Academic Bursary Program

The SSAA Academic Bursary Program is an ongoing grants initiative whereby SSAA National offers tertiary students a chance to secure a portion of an annual $10,000 bursary. The purpose of this bursary is to further the community’s understanding of conservation, hunting, recreational shooting and all related matters. The bursary is open to SSAA and non-SSAA members.

Eligibility

To qualify, students must be enrolled at a recognised university (full or part-time) and have completed one year of university study.

Applications must demonstrate creativity and the current study of subject matter relating to, or consistent with, the SSAA’s goals and philosophy as Australia’s leading hunting and sports shooting Association.

Membership with the SSAA is not compulsory.

Topics of study can include, but are not limited to:

  • Biodiversity
  • Communications
  • Conservation
  • Criminology
  • Ecology
  • Game management
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Park and land management
  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Publishing
  • Sport management
  • Statistics
  • Veterinary science.

Bursary

Each year, the SSAA will make $10,000 available to eligible students. Individual bursary amounts will vary between $500 and $2000. (Please note, certain meritorious projects may be eligible for additional funding.)

Applications

Applications may be made once every 12 months at any stage throughout the year. Apply here. A full application consists of:

  • the completed application form
  • a one-page CV
  • a maximum of three typed pages comprehensively detailing what the money will be used for, and
  • proof of eligibility (letter from a head of department, supervisor, membership of university, etc).
  • Email applications to: [email protected]

Selection

All attempts will be made to review applications within three months of receipt.

Judging will be done by SSAA National. In some areas, an expert in the field of study may also be called on to assist in the judging process.

Evidence of study or work may be required, as may be a list of referees.

Successful applicants must be:

  • committed to pursuing their degree after receipt of the bursary
  • willing to supply the SSAA, should it ask, with a copy of their final university project (eg, research, thesis, work, etc)
  • willing to be interviewed for our website and/or other publications for promotion of the bursary and/or the benefit of your efforts to our Association.

Contact

To apply, or for further information, please contact our Chief of Staff.

Past recipients

Matt Amos – Animal Studies, The University of Queensland
Daniel Baillie – Agriculture (Game Management), The University of Queensland
Christopher Budd – Law, Australian National University
Alexander Leroianni – Law and Media, University of New South Wales
Nicholas Armstrong – Science (Geography), The University of Melbourne
Ellen Freeman – Ecology and Conservation Biology, Central Queensland University
Ryan McLean – Environmental Science, University of Canberra
Millie Moss – Social Work, Griffith University
Jacqueline Richards – Criminology and English Literature, The University of Queensland
Thomas Edwards – Law and Criminology, Deakin University
Dan Rowe – Environmental Management, University of New South Wales
Chris Davies – Ecology (Game Management), Federation University
James Farrugia – Law, La Trobe University
Sarah Jacob – Journalism, Deakin University
Joanna Horsfall – Conservation Science, The University of Queensland
Kyle Brewer, Animal Studies, University of South Australia
Megan Edwards, Animal Studies, University of Queensland
Caitlin Ford, Animal Studies, University of Queensland
Matthew Quin – Environmental Science, James Cook University
Emma Belgrove – Criminology, University of Queensland
Billy Curtis – Environment and Geography, University of Tasmania