Torres Webb Memorial Scholarships

Torres Webb Memorial Scholarships is open for you to apply if you:

• Are a resident of the Torres Strait Islands,
• Identify as Torres Strait Islander and/or Aboriginal,
• Are commencing one of the following degrees at JCU in the year the scholarship is awarded:
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
  • Bachelor of Marine Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Advanced Science
  • Plus any dual degrees that are coupled with one of the above.
• Enrolled full-time.

Each year one student shall be awarded $6,000, paid in $2,000 instalments after census of each trimester in their first year of study. First payment will be paid after census of Trimester 1.

Applications must be lodged on the approved application form by the closing date set by the Selection Committee for the relevant award year. Applicants must also submit the following, where applicable:

• A written statement outlining (~500 words):
  • Why have you chosen to study science at JCU?
  • What do you aspire to do with your science degree?
  • Outline the impact the scholarship support would have on your capacity to study your degree.
• Proof of home address in the Torres Strait Islands.

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the grant, which includes authorisation for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record, and seek opinions from relevant members of the staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Your application is checked for completeness and eligibility, and you will receive an email confirmation it has been received. After the closing date it will be individually assessed and put forward to a selection committee who will rank your application against others who have applied.

Introduction

Dr Helena Wu & Dr Chen Wu established the Torres Webb Memorial Scholarships in memory of Dr Helena Wu’s brother, Torres Webb. Torres Webb was a proud Torres Strait Islander man from Erub (Darnley Island) whose life was dedicated to strengthening communities, sharing cultural knowledge and creating opportunities for future generations. A respected community leader, environmental scientist and advocate for Indigenous knowledge systems, Torres worked tirelessly to promote the integration of traditional knowledge and contemporary science in addressing environmental, social and economic challenges across northern Australia. He was deeply committed to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through education, sustainability and community-led solutions, and was passionate about inspiring young people to embrace their culture, pursue their aspirations and contribute to the wellbeing of their communities. Torres passed away in February 2025, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership, service and commitment to Country, culture and the people of the Torres Strait.

The scholarship aims to encourage Indigenous students from the Torres Strait to study at a tertiary level in the areas of science, marine and environmental studies.

This scholarship is subject to the provisions of James Cook University’s Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy.

Value and payment of the scholarship

Each year one student shall be awarded $6,000, paid in $2,000 instalments after census of each trimester in their first year of study. First payment will be paid after census of Trimester 1.

Eligibility Criteria

Torres Webb Memorial Scholarships is open for you to apply if you:

• Are a resident of the Torres Strait Islands,
• Identify as Torres Strait Islander and/or Aboriginal,
• Are commencing one of the following degrees at JCU in the year the scholarship is awarded:
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
  • Bachelor of Marine Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Advanced Science
  • Plus any dual degrees that are coupled with one of the above.
• Enrolled full-time.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee shall, in the exercise of its absolute discretion, afford consideration to the following criteria:

• Written Statement (100%)

Application Procedures

Applications must be lodged on the approved application form by the closing date set by the Selection Committee for the relevant award year. Applicants must also submit the following, where applicable:

• A written statement outlining (~500 words):
  • Why have you chosen to study science at JCU?
  • What do you aspire to do with your science degree?
  • Outline the impact the scholarship support would have on your capacity to study your degree.
• Proof of home address in the Torres Strait Islands.

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the grant, which includes authorisation for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record, and seek opinions from relevant members of the staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Selection Process

The award of the scholarship shall be made in the absolute discretion of the Selection Committee, which shall comprise:

• Head, Indigenous Student Services (Chair) or nominee,
• Head, Marine Biology and Aquaculture, or nominee, and

• Advancement nominee.

The Selection Committee reserves the right:

Not to award a Scholarship in any year if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, there is no candidate of sufficient merit to warrant an award.

The Selection Committee may require applicants to undertake an interview as part of their application.

The Selection Committee will determine all matters relating to the selection of the Scholarship awardee.

Conditions of the Scholarship/On going eligibility criteria

• Students must remain enrolled full-time and maintain a 4.0GPA per trimester to receive payments.
• Recipients are required to submit a student impact report; template will be sent to you when you are required to complete the report.
• If a Scholarship Recipient fails to meet the on-going eligibility, the Selection Committee will consider on-going funding options based on the individual circumstances. A statement of reasons will need to be supplied to the Scholarship Office (scholarships@jcu.edu.au). Options may include continuation of funding with agreed expectations, partial funding or scholarship termination.
• Should a Scholarship Recipient’s funding be revoked their remaining funding will be re-allocated to another student as per the original criteria.
• If the Scholarship Recipient takes an approved leave of absence from JCU then the Scholarship may be deferred for a period of up to twelve months.
• A student may lodge a request for review of decision in accordance with the provisions of the Student Complaints Policy and Procedures.

Administration of the Scholarship

The scholarship shall be administered by Scholarships Office of the University, on behalf of the Selection Committee.

The funds of the scholarship shall be held in an account in the name of the University and shall be administered by the scholarship office.

Where an award provides some benefit to the recipient from a body external to the University, or an obligation upon a body external to the University, the University, its servants, and agents, shall not be liable for that benefit or obligation.

Please refer to Glossary of Terms