Australian China Alumni Association (ACAA) Scholarships

Description

The Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) is delighted to invite applications for our 2026 Student Scholarship Program - part of a landmark 3-year initiative (2025 - 2028) to recognise and support outstanding students at Australian education institutions. Scholarship recipients will be celebrated at a dedicated presentation event in October 2026.

Benefits

Five Scholarship Catergories

ACAA - Laurel Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Medical Science

1 Winner: AUD $4,000 | 2 Runners-up: AUD $2,000 each

ACAA - Teamlink Scholarship for R&D Innovation

1 Winner: AUD $8,000

ACAA - Duan & Duan Future Legal Star Scholarship

1 Winner: AUD $5,000 | 2 Runners-up: AUD $1,500 each

ACAA - ACAE Scholarship for Australia China Future Leaders

1 Winner: AUD $5,000 | Runner-up: AUD $2,000 | Second Runner-up: AUD $1,000

ACAA - RL Education Scholarly Mindset Scholarship

Grand Prize: AUD $5,000 | Encouragement Award: AUD $2,000 | Potential Award: AUD $1,000

Eligibility

Five Scholarship Catergories

ACAA - Laurel Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Medical Science

• Open to Chinese international students or Chinese Australian students currently enrolled in a medical or health science-related degree at an Australian university.

ACAA - Teamlink Scholarship for R&D Innovation

• Open to ALL students currently enrolled in a Master by Research, PhD, or Postdoctoral program at an Australian university, in any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or closely related field. Applicants should demonstrate research with the potential for real-world impact.

ACAA - Duan & Duan Future Legal Star Scholarship

• Open to all students undertaking law or legal studies at an Australian university.

ACAA - ACAE Scholarship for Australia China Future Leaders

• Open to all Chinese Australian students and Chinese international students currently enrolled in coursework programs at an accredited Australian university.

ACAA - RL Education Scholarly Mindset Scholarship

• Open to high school students (Years 10–12) in Australia from all backgrounds who demonstrate outstanding academic potential and a strong interest in further studies, particularly those interested in the Australia–China community.

Selection Criteria

Five Scholarship Catergories

ACAA - Laurel Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Medical Science

1. Academic Excellence (50%) - in medical or health sciences – demonstrated through grades, awards, or research output

2. Leadership Potential (30%) – evidenced by active roles in research, public health, or student/community organisations

3. Impact and Engagement (20%)– commitment to improving health outcomes or driving medical innovation, and/or fostering cross-cultural healthcare exchange between Australia and China

ACAA - Teamlink Scholarship for R&D Innovation

1. Real-World Impact and Innovation (50%) - We’re looking for projects that tackle practical problems with innovative solutions, and show strong potential for real-world application whether that's commercial, industry, or social impact.

2. Research Excellence (30%) - This includes achievements like published work, patents, tech development, or standout presentations at recognised conferences.

3. Collaboration and Vision (20%) - We value team-based or interdisciplinary work, as well as a clear sense of where the applicant sees their research going in the future.

ACAA - Duan & Duan Future Legal Star Scholarship

1. Academic Excellence (50%) – outstanding academic performance in legal studies

2. Commitment to the Legal Profession (30%) – demonstrated interest in legal practice, reform, or public service, particularly in the Australia–China legal context

3. Ethics and Engagement (20%) – integrity and participation in legal community activities such as mooting, internships, volunteering, or advocacy

ACAA - ACAE Scholarship for Australia China Future Leaders

1. Academic Excellence (50%) – Consistent high academic performance

2. Leadership and Community Engagement (30%) – Evidence of leadership in student organisations, community service, corporate involvement, or other extracurricular achievements.

3. Australia–China Representation & Bilateral Impact (20%) – Meaningful contributions as a role model in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening Australia–China relations within the student and alumni communities.

ACAA - RL Education Scholarly Mindset Scholarship

1. Academic Promise (50%) - Consistently strong academic performance across core subjects and demonstrated commitment to learning.

2. Motivation, Resilience and Growth Mindset (25%) - A personal statement reflecting a strong motivation to succeed, a demonstrated willingness to overcome setbacks and challenges (resilience), and evidence of a growth mindset in academic or personal pursuits. The statement should also convey clear aspirations for higher education and long term goals.

3. Community Engagement, Leadership and Early Entrepreneurship (25%) - Active involvement in school, cultural, or community activities, with emphasis on leadership roles, teamwork, and meaningful contributions to others. Evidence of early entrepreneurial thinking such as initiating projects, problem solving in a real world context, or demonstrating innovative ideas will also be recognised as part of this criterion.