Father John Wallis Scholarship

The Father John Wallis Scholarship, made possible by the generous support of the Missionary Sisters of Service, provides support worth up to $20,000 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 that is consonant with the vision of the Second Vatican Council.

In 2023 the Scholarship will provide the recipient’s tuition fees for postgraduate study at the University of Divinity ($17,292 at 2023 rates) and a bursary of $2,500 annually, for a period of two years.

Download the Scholarship Flyer

About Father John Wallis

Father John Wallis (1910-2001) was an Australian Roman Catholic Priest who, discerning an unmet need for pastoral support in Australia’s rural and isolated areas, founded the Missionary Sisters of Service in 1944. Father John was remarkably attuned to the needs of people and the movements of the times. He had a particular pastoral care for and outreach to people on the margins, the isolated, the forgotten and the disadvantaged. A wide reader and founder of a Catholic library and bookshop, Father John had a great appreciation of the power of good reading and education in the development of an informed and vibrant faith-life. He relished the changes brought to the Church by the Second Vatican Council, which he felt brought the Church to life for people in a new way.

Criteria

• The candidate must be eligible for admission to a postgraduate coursework award at the University of Divinity.
• The candidate must have capacity to make a contribution to the future of theological education or pastoral leadership in Australia that is consonant with the vision of the Second Vatican Council.
• Preference may be given to candidates who:
  • are enrolling through Yarra Theological Union or Catholic Theological College
  • are intending to study full-time
  • are under the age of 40 years
  • 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

Applications are now closed for 2022. Applications will re-open again in September 2024. 

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.

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, Ms Hannah Hornsby at hhornsby@divinity.edu.au