The Merredin Energy Regional Women's Undergraduate Scholarship (Scholarship) has been established to encourage and support female-identifying students undertaking an undergraduate degree in science and engineering at Curtin University.

Electricity demand in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) peaks during hot summer afternoons, typically around 5pm, due to heavy use of air conditioning, while winter peaks are lower and occur around 6pm.

To address the fluctuating demand, Merredin Energy Pty Ltd has built an 82 MW open cycle gas turbine power station in Merredin, Western Australia. This facility, equipped with two GE gas turbines and designed for low emissions, operates primarily during extreme heat events and has a minimum operational life of 30 years. It connects to the SWIS via a 132 kV transmission line and runs on ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel.

To find out more about Merredin Energy, please visit their website: https://merredinenergy.com.au/.

• Current Students

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses

• Undergraduate

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

• Merit Based

The Scholarship will provide the following support for up to a maximum of 4 years (based on a full-time study load of 100 credits per semester):

• A total value of up to $32,000 paid as a cash stipend of $4,000 per semester. The amount can be used at the recipient's discretion to contribute towards education related expenses
• Paid vacation work may be offered

All undergraduate Science & Engineering degrees.

*Double-degrees with a STEM course will also be considered

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to apply for the Scholarship:

• Domestic student (Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or Permanent Humanitarian visa)
• Female-identifying
• Enrolled in first year or second year of an eligible degree in semester 1, 2025 at Curtin University
  • For students enrolling in first year, a minimum ATAR of 70 (StepUp Bonus inclusive) is required (student must have undertaken WACE in 2024)
  • For students enrolling in second year, a minimum course-weighted-average (CWA) of 50 is required
• Enrolled in a minimum of 75 credits per semester
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships that are from the same funding source and/or for the same purpose

Step 1: Access application form

• Application form can be accessed via the ‘My Studies’ tab in OASIS or via the ‘Apply Online’ button on the top right-hand side of this page
• If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student and would like to be considered for all scholarships (equity and merit) available in this round, we recommend that you apply for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program here. Once you submit your application, you will then be considered for all scholarships that you are eligible for in this round.

Step 2: Complete

• Complete the application form online
• Application form can be saved at any point of the process
• Multiple scholarships can be applied for at one time
• Tips on how to complete your application can be found under the Applying for scholarships link on the scholarships website

Step 3: Submit

• Closing date is listed at the top of the page
• Incomplete applications will not be assessed
• Once submitted, application status will change to submitted

Step 4: Receipt

• Application receipt will be sent to student email once application has been submitted

Step 5: Assessment

• Applications will be assessed by an assessment panel using the following criteria:
  • Responses to questions in application form
  • Demonstrated passion for their chosen course/vision for career
  • Any barriers to education experienced
  • Interview performance (for shortlisted applicants)
  • Preferences will be given to applicants who:
    • Have relocated to undertake their studies
    • Are enrolling in 1st year

Step 6: Shortlist for Interview

• Shortlisted applicants will be sent an interview date and time via their student email approximately late March to early April
• Shortlisted applicants must be available for the designated interview time
  • Interviews will be held between 3 April 2025 to 17 April 2025

Step 7: Outcome

• Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their outcome via the Scholarship Channel (Student OASIS) within 6-8 weeks of the scholarship closing date

Step 8: Acceptance

• Successful applicants must accept the terms and conditions via the Scholarship Channel (Student OASIS) by the deadline

Please note:

• Scholarship will be awarded if there are applicants of sufficient merit

Recipients must meet all of the following:

• Remain enrolled in initial course of study
• Maintain a study load of at least 75 credit points each study period at Curtin University
• Maintain a course weighted average (CWA) of at least 50 each study period
• Pass all units attempted each study period
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships that are from the same funding source and/or for the same purpose

• Leave of Absence (LOA) is not permitted

Scholarships Office

E: scholarships@curtin.edu.au

T: 1300 222 888

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

For further information about applying for scholarships including important dates and tips for preparing your application, utilise the resources available on the Applying for Scholarships webpage.