Nestled in the vibrant cultural capital of Australia, the University of Melbourne stands as one of the world’s most respected academic institutions. Known for its cutting-edge facilities, commitment to excellence, and a vibrant campus community, the university attracts ambitious students from across the globe who seek to expand their academic horizons. Its central location in Melbourne allows students to immerse themselves in a thriving arts and cultural scene while benefiting from access to world-class education and professional opportunities.
The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music is especially renowned for nurturing talent and fostering creativity in a dynamic and supportive environment. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art studios, and a culture that encourages exploration and innovation, students in this faculty are empowered to develop their artistic vision and refine their technical skills. The George Hicks Award reflects this commitment to student achievement by supporting those who exemplify excellence and leadership in the arts.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: University of Melbourne
- Host Country: Canada ;
- Study Level: Graduate Level ;
- Scholarship Type: Partial Funding ;
- Scholarship Worth: 2,000$;
- Eligible Countries: National and International students;
- Subjects Available: Fine Arts and Music;
- Application Deadline: The scholarship is open.
The George Hicks Award is a distinguished merit-based recognition awarded annually to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne. Designed to celebrate academic excellence, artistic dedication, and strong engagement with the community, this award targets students in their final year of study who have demonstrated outstanding promise in the visual arts.
Open to both domestic and international students, the George Hicks Award is not based solely on academic grades, but also considers creative contributions and leadership potential. Students are nominated for this honor by the Head of Discipline, in collaboration with academic staff within the Faculty. This ensures that the award reflects not just numerical achievements, but also the holistic development and impact of the student within the university’s artistic community.
This award is part of the University of Melbourne’s broader mission to foster success and support the professional journey of its students, especially in creative disciplines where early recognition can significantly influence career development. It underscores the institution’s belief in rewarding initiative, leadership, and dedication to the arts.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the George Hicks Award will receive a one-off financial grant of up to AUD $2,000. While modest in value, this award is highly prestigious within the arts community at the University of Melbourne and provides meaningful support to students as they transition from academic study into the professional world or graduate-level education.
The financial assistance can be used for a variety of educational and artistic purposes—such as purchasing materials for final projects or exhibitions, investing in specialized equipment, attending art residencies or workshops, or preparing for postgraduate applications. The flexibility of the award enables students to use it in a way that best supports their personal and artistic development.
Beyond the monetary benefit, the award also represents a formal recognition of the recipient’s excellence by both the faculty and the wider university. This kind of recognition can strengthen future applications for grants, scholarships, graduate programs, and professional artistic opportunities. Inclusion as a George Hicks Award recipient signals to future institutions and employers a level of prestige and endorsement from one of Australia’s top universities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the George Hicks Award, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that the award reaches students who are not only academically talented but also nearing the completion of their undergraduate journey in the arts.
The key eligibility requirements include:
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students within the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne.
- Program Specificity: Students must be majoring in art-related disciplines. The award specifically supports those engaged in visual arts programs under the guidance of the Fine Arts and Music faculty.
- Final Year Students: Only students in their final year of study—i.e., their graduating year—are eligible. This ensures the award assists students during a critical transition phase in their academic and professional lives.
- Nomination-Based Selection: There is no formal application process for this award. Instead, students are nominated by the Head of Discipline based on faculty consultation. The selection is reviewed and approved by the Dean, ensuring a rigorous and fair evaluation process.
It is important to note that selection is highly competitive and limited to at least one recipient annually, depending on the availability of funds and the merit of the candidates. In years where multiple candidates demonstrate equal merit, the prize may be divided equally among them.
Application Process
Unlike many other university scholarships that require an online application and supporting documents, the George Hicks Award operates through a nomination-only process. Eligible students do not need to prepare or submit a separate application; they are automatically considered for the award based on faculty evaluation.
The process involves the following steps:
- Academic Review and Nomination: Academic staff within the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music evaluate students’ academic records, portfolio work, and overall contribution to the artistic and academic community. The Head of Discipline leads the nomination process in consultation with relevant faculty members.
- Faculty Approval: Once a candidate is nominated, their name and supporting rationale are forwarded to the Dean for final approval. The Dean ensures that the candidate meets all eligibility criteria and represents the highest standards of artistic and academic achievement.
- Outcome Notification: Students selected for the George Hicks Award will be notified at the end of the academic year. The award is then disbursed as a one-time financial payment.
While students are not required to submit an application, they are encouraged to maintain strong academic and artistic performance throughout their studies and to engage actively in faculty projects and exhibitions. Participation in the university’s artistic community, leadership in group projects, and consistent creative excellence increase the likelihood of being nominated.
The George Hicks Award at the University of Melbourne is more than just a financial bursary—it is a symbol of recognition, encouragement, and celebration of artistic talent. By offering targeted support to final-year undergraduate students in the arts, this award strengthens the university’s role as a champion of creativity and innovation. It gives students a meaningful boost as they prepare to graduate and make their mark in the wider world of art and culture.
For students who dream of transforming their artistic vision into a lifelong career, the George Hicks Award can be both a stepping stone and a seal of excellence on their academic journey.
Official website:
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/george-hicks-award
