Summary
The University of Queensland (UQ) invites applications for The Staunton Poetry Scholarship. Established through a bequest from renowned Australian artist and poet Madonna Pearl Staunton OAM, this philanthropic scholarship supports Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates undertaking research and creative work in the field of poetry and poetry criticism. The funding award ranges between $6,000 and $10,000 to assist with research and related travel.
Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Name | The Staunton Poetry Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Awarding Institution | The University of Queensland (UQ) |
| Designation / Study Level | Postgraduate Research (HDR / PhD / MPhil) |
| Research Area | Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (Poetry, Poetry Criticism, Creative Writing) |
| Funding Value | Minimum of $6,000, up to $10,000 |
| Student Type | Domestic and International Current UQ Students |
| Location | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Application Deadline | 6 October 2026 |
Research Area & Designation
Designation: Postgraduate Research (HDR) Scholar / Travel Awardee
Research Area: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences with a specific focus on Poetry, Poetry Criticism, or the completion of a poetry collection.
Location: The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (with provisions for research travel).
Scholarship Description
Madonna Pearl Staunton OAM (1938–2019) was a celebrated artist and poet recognized for her significant contributions to Australian Modernism across five decades. Growing up surrounded by literature, her immersion in writing, music, and philosophy deeply influenced her creative development. Staunton described her art as “an environment poetical, ironic, wistful … the interplay and relationship of associated objects; the dislocation of association, suggestion, memory and whim.”
The purpose of this bequest is to encourage and contribute to the study, research, and creation of poetry. The scholarship provides financial support between $6,000 and $10,000 to help postgraduate research candidates enhance the quality of their thesis or undertake necessary travel to conduct poetry research.
Eligibility & Qualifications
To be eligible for the Staunton Poetry Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a currently enrolled Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidate at The University of Queensland (domestic or international).
- Have a thesis focused on completing a collection of poems or poetry criticism, OR require travel to conduct poetry research.
- Have approval for the proposed activities or travel from their Principal Supervisor prior to application submission.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated and ranked based on:
- Academic achievement and demonstrated potential for scholastic and creative success.
- The potential for the proposed activity or travel to significantly enhance the quality of the candidate’s HDR thesis.
- Any other factors the selection committee considers relevant to the applicant’s future research development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete and submit their application through the official UQ online scholarship portal before the deadline.
- Ensure your research proposal or travel plan clearly aligns with the scholarship’s focus on poetry.
- Consult with and obtain written approval from your Principal Supervisor before applying.
- Review the UQ Graduate School terms and conditions for philanthropic HDR travel scholarships (Schedule A).
To learn more and submit your application, visit the official portal: UQ Staunton Poetry Scholarship Page.
Last Date for Apply
Applications close promptly at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 (AEST). Applications open on 31 August 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
