Full pay postgraduate scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Public Service and eligible Commonwealth public sector employees
We offer one-to-three-year postgraduate scholarships to high-performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Public Service (APS) and eligible Commonwealth public sector* employees from APS 4 to Senior Executive Service Band 1 (or equivalent).
Scholars develop research, analytical and leadership skills, and examine significant public policy issue/s of priority and enduring relevance to the Australian Public Service and Commonwealth public sector at either The Australian National University (ANU) or Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Scholars and alumni build connections between academia and government, driving the development of evidence-based public policy.
The Foundation offers two intakes per year for Pat Turner applicants:
Semester 2 2027 applications
Applicants wishing to begin postgraduate study at ANU or CDU in Semester 2 of 2027 should apply to their chosen university by 31 December 2026.
Semester 1 2028 applications
Applicants wishing to begin postgraduate study at ANU or CDU in Semester 1 2028 should apply to their chosen university by 31 March 2027.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner Scholarship, applicants must:
- be a substantive APS 4 to SES Band 1 (or equivalent) level Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander employee
- have at least three years' service in the Australian Public Service or at an eligible Commonwealth public sector entity*
- have been accepted into a postgraduate coursework or Higher Degree Research program at ANU or CDU, commencing in Semester 2, 2027 or Semester 1, 2028.
*Eligibility has been expanded to non-corporate Commonwealth Entities and Corporate Commonwealth Entities, which fall within section 57 of the Regulations. The expanded eligibility criteria exclude Commonwealth companies and entities prescribed as Government Business Enterprises under the PGPA Rule and entities that are exempt or partially exempt from government policy orders (section 22 PGPA Act). For Commonwealth public sector employee eligibility, see the PGPA Act Flipchart and List.
Selection criteria
Selection for the Pat Turner Scholarship is based on the outcome of the interview in conjunction with the application form, previous academic record, academic supervisor reference (HDR applicants only) and APS agency or eligible Commonwealth public sector entity reference and endorsement and on the basis of the overall merits of the applicant.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- a record of high performance within the Australian Public Service and/or Commonwealth public sector and leadership potential (commensurate with the level and duration of employment)
- a demonstrated commitment to the pursuit of a career in the Australian Public Service and/or Commonwealth public sector
- academic credentials and a capacity to conduct high-quality sustained research or study
- identification of an area of research/study that examines significant public policy issue/s, of priority and enduring relevance for the APS and/ or Commonwealth public sector.
Application process overview and key dates
Stage 1: ANU or CDU application
Applications open 14 October 2026
Sir Roland Wilson Foundation online information sessions
Higher Degree Research proposal writing workshop
Please register to attend via the links above.
ANU and CDU applications for scholarship applicants
All applicants need to apply for an ANU or CDU postgraduate coursework or Higher Degree Research (Master of Philosophy, Master by Research or PhD) program directly via the relevant university website.
ANU: Applicants can find out more about studying a Master by Coursework, Master by Research or PhD, including details on how to apply, via the Master by coursework at ANU can apply through UAC, or, depending on the program or course, directly to ANU.
CDU: Applicants wanting to study a Master by Research or PhD at CDU can apply through the Office of Research and Innovation. Applicants wanting to study a postgraduate qualification by coursework at CDU can apply through SATAC or UAC.
All higher degree research (HDR) applicants, including Master of Philosophy, Master by Research and PhD, need to develop a research proposal. The research topic should examine significant public policy issue/s, of priority and enduring relevance to the Australian Public Service and/or Commonwealth public sector. For more information about topics to consider, refer to the frequently asked questions.
Higher degree research applicants should identify an academic supervisor and liaise with them as they develop their research proposal.
Applications close
- Completed university applications for all programs beginning in Semester 2 2027 at ANU or CDU close 31 December 2026.
- Completed university applications for all programs beginning in Semester 1 2028 at ANU or CDU close 31 March 2027.
Complete the Pat Turner Scholarship Intent to Apply Form as soon as you submit your completed university application.
Stage 2: Agency application
Participating agencies select the applicants they wish to put forward for shortlisting and interview by the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation selection panel.
While you wait for a letter of offer confirming you have been accepted into the program you have selected at ANU or CDU, you need to apply through your employer for their endorsement.
Complete the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Scholarship Application Form and submit it to your employer with supporting documents.
Agency endorsement for Semester 2 2027 candidates
- between January and February 2027.
Agency endorsement processes for Semester 1 2028 candidates
- between April and June 2027.
Stage 3: Foundation shortlisting and interviews
After agencies send endorsed applications to the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation, the Foundation selection panel reviews the nominations and invites shortlisted candidates to interview.
Foundation shortlisting and interviews for Semester 2 2027 candidates
- April 2027
Foundation shortlisting and interviews for Semester 1 2028 candidates
- August 2027
Stage 4: Outcomes
Semester 2 2027 candidates notified of outcomes
- April 2027
Semester 1 2028 candidates notified of outcomes
- September 2027
New scholar orientation for Semester 2 2027 candidates
- May 2027
New scholar orientation for Semester 1 2028 candidates
- November 2027
Scholarship commences for Semester 2 2027 candidates
- July 2027
Scholarship commences for Semester 1 2028 candidates
- February 2028
Administrative arrangements
Scholars enter into a Deed of Agreement with their employer, stipulating the APS agency or eligible Commonwealth public sector entity's conditions of release for scholars to participate in the scholarship.
Pat Turner scholarships are full-pay scholarships. Scholars receive financial support from their employer, paid either as salary (at the scholar’s substantive grade) or as an equivalent financial payment. Taxation, superannuation and other employment conditions continue to apply, as per the relevant enterprise agreement. The Australian Public Service Commission provides advice to scholars’ employers regarding the drafting of the Deeds of Agreement.
Scholarships are awarded in accordance with the ANU Pat Turner Higher Degree Research Scholarship Conditions of Award, the ANU Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship Conditions of Award or CDU Scholarships and Prizes Policy.