Playford Trust Scholarships 2026 Now Open for Applications
The Playford Trust has officially opened applications for its 2026 scholarships, inviting high-achieving students across South Australia to apply before the deadline of August 29, 2025. These scholarships are among the most respected in the state, supporting students from Year 12 through to PhD level in areas of study that are critical to South Australia’s growth, including advanced manufacturing, space and defence technologies, climate change, health sciences, agriculture, and energy sustainability.
Funding Package
The Playford Trust scholarships provide generous financial assistance to outstanding students, with awards ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. Honours scholarships, offered in partnership with the University of Adelaide and Flinders University, are valued at $7,000 each with 14 awards available in 2026. In addition to direct funding, many scholarships are linked to industry or research partners, creating unique opportunities for placements, mentorship, and professional networking.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must meet the following basic criteria:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident residing in South Australia.
- Commence or continue studies in priority areas such as STEM, agriculture, energy, defence, or health sciences.
- Hold a strong academic record with evidence of leadership potential.
- Provide an academic referee’s statement in support of their application.
Eligibility varies slightly by category, with scholarships available for Year 12 graduates, undergraduate students, Honours/Masters by Research candidates, and PhD researchers.
Timeline
Applications for the Playford Trust Scholarships 2026 are currently open. The last date to apply is August 29, 2025. Successful applicants will be announced later in the year, with awards commencing in 2026 to support studies throughout the academic year.
Apply: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/staff/news/news/list/2025/08/22/playford-trust-scholarships-for-2026.