%20(100%20x%2045%20mm)%20copy.png)
Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA)
Scholarships Program
The Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) is proud to launch a 3-year Scholarships Program (2025-28), designed to support exceptional students studying in Australian education institutions. This initiative aims to promote education exchange while recognising excellence across diverse academic and professional fields.
The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of senior alumni from the ACAA network, whose philanthropic commitment reflects a deep sense of social responsibility. ACAA is responsible for the coordination of promotions, application management, selection processes, and award ceremonies.
Through five major scholarship categories, the program provides not only financial support but also valuable recognition and career development opportunities.
Scholarship Categories 2025
ACAA–Laurel Scholarship for Emerging Leaders in Medical Science
Eligibility
Open to Chinese international students or Chinese Australian students currently enrolled in a medical or health science-related degree at an Australian university.
Selection Criteria:
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
Award Distribution:
• 1 Winner: AUD $3,000
• 2 Runner-up: AUD $1,500 each
• 4 Encouragement Award: AUD $ 500 each
ACAA–Teamlink Scholarship for R&D Innovation
Eligibility
Open to 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.
Selection Criteria
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.
Award Distribution:
• 1 Winner: AUD $8,000
ACAA–Duan&Duan Future Legal Star Scholarship
Eligibility
Open to all students undertaking law or legal studies at an Australian university.
Selection Criteria
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
Award Distribution:
• 1 Winner: AUD $5,000
• 3 Runner-up: AUD $1,000 each
ACAA–ACAE Scholarship for Australia China Future Leaders
Eligibility
Open to all current Chinese international students enrolled in course work study at an Australian university.
Selection Criteria
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.
Award Distribution:
• 1 Winner: AUD $5,000
• 1 Runner-up: AUD $2,000
• 1 Second Runner-up: AUD $1,000
ACAA–RL Education Scholarly Mindset Award
Eligibility
Open to high school students (Years 10 - 12) in Australia who demonstrate outstanding academic potential and a strong interest in further studies, particularly those from a Chinese speaking background or with interest in the Australia China community.
Selection Criteria
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.
Award Distribution
• 1 Grand Prize: AUD $5,000
• 1 Encouragement Award: AUD $2,000
• 1 Potential Award: AUD $1,000
This scholarship is proudly supported by Laurel International. Founded in 2004 by Ms. Hongmei Chen, Laurel International is a leading cross-border education and consulting firm helping thousands of overseas Chinese and international students settle, start businesses, and succeed in Australia.
This scholarship is proudly supported by TEAMLINK. TEAMLINK connects developers, agents, clients, and real estate through smart real-time technology, simplifying the journey with faster communication, greater transparency, and more efficient interactions across the process.
This scholarship is proudly supported by Duan & Duan Lawyers. Duan & Duan Law Firm is a pioneer in China's legal industry, established in Shanghai in 1993 by returning overseas legal scholars and is a prominent full service international law firm with 39 offices across China and globally including an office in Sydney Australia.
This scholarship is proudly supported by ACAE. Established in 1988, ACAE has supported international students for over 37 years, guiding tens of thousands through education and migration pathways to achieve their academic and career goals.
This scholarship is proudly supported by RL Education. RL Education is a leading Melbourne-based tutoring center specialising in K-12 all subjects academic ability enhancement, including VCE, IB, AMC, Scholarships, Selective School Preparation Program, SAT etc.
Scholarship Program Application is Now Open
Applications will close at 5:00pm on 30 July 2025.
Please note, you need to sign up as a member of the ACAA to proceed with your application. Currently, all membership sign up is free, and members enjoy multiple benefits including discount offers by ACAA's supporting partners China Eastern and Australia Store on JD.com
All applications must be completed and submitted online. The online application should include:
-
A short biography of the applicant;
-
A photograph of the applicant;
-
The applicant's curriculum vitae (CV).
-
References from a teacher/professor/other person who is suitable to provide reference.
-
Links to evidence of the applicant's qualifications and accomplishments relevant to the scholarship, if available.
-
Only the members of the Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) can submit the application. You can register for a free membership here.
-
The applicant understands and agrees his/her contact details will be shared with his/her alma mater, and the scholarship program supporters and sponsors.
Contact / Support
For any inquiries, please contact: scholarship@austchinaalumni.org
Disclaimer
The Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) reserves the right to make the final determination regarding the interpretation of these rules and the eligibility criteria for the Scholarship Program. The decisions of the Selection Panel are final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome. Applicants who submit an application without first registering as an ACAA member will have their email address automatically added to the ACAA membership database. For further information, please contact us.