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Metcalf Scholarships

Metcalf Scholarships support outstanding undergraduate students to get a taste of research at one of Australia’s oldest and highest-ranking medical research institutes.

Metcalf scholars work within our leading research groups tackling important questions in cancer, immunology, infectious diseases, developmental disorders and age-related conditions.

Metcalf Scholarships provide funding worth $8000 for undergraduates ($1000 awarded to the student, $7000 transferred to the lab for research costs). This scholarship is on top of the casual salary paid to undergraduate students at WEHI. Metcalf Scholarship winners also receive a commemorative medallion.

The scholarships are made possible by the Metcalf Scholarship Fund, established in honour of beloved WEHI researcher Professor Don Metcalf, who passed away in 2014.

Program application

Applications for the 2024 Metcalf Scholarship program are now closed.

It is not formally required, but we strongly encourage students to contact supervisors to discuss specific projects for the Metcalf scholarship at the application stage.

Most Metcalf scholars will commence their placement during the mid-year break, working in the lab full-time during vacation periods and approximately a day a week during semester (but not exam time).

Eligibility and selection criteria

Undergraduate students are eligible to apply for Metcalf Scholarships if they:

  • Are in the second or third year of their undergraduate course (or equivalent for part-time or double degree students). First year students or students enrolled in an Honours year are not eligible.
  • Have at least one full semester remaining at the time of application. Students in their final semester are not eligible.
  • Are able to attend a potential event to be formally presented with the award and meet donors to the Metcalf Scholarship Fund. Typically, this would be WEHI’s Annual General Meeting.

Applicants for Metcalf Scholarships can, but do not need to, be current students at WEHI, and may receive support from other undergraduate schemes.

Scholarships will be awarded based on subject marks from their previous completed semester and ability to effectively communicate their eagerness to undertake medical research in the application form and an interview.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview within three weeks after the applications close, with interviews to be held later in April (in-person or online as appropriate).

Contact

Scientific Education Office
Email: education@wehi.edu.au

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