Hansen Scholarship in History

About

The Hansen Scholarship in History supports a full-time PhD candidature in History. A key feature of the scholarship is a mentoring program that provides valuable experience in tertiary teaching, engagement and the promotion of History to the community.

Applications open

5 May 2026

Applications close

15 October 2026

Benefits

This scholarship provides a full tuition fee offset and a stipend paid at the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) rate for the standard duration of a full-time PhD candidature. Benefits also include a one-off research grant of $5,000, a relocation allowance of $2,000 for students moving from States or Territories other than Victoria and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students requiring a student visa.

A key feature of the scholarship is a mentoring program that provides valuable experience in tertiary teaching and the promotion of History to the community.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• meet the entry requirements for the full-time Doctor of Philosophy - Arts (DR-PHILART) in the field of History;
• have received the minimum result of first class Honours in the qualifying degree; and,
• be enrolling in a full-time Doctor of Philosophy - Arts (PhD) in the field of History for the following year.

Selection criteria

The scholarship will be offered to the applicant ranked highest by the selection panel based on:

• prior academic performance; and,
• the skills, experience and aptitude required to carry out the proposed PhD as evidenced by the 500 word statement, PhD research proposal and performance at interview.

Conditions

Recipients are required to:

• accept the award online within 21 days; and,
• provide a short report at the end of each calendar year for the duration of your enrolment and at the end of your PhD candidature.

Outcome

Applicants are advised of the outcome via email within 8-10 weeks.

Application process

Eligible applicants must complete the online application form, including:

• a 500 word statement outlining their views on the significance of History teaching and the role of History in our society;
• a copy of the PhD research proposal and proposed supervisor;
• current academic records; and,
• any other information to support the application that may assist the committee in making its decision.

Apply

Enquiries

artsawards-info@unimelb.edu.au

About the donors

The Hansen Trust was established by the Hansen Little Foundation to support innovation and excellence in History at Melbourne and to provide students with an outstanding education: to open pathways into great careers and graduate opportunities; to underline the continuing relevance and importance of history; and to nurture and engage community passion for this important field of study.

Advancing the future of students through access to excellence in tertiary education is one of the Hansen Little Foundation’s core beliefs, and Jane Hansen believes that an individual’s life trajectory should be guided by their determination to achieve their ambitions, regardless of any limiting social or economic barriers.

Recipient feedback

Bronwyn Anne Beech Jones

Learning and teaching history cultivates critical curiosity, humility and respectfulness. The Hansen Scholarship in History will allow me to continue and expand my work to promote and encourage history in Australia and Indonesia.

The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.