A clinical-scientist building deployable AI tools for use in Australian healthcare, a naval officer exploring Australia’s maritime defence vulnerabilities and a PhD student focused on supporting communities and industries through the energy transition are among 18 exceptional Australians awarded John Monash Scholarships for 2027.
The prestigious postgraduate scholarships are valued at $100,000 a year for up to three years of study and named in honour of revered Australian leader General Sir John Monash. Awarded annually following a highly competitive nationwide selection process, the 2027 scholars were selected from a record number of applicants based on their academic excellence, leadership potential and impact for Australia. The Foundation was launched in 2001 with the support of Prime Minister John Howard OM AC and has now awarded 318 scholarships.
This year’s cohort includes the newly announced 2027 South Australian Government John Monash Scholarship, funded by the South Australian Government. The announcement means all mainland states are now supporting the national scholarship program alongside the Federal Government, leading Australian businesses and individual donors.
The 2027 scholars are set to study in a range of fields of critical importance to Australia’s future, including medicine, defence, physics, social issues and artificial intelligence.
Chief Executive Officer of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, Ross Youngman, said the Foundation is focused on enabling outstanding Australians to become leaders in their respective fields and champions on the global stage.
“In an uncertain world that is moving away from broad globalisation to a focus on more nuanced regional trade, national security and knowledge-based industry, investing in Australia’s future leaders through state-of-the-art international post-graduate education strengthens our national capability. Our John Monash Scholars past and present are demonstrating, across multiple fields, the impact that a smart, well-educated and driven individual can make,” Mr Youngman said.
“This year we saw an increase of more than 10 percent in the number of applications for the scholarship. This was driven by greater awareness of the organisation across Australia, with more than 300 success stories of John Monash Scholars now working and studying both domestically and globally in their respective fields.”
“Our 2027 recipients are sharing in $3.5 million that will provide for a cumulative 35 years of study at some of the world’s best universities, including the likes of Oxford and Harvard. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $44 million to support 318 scholars to study overseas,” Mr Youngman said.
Chairman of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, Jillian Segal AO, added: “Our ambition is to build a community of Australian leaders, equipped to confront Australia’s most pressing challenges, whether it be productivity, healthcare, climate change or the rise of artificial intelligence. We strongly believe that our latest group of John Monash Scholars is up to this challenge.”
The John Monash Scholarships are supported by the Federal Government, all mainland state governments, the business community and individual donors. This includes companies like Rio Tinto, Commonwealth Bank, Wesfarmers and BHP, as well as notable individuals including Tim Fairfax AC and the Gannon Family.
To find out more, go to the 2027 John Monash Scholar profiles.