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Scholarships and prizes

We provide unparalleled opportunities and financial support through a range of prestigious scholarships and student prizes.
Students at USSC

We honour and celebrate our students throughout their higher education journey. Our scholarships and prizes help break down barriers by providing financial assistance grounded in equity, inclusion, and academic excellence.

USSC Public Service Merit Scholarship

An undergraduate and postgraduate coursework scholarship.

The USSC Public Service Merit Scholarship was established to support students enrolled in United States Studies Centre (USSC) or American Studies (AMST) units at the University of Sydney who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to public service.

This Scholarship is funded by the United States Studies Centre (USSC) and aims to foster interest in public policy, international relations, and civic engagement by assisting students who aspire to careers in government, diplomacy, not-for-profit organisations, education, or public administration.

Who's eligible

You must:

  • be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney,
  • complete or currently enrolled in at least one USSC or AMST unit of study at the University of Sydney,
  • demonstrate an interest in public service and policy through academic work, extracurricular involvement, or career aspirations.

Benefits

This scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is tenable for up to 1 year.

Apply

Applications open on 3 August 2026 and close on 28 August 2026.

Apply for the USSC Public Service Merit Scholarship

USSC Media and Communications Postgraduate Scholarship

An honours or postgraduate coursework degree scholarship.

This Scholarship was established to support students enrolled in USSC6919 Hollywood vs. Netflix and/or USSC6920 US Media: Politics, Culture, Technology at the University of Sydney who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to media and communications.

Who's eligible

You must:

  • have an unconditional offer of admission or being currently currently enrolled in full-time or part-time in either an honours or postgraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney.
  • have completed or currently enrolled in at least one honours or postgraduate USSC or AMST unit of study.
  • demonstrate an interest in media and communications through academic work, extracurricular involvement or career aspirations.

Benefits

This scholarship is valued at $2,500 and is tenable for up to 1 year.

Apply

Applications open on 3 August 2026 and close on 28 August 2026.

Apply for the USSC Media and Communications Postgraduate Scholarship

USSC Postgraduate Equity Scholarship

This Scholarship was established to provide support to students taking USSC postgraduate units at the University of Sydney who are experiencing financial hardship.

Who's eligible

You must:

  • have an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled full-time in a postgraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney.
  • be taking USSC postgraduate coursework units of study.
  • demonstrate financial hardship based on one or more of the below:
    • identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as defined in the University of Sydney’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015
    • low socio-economic status
    • carer responsibilities
    • long-term medical condition/disability (including ongoing effects of abuse)
    • sole-parent responsibilities
    • regional or remote disadvantage
    • refugee status
    • identify as LGBTIQ+, and/or
    • are a first-generation university student.

Benefits

This scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is tenable for up to 1 year.

Apply

Applications open on 3 August 2026 and close on 28 August 2026.

Apply for the USSC Postgraduate Equity Scholarship

USSC Undergraduate Indigenous Scholarship

This Scholarship provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking American Studies at the University of Sydney.

Who's eligible

You must:

Benefits

This scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is tenable for up to 1 year.

Apply

Applications open on 3 August 2026 and close on 28 August 2026.

Apply for the USSC Undergraduate Indigenous Scholarship

Prizes

Each year, the Centre takes great pride in celebrating our top-performing students through a diverse array of student prizes. These accolades are bestowed in recognition of exceptional academic merit, symbolising the commitment to excellence that defines our student cohort.

Prizes overview

  • Basis: Awarded on the basis of academic merit.
  • Rewards: Each recipient is honoured with a monetary prize along with a commendation certificate.

Student prize dinner

To elevate the celebration, all students, staff, and esteemed alumni are invited to our Annual Student Prize Dinner. This special event serves as an opportunity to come together, share experiences, and celebrate the accomplishments of our exceptional students.

Contact

If you have questions, get in touch with our Student Affairs and Curriculum Coordinator, Undra Walters at ussc.students@sydney.edu.au.

Meet our PhD scholarship recipient
Oscar King

Oscar King

PhD CandidateUnited States Studies Centre