The Tuckwell Scholarship ANU Program is like no other undergraduate scholarship program in Australia. Every year, they offer 25 talented school leavers the opportunity to fulfill their potential by actively participating in the very best that ANU has to offer.
What is the Tuckwell Scholarship?
They offer talented and motivated students the opportunity to realize their potential by providing financial support, personal enrichment, and development opportunities.
Most importantly, Scholars can connect with and learn from one another within our home on campus, Scholars House. Scholars are selected on the basis of intellect, character, leadership, and their commitment to Australia.
Eligibility Criteria – commencing at ANU in 2027
To apply for a Tuckwell Scholarship for study at ANU commencing in 2027, applicants must:
- be eligible to apply to study at ANU in 2027 via the ANU Direct Application system.
commence and complete Year 12 full-time in 2026, at a school located in Australia. - be 17, 18, or 19 years old on 22 February 2027 (born on or between 23 February 2007 and 22 February 2010), being the commencement of Semester 1, 2027.
- be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or the holder of an Australian humanitarian visa, and be in possession of the relevant Birth Certificate, Citizenship Certificate, or Visa by 22 May 2026, being the closing date for Stage 2 applications.
- be predicted by their school to achieve an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 95 or higher. Applicants who are eligible for consideration under the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) may apply for a Tuckwell Scholarship if they are predicted by their school to achieve an ATAR of 90 or higher.
have undertaken: at least one high school English course/unit in at least one semester during Year 11 or Year 12; and at least one high school Maths course/unit in at least one semester during Year 11 or Year 12.
Applying in 2026 to commence at ANU in 2027
Note: applications for the 2027 intake have now closed. The details below show how the process works so you can prepare for the next round.
Before commencing an application, you should: To apply to commence study at ANU on a Tuckwell Scholarship in 2027, you must:
- Complete and submit the ANU Direct Application as soon as possible and before 9 April 2026 AND
Complete and submit the Tuckwell Scholarship Stage 1 Application Form as soon as possible and before 13 April 2026. - The ANU Direct Application will ask if you wish to apply for a Tuckwell Scholarship to which you must answer “yes” if you wish to apply.
- Within three to five business days of you submitting your ANU Direct Application, you will be invited to the Tuckwell Scholarship Stage 1 Application Form via email. The sooner you submit your ANU Direct Application, the sooner you can access the Tuckwell Scholarship Stage 1 Application Form.
There are three stages to the Tuckwell application:
Phrase 1: Opens on 2 March 2026 and closes on 13 April 2026
This phrase asks you for personal details and information on your academic and extra-curricular activities. You will need to provide the details of a referee from your school (such as your Head of Year or Head Teacher) and upload your academic transcripts.
Your Head of Year or equivalent will be contacted by the program to supply a reference. This information will be taken into account to determine the 150 candidates who will progress to Stage 2.
Phrase 2 – Opens 13 May 2026 and closes 22 May 2026
This phrase asks longer questions that give the Selection Panel insight into who you are in addition to your achievements. It also includes a reference from your Principal.
Your principal will be contacted by the program and will need to supply their reference by the due date in May. This information will be taken into account to determine the 50 candidates who will progress to phrase 3.
Phrase 3 – Held 10-12 July 2026
This is an in-person Interview Weekend at ANU in Canberra. Precise details are sent to shortlisted candidates. In the interview, the Selection Panel will get to know you, including how you best demonstrate the Tuckwell attributes and your connection and commitment to Australia.
The final selection of candidates is based on individual fit but also a selection of a balanced and diverse cohort of students. This information will also be needed and be into consideration to determine the 25 Tuckwell Scholars for 2027, if you want to apply next year.
What Do Tuckwell Scholars Receive?
Financial support: $26,750 per year (2025 rate, increasing with inflation) for the length of the undergraduate degree when studying full-time, to cover on-campus residential costs, books and general living expenses.
- Travel support: an allowance to help with moving to Canberra and two return trips home each year, plus support for a Scholar’s parents to attend Commencement Weekend.
- Mentoring and development: 1:1 mentoring from an experienced Tuckwell Fellow, orientation events, workshops and leadership development, and access to a global alumni network.
- Health and wellbeing: a free ANU Fitness Centre membership, or funding of up to $450 per year for other health and wellbeing activities.
- Scholars House: exclusive access to the Scholars House common room on campus.
Tuckwell Scholarship ANU Even Dates for the 2027 Intake
2 March 2026 ANU Direct Applications and Tuckwell Stage 1 open
9 April 2026 ANU Direct Application deadline
13 April 2026 Tuckwell Stage 1 closes
13 May 2026 Stage 1 outcomes announced and Stage 2 opens
22 May 2026 Stage 2 closes
12 June 2026 Stage 2 outcomes announced
10-12 July 2026 Stage 3 Interview Weekend in Canberra
13 July 2026 Scholarship recipients notified
Early September 2026 ANU offer packages released (Tuckwell, course and accommodation offers)
What About the Next Round?
ANU has not yet published dates for the next intake (2028 entry). Based on recent years, applications have opened in early March of the Year 12 year, so students who will be in Year 12 in 2027 should read the Tuckwell Application Guide and talk to their school about eligibility well before then.
Please note that the Tuckwell Scholarship is open only to Australian citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and holders of an Australian humanitarian visa who are completing Year 12 at a school in Australia. International students and applicants studying outside Australia are not eligible.
