. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance,
V. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct,
VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.
b. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.
c. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or the Scholarship is terminated under any instance in the Termination Clause of these terms and conditions, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.