John Swan Award 2026

The John Swan Award, also referred to as the John Swan Chemistry Honours Scholarship, is the premier undergraduate award offered by the School of Chemistry at Monash University’s Clayton Campus. Established in honor of Emeritus Professor John Swan AO (1924–2015), the first Professor of Organic Chemistry at Monash and a distinguished scientist, environmentalist, and former Dean of the Faculty of Science (1976–1984), this merit-based scholarship supports high-achieving students enrolled in the 2026 Honours program in the School of Chemistry. Valued at approximately AUD $5,000 (subject to endowment fund income), the award recognizes academic excellence and a passion for advancing chemistry research. Monash University, ranked 36th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, is Australia’s largest university, renowned for its high-impact research and quality teaching. The scholarship is presented at a celebratory event attended by staff and students in Semester 1, 2026, fostering recognition within the Faculty of Science’s vibrant academic community.

To be eligible for the John Swan Award 2026, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in the 2026 Honours program in the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Clayton Campus, Monash University.

• Have completed a third-year Chemistry (CHM) major in the Faculty of Science, Clayton Campus, Monash University, with strong academic performance (typically a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 80% or higher in third-year CHM units).

• Be undertaking a research project in the School of Chemistry as part of the Honours program.

• Be open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).

• Exclusions:

  • Not available for students in other Monash faculties, schools (e.g., School of Physics), or campuses (e.g., Malaysia).

  • Not applicable for students in undergraduate programs without an Honours component, postgraduate programs (e.g., MSc, PhD), or non-chemistry majors.

  • Cannot be combined with other Monash scholarships that fully cover the same research project costs.

• Value: Approximately AUD $5,000 (exact amount depends on the annual income from the endowment fund, as cited in prior cycles at AUD $2,000–$5,000).

• Disbursement: Paid as a one-time payment to the recipient’s nominated Australian bank account after the academic census date in Semester 1, 2026 (typically March 2026).

• Duration: Non-renewable, supporting the Honours research project for the 2026 academic year (February–November).

• Additional Benefits:

  • Recognition as the John Swan Award recipient at a Faculty of Science celebratory event in Semester 1, 2026, enhancing academic and professional credentials.

  • Access to Monash University’s state-of-the-art chemistry research facilities and mentorship from leading academics in the School of Chemistry.

  • Networking opportunities within Monash’s global alumni community of over 280,000, including leaders in science and industry.

• Note: The scholarship supports research project expenses (e.g., materials, equipment) but does not cover tuition fees (approximately AUD $10,200/year for domestic students, AUD $50,800/year for international students in the Bachelor of Science (Honours)) or living expenses (estimated at AUD $24,000–$30,000/year in Melbourne). Total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of the research project, and adjustments may be made if combined with other funding.

The John Swan Award requires a separate application submitted through the Monash University Faculty of Science. Follow these steps:

1. Enroll in the Honours Program: Secure enrollment in the 2026 Bachelor of Science (Honours) program in the School of Chemistry, Clayton Campus, by applying through the Monash Faculty of Science (science.monash.edu.au/future-students/honours).

2. Select a Research Project: Review the 2026 Honours projects booklet (available via science.monash.edu.au) and consult with at least four potential supervisors to choose a chemistry research project. Submit preferences for at least three supervisors/projects by the Honours application deadline.

3. Prepare Application Materials:

   • Application Form: Complete the John Swan Award application form, available through the Faculty of Science website or by contacting science-scholarships@monash.edu.

   • Academic Transcript: Provide an official Monash transcript showing completion of a third-year CHM major with strong grades (WAM of 80% or higher recommended).

   • Research Proposal Summary: Submit a brief summary (500–750 words) of the proposed Honours research project, outlining objectives, methodology, and relevance to chemistry.

   • Letter of Support: Obtain a letter from the chosen Honours supervisor endorsing the research project and the applicant’s suitability.

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail academic achievements, research experience (e.g., third-year projects, summer internships), and relevant activities.

4. Submit Application: Email the application package to science-scholarships@monash.edu or submit via the Faculty of Science online portal by the deadline.

5. Evaluation: The School of Chemistry’s selection committee evaluates applications based on:

   • Academic excellence in third-year CHM units (WAM, awards, or prizes).

   • Quality and feasibility of the proposed research project.

   • Supervisor’s endorsement and the applicant’s potential to contribute to chemistry research.

6. Notification: Recipients are notified via email by February 2026, with the award presented at a Faculty of Science event in Semester 1 (March/April 2026).

7. Accept and Enroll: Confirm acceptance of the scholarship and maintain enrollment in the Honours program to receive the payment.

Note: International students must hold a valid Australian student visa and be onshore at the time of application. Contact science-scholarships@monash.edu for application guidance or to confirm project eligibility.

• Completed John Swan Award application form (via science.monash.edu.au or science-scholarships@monash.edu).

• Official Monash academic transcript showing third-year CHM major completion.

• Research proposal summary (500–750 words).

• Letter of support from the Honours supervisor.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Note: Documents must be in English and submitted in PDF format via email or the Faculty of Science portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Honours Program Application Deadline: November 15, 2025 (tentative, based on prior cycles; confirm with science.monash.edu.au).

• John Swan Award Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 (based on 2024 cycle’s December 17, 2023, deadline; previously November 26–December 17).

• Notification: February 2026.

• Award Presentation: Semester 1, 2026 (March/April 2026, at the Faculty of Science event).

• Note: Deadlines may vary. Verify on science.monash.edu.au or contact science-scholarships@monash.edu. Early application is recommended due to the competitive nature of the award (one or two recipients annually).

• Email: science-scholarships@monash.edu (scholarship inquiries); sci-enquiries@monash.edu (Honours program inquiries).

• Phone: +61 3 9905 4604 (Faculty of Science, Clayton Campus).

• Address: School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton Campus, 17 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (AEST).

• Website: science.monash.edu.au