We offer one-to-three year postgraduate scholarships to high performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Public Service (APS) and eligible Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA) entity employees from APS 4 to Senior Executive Service Band 1 (or equivalent). Scholarships enable the development of research, analytical and leadership skills, and support scholars to study topics of national significance and strategic importance to the APS and Commonwealth Public Sector at either The Australian National University (ANU) or Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Scholars and alumni build connections between academia and the APS and Commonwealth public sector, driving the development of evidence-based public policy.
We offer two intakes per year for Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner coursework scholarships and one intake per year for research scholars.
Semester 2 2026 applications
Candidates wishing to begin postgraduate study at ANU or CDU in Semester 2 of 2026 should apply to their chosen university by 31 December 2025.
Semester 1 2027 applications
Candidates wishing to begin postgraduate study at ANU or CDU in Semester 1 2027 should apply to their chosen university by 31 March 2026.
Please find further details below.
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 PGPA entity*
- have been accepted into a postgraduate coursework or Higher Degree Research program at ANU or CDU.
* See PGPA Act Flipchart and List. All entities included in the flipchart are eligible to participate in the scholarship program with two exceptions. Entities prescribed as Government Business Enterprises under the PGPA Rule and entities that are exempt or partially exempt from government policy orders (section 22 of the PGPA Act) are NOT eligible to participate.
Application process overview and key dates
Stage 1: ANU or CDU application
Applications open October 2025
University applications for Semester 2 2026 close 31 December 2025 - this for all programs beginning in Semester 2 2026 at ANU or CDU.
University applications for Semester 1 2027 close 31 March 2026 - this is for all programs beginning in Semester 1 2027 at ANU or CDU.
Online information session held between October 2025 and February 2026
PhD and MPhil research proposal writing workshop
Please register to attend via the links above.
ANU and CDU applications open for scholarship applicants
All candidates need to apply for an ANU or CDU postgraduate coursework or Higher Degree Research program directly via the relevant university website.
ANU: Candidates can find out more about studying a Master by Research or PhD, including details on how to apply, via the ANU website. Candidates wanting to study at Master by coursework at ANU can apply through UAC, or, depending on the program or course, directly to ANU.
CDU: Candidates wanting to study a Master by Research or PhD at CDU can apply through the Office of Research and Innovation. Candidates wanting to study a postgraduate qualification by coursework at CDU can apply through SATAC or UAC.
All higher degree research candidates, including Master of Philosophy and PhD, need to develop a research proposal. The research topic should be of public interest and strategic priority, of relevance and enduring interest to the APS. For more information about topics to consider, refer to the frequently asked questions.
Higher degree research candidates should identify an academic supervisor and liaise with them as they develop their research proposal.
Once you submit your application, email the Foundation with your ANU or CDU application number.
Stage 2: Agency application
Internal agency selection processes for Semester 2 2026 candidates run between January and February 2026.
Internal agency selection processes for Semester 1 2027 candidates run between April and June 2026.
While you wait for your letter of offer confirming you have been accepted into the program from your chosen university, 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.
Participating agencies select the candidates they wish to put forward for shortlisting and interview by the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation selection panel.
Agencies look for the following attributes when selecting applicants for shortlisting:
- a record of high performance within the APS and 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 APS and Commonwealth public sector
- possession of academic credentials and a capacity to conduct high quality, sustained study/research, with acceptance into an approved program at ANU or CDU
- identification of an area of study/research that is of public interest and strategic priority, of relevance and enduring interest for the APS and Commonwealth public sector.
Stage 3: Foundation shortlisting and interviews
Foundation shortlisting and interviews for Semester 2 2026 candidates happen in April 2026.
Foundation shortlisting and interviews for Semester 1 2027 candidates happen in August 2026.
After agencies send endorsed applications to the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation, the Foundation selection panel reviews the nominations and invites shortlisted candidates to interview.
Stage 4: Outcomes
Semester 2 2026 candidates are notified of outcomes in April 2026
Semester 1 2027 candidates are notified of outcomes in September 2026.
Successful candidates will be offered a Pat Turner Scholarship to commence in July 2026 (Semester 2) or February 2027 (Semester 1).
New scholar orientation for Semester 2 2026 candidates occurs in May 2026.
New scholar orientation for Semester 1 2027 candidates occurs in November 2026.
Semester 2 2026 candidates start the scholarship program and their studies in July 2026.
Semester 1 2027 candidates start the scholarship program and their studies in February 2027.
Administrative arrangements
Scholars enter into a Deed of Agreement with their employer, stipulating the APS agency or eligible PGPA entity's conditions of release for scholars to participate in the scholarship.
Sir Roland Wilson 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.