Applicant FAQ.
Short answers to the questions applicants ask most. Each links to the guide with the full answer. The ANU’s scholarship page and Conditions of Award are the authority.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally live in Australia, with an Australian bachelor’s degree with Honours or equivalent academic excellence, who have been admitted to a full-time, in-person Harvard graduate program. There are also rules on returning to Australia, US study and other scholarships. Who can apply lists them all.
Do I need an offer from Harvard before I apply?
The eligibility criteria require that you have applied for and been admitted to a full-time, in-person Harvard graduate program. If you are still waiting on a decision when applications close, check with the ANU Coursework Scholarships Office. Planning ahead sets out the order things happen in.
Can I apply for a PhD?
The ANU currently lists postgraduate (master’s) study and graduate certificates as eligible levels of study. If you are considering a PhD, ask the ANU before applying. See Planning ahead.
How can I check whether I’m eligible?
The eligibility check takes you through each published criterion and tells you which ones to raise with the ANU. It is a guide only: the ANU’s Conditions of Award decide.
The Award
How much is it worth?
Up to US$60,000 a year, and up to US$120,000 for a two-year degree. The exact amount is set in your letter of offer and depends on any financial aid you receive from Harvard. See How to apply.
How many are awarded each year?
Up to two each year, in any field of study. See How to apply.
Can I hold other scholarships at the same time?
Not another major scholarship of more than US$30,000, unless it comes directly from the ANU or Harvard (clause 3(h) of the Conditions of Award). Other scholarships compares the Knox, Fulbright, Monash and Ramsay awards.
Can I defer the award?
No. Clause 7 of the Conditions of Award says the award cannot be deferred. Selection criteria explains the one exception, in clause 12.
Do I have to come back to Australia?
You must intend to return to Australia after your studies, or to work overseas in a role representing Australia. See Who can apply and A year as a Menzies Scholar.
Applying and Selection
When do applications open and close?
Applications usually open in November or December and close in early February. The 2026 round ran from 12 December 2025 to 9 February 2026. The key dates and the ANU scholarship page show the current round.
What do I need to prepare?
Supporting details of your record, a statement of purpose, a budget and your referees’ details. The ANU application form lists what to upload. The application checklist goes through it step by step.
When are referees asked for reports?
Only once a candidate is shortlisted, usually by early March. For referees and supervisors explains what referees are asked for.
Who decides, and what do they look for?
A selection committee of up to six: three appointed by the ANU’s Vice-Chancellor and three by the Harvard Club of Australia. Clause 5 of the Conditions of Award says: “Selection is made based on academic merit, qualities of leadership and breadth of vision as demonstrated by their passion and commitment to making a significant contribution to the development of Australia.” See Selection criteria.
When are interviews?
In March and April, for shortlisted candidates. Beforehand, you must disclose all other funding. See the application checklist.
Still Have a Question?
Questions about eligibility or your application go to the ANU Coursework Scholarships Office at philanthropic.scholarships@anu.edu.au. To hear what applying was like, ask to talk with a past scholar. The glossary explains terms you’ll meet along the way.