Emma Wallis Scholarship 2027

Supporting education and leadership in theology

The Emma Wallis Scholarship, made possible by the generous support of the Missionary Sisters of Service, provides support worth up to $23,000 annually to a postgraduate student at the University of Divinity. The Scholarship is normally available for a fixed period of two years. The purpose of the scholarship is to support theological education and pastoral leadership in Australia.

In 2027, the Scholarship will provide the recipient’s tuition fees for postgraduate study at the University of Divinity ($21,528 full-time at 2027 rates) and a small bursary annually, for a period of two years.

Criteria

1. The candidate must be eligible for admission to a postgraduate coursework award at the University of Divinity.
2. The candidate must have capacity to make a contribution to the future of theological education or pastoral leadership in Australia.
3. Preference may be given to candidates who:
   • are enrolling through Yarra Theological Union
   • are intending to study full-time
   • are under the age of 40 years, or looking to a career change
   • have not previously studied at the University of Divinity.

Consideration may be given to candidates seeking to study part-time or to undertake doctoral studies.

How to apply

Please complete the (online) scholarship application form.

In addition to the application form details, applicants must submit:

• A statement of up to 500 words responding to the criteria and explaining their intended postgraduate course of study for the next two years.
• A letter of support from an Academic Dean or equivalent, confirming that the student meets the eligibility criteria for the proposed postgraduate course of study.

Applications close on Friday 20 November 2026. The outcome of the award will be announced by the end of January 2027.

Further information

Selection of the scholarship recipient is decided by the Missionary Sisters of Service Scholarship Committee. Short-listed applicants may be requested to attend an interview.

At the conclusion of the scholarship term, the scholarship holder is required to submit a closing activity report to the Missionary Sisters of Service Scholarship Committee. Opportunities may be made available for scholarship recipients to meet with the Missionary Sisters of Service.

Enquiries may be directed to the University Secretary, Michelle Stanhope at secretary@divinity.edu.au

About Emma Wallis

Emily Kathleen Wallis (Emma) was born 5th May 1882 in Yea, Victoria, to Irish parents John Corcoran and Maria McAsey. They lived in the rural district just north of Yea.  Emma married Abraham Knight Wallis (Abe) from near Seymour on 22nd January 1908 at St Brigid’s Church, Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy. They eventually settled at “Wirrabong” in Homewood, ten kilometres from Yea on Taungurung Country. Emma and Abe had six children, one girl and five boys: Marie, John, Donald, Chester, Brian and Charles. Three of the children were profoundly deaf. Her son John was ordained for the Archdiocese of Hobart in 1932 and became the founder of the Missionary Sisters of Service in 1944. When John went to the seminary in Sydney in 1927, Emma set up a cafe on Old Sydney Road in Seymour to raise funds to pay for the education of the children, including John at the seminary.  John sought his mother’s wisdom, and acknowledged her spirituality as an influence, in his own development. Emma died on 5th June 1955.