The department has established the John Cripps horticulture scholarships to increase the collaborative research undertaken in horticulture in Western Australia (WA) on issues impacting the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the industry.

This scholarship was established to recognise the importance of research to the WA horticulture industry and is in memory of one of our leading apple breeders and industry legend Mr John Cripps AO.

The scholarship proposes over time to:

• develop talented candidates into researchers who can work in both industry and academic settings
• strengthen industry through focused innovation and development through greater university-government-industry collaboration
• support research projects co-designed between government, university and industry.

The full-time postgraduate scholarship is available to fund a candidate for $50,000 per annum (tax exempt). The total value of the scholarship is:

PhD: $150,000 over 3 years

To be eligible for a scholarship, potential applicants must meet the following criteria:

Students that meet the requirements for entry into a postgraduate program (PhD or Master of Research) at a WA university.

Have a Bachelors degree with first-class honours (some universities may consider students with upper second-class honours), or a Master degree with a research component or equivalent from a recognised university

• have a record of excellent academic performance
• be able to provide evidence of strong written and spoken English
• have an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia
• have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the scholarship
• be available to take up the scholarship if offered, for commencement by 31 July 2026.

• Phone: +61 (0)8 9777 0120
• Email: jennifer.birkhead@dpird.wa.gov.au