Harvard Excellence.Australian Impact.
The R.G. Menzies Scholarship to Harvard helps exceptional Australians undertake graduate study at Harvard University and bring that expertise home. It is funded by the Harvard Club of Australia and administered by the Australian National University.
It is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents with an Honours-level record who have been admitted to a full-time Harvard graduate program and plan to contribute to Australia’s future. Up to two scholarships may be awarded each year.
Now
Applications
The 2027 round: dates to be announced by the ANU. The 2026 round ran from 12 December 2025 to 9 February 2026; applications usually open in November or December. Check the ANU scholarship page for the current status. Key dates
Scholar spotlight
As at October 2026 she is a Professor in the Faculty of Business, Government and Law at the University of Canberra and Co-Director of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation.
From the Honour Roll
More Menzies Scholars have studied at Harvard Law School than at any other Harvard school: 22 of 103.
See the Honour Roll
Thinking of Applying?
- Am I eligible?Eligibility checkSix questions, one for each published criterion.
- When do I apply?Key datesWhen the round opens and closes, and what follows.
- What do I need?Application checklistWhat to prepare for the ANU application, and when.
- Anything else?All guidesAll 13 guides, from planning ahead to referees.
- Inaugurated by the Harvard Club of Australia
- 1967
- Menzies Scholars since 1968
- 103
- Maximum award per year of study
- US$60,000
- Harvard schools attended by scholars
- 9
The Scholarship
The Harvard Club of Australia inaugurated the R.G. Menzies Scholarship to Harvard in 1967. Championed in its early years by leaders including Sir James Wolfensohn, later President of the World Bank, it honours Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister.
Sir Robert was a strong advocate for higher education and for the relationship between Australia and the United States. The scholarship reflects both: it gives Australia’s most promising graduates access to Harvard, on the understanding that they bring what they learn back home.
Sir Robert Gordon Menzies
Sir Robert Gordon Menzies (1894–1978) remains Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister. He studied at the University of Melbourne on scholarships and graduated with first-class honours in Law. The scholarship still asks applicants for an Honours-level record.
Prime Minister from 1939 to 1941 and again from 1949 to 1966, Menzies greatly expanded federal support for universities. The National Archives of Australia describes the benefit that society and the individual gain from a sound education as one of the cornerstones of his political philosophy.
His government also signed the ANZUS Treaty with the United States and New Zealand in 1951. The scholarship carries that legacy forward, sending outstanding Australians to study in the United States in the expectation that they will return to serve their country.
A Legacy of Excellence
Three things shape the Menzies Scholarship.
A long horizon. The scholarship is built around lifelong contribution rather than short-term results. It supports people who plan to use their Harvard expertise in Australia, in keeping with Sir Robert’s commitment to public service and strong institutions.
Support from application to alumni. Candidates go through a competitive selection process overseen by a joint panel of the Australian National University and the Harvard Club of Australia, which assesses intellect, leadership and vision for Australia. After the award, scholars report on their progress and join an alumni network that offers mentoring and connection for life.
A foundation to build on. A Harvard education is a major financial undertaking. The scholarship provides a substantial grant, and the standing of the award can help scholars secure further funding.
Our Values & Impact
The scholarship is anchored by three values: academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and a lasting commitment to public service. We look for people who will thrive in Harvard’s demanding academic environment and who have the character to use that education for the good of society.
Its defining expectation is national contribution. The Menzies Scholarship is an investment in Australia’s future, not only in an individual’s career: scholars are expected to return home and put the expertise, networks and ideas they gain at Harvard to work for the country.
Since the first award in 1968, more than 100 scholars have taken up that challenge. They include leading figures in the judiciary, federal and state government, business, academia and the not-for-profit sector: a lasting return on the support of the Harvard Club of Australia and the Australian National University.
Partner with Us
Organisations and individuals can support the scholarship in four main ways:
- Philanthropy: tax-deductible gifts that increase the value or number of awards.
- Corporate partnerships: employment, board and advisory opportunities for returning scholars.
- Media and outreach: helping us reach strong candidates during the application period.
- Academic affiliates: encouraging outstanding Honours students to apply.
News & Events
All newsIntroducing the Menzies Scholar network
Past and present Menzies Scholars can now sign in to keep their profile up to date, find one another and offer to mentor future applicants.
Chris Ronan and Effie Tan named 2026 Menzies Scholars
The Harvard Club of Australia has announced the 2026 R.G. Menzies Scholars to Harvard.
For Menzies Scholars
The Scholar Network
Past and present Menzies Scholars can join a private network on this site: keep your profile up to date, choose whether it appears on the public Honour Roll, find fellow scholars by field, city or Harvard school, and offer to talk with future applicants.