The Joy Peters and Reena Walia Diversity Scholarship at Australian National University 2025 represents a meaningful investment in equity, access, and opportunity for women entering engineering and computer science. At its core, this scholarship acknowledges the role of support, sacrifice, and diversity in shaping successful academic journeys.
Funded by Joy Peters and Reena Walia in tribute to their parents, the scholarship focuses on first-year female students facing financial or other personal challenges, enabling them to begin their studies in a traditionally underrepresented field at ANU.
Overview: A Scholarship with Purpose
The Joy Peters and Reena Walia Diversity Scholarship is not just about financial support, it’s about representation and empowerment. Created to broaden participation in STEM, particularly within the fields of engineering and computer science, this award helps ensure that talented women from all backgrounds can access a world-class education at the Australian National University.
At a time when women are still underrepresented in tech and engineering disciplines, the scholarship stands as a clear commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive academic and professional community. The scholarship also serves as a tribute to the importance of family encouragement in achieving higher education goals.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides substantial support over the full duration of an undergraduate program, four years in total.
Key Points:
- Duration: 4 years
- Disbursement: Equal installments each semester after the census date
- Use of Funds: While the exact value of the scholarship is specified in the offer letter, recipients should note that the award is meant to help with general costs but does not cover tuition fees or living expenses in full. Students remain responsible for:
- Tuition fees
- Books and learning materials
- Accommodation
- Other personal and study-related expenses
This financial assistance acts as a crucial supplement, helping students focus more on their studies and less on their financial burdens.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Joy Peters and Reena Walia Diversity Scholarship at ANU, applicants must meet a specific set of criteria. These requirements reflect the scholarship’s focus on first-year, financially disadvantaged female students entering STEM disciplines.
Applicants must:
- Be a domestic student (Australian citizens or permanent residents)
- Identify as female
- Be completing or have recently completed Year 12 (or equivalent) and not have enrolled in any undergraduate program before
- Be commencing an undergraduate degree in Engineering and/or Computer Science either as a single degree or a flexible double degree offered by ANU’s College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics
- Have experienced financial or other disadvantages, qualifying for adjustment factors under ANU’s National Access Scheme
This ensures the award reaches those who need support the most, while also aligning with the donors’ vision of fostering a student body that reflects Australia’s diverse population.
Application Process
There is no separate application specifically for this scholarship. Instead, candidates are automatically considered during the standard ANU admission process, provided they follow the appropriate steps.
Application link
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to ANU through the ANU Admission, Scholarship and Accommodation Application System.
- Select the option to be considered for scholarships during the application process.
- Ensure all relevant information, especially regarding financial hardship or personal disadvantage, is accurately included.
As long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and opts into scholarship consideration, they will be in the running for this award.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
This is the final date to submit your application for admission and scholarship consideration via the ANU system.
Why This Scholarship Matters
In fields like engineering and computer science, women are still underrepresented, especially those from low-income or marginalized backgrounds. This scholarship plays a crucial role in changing that. By offering direct support, it allows young women to break into industries where they are needed, but not always equitably represented.
It also encourages those who might otherwise overlook STEM due to financial barriers or a lack of representation to pursue their ambitions with confidence and support.
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