Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships
The Sydney Royal Wine Show, established in 1826, is one of the most prestigious wine shows in Australia, annually attracting over 2,200 entries from more than 350 producers across Australia.
The RAS Wine Committee together with the RAS Foundation, offer two national scholarship programs: the Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship and the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship. These scholarships are funded by the RAS Wine Committee from the sale of excess stock from the Sydney Royal Wine Show, and honour the memory and contribution of Graham Thorp, Chair of the RAS Wine Committee from 1984-1990.
Since 2021, The Len Evans Tutorial Foundation has also sponsored a scholar to attend the Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) by the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).
The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage and support professionals who are passionate about wine and committed to forging careers that will contribute to the Australian wine industry.
Applications for the Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship and the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship are now open.
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Who can apply?
The Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarships are available to support those studying a wine related course at any Australian university, TAFE or college. Applicants can be studying a range of certificates, degrees and courses covering skills in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, Horticulture, Lab Technology.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be studying at university, TAFE or college, on campus or by distance learning, and have a desire to play an active role in the future of the Australian wine industry.
- Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Applicants must be under 30 years of age.
- Applicants should be available to attend the Sydney Royal Wine Show (July 2025).
Scholarships available:
Scholarships are up to $6,000 depending on the course chosen.
Applications are now open for 2025, apply here.
Who can apply?
The Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarships are available to support those already working in the wine industry who wish to further their knowledge and skills.
Courses included in this scholarship:
- Australian Wine Research Institute's (AWRI):
- Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC)
- Advanced Viticulture course - Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses:
- Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 in Wines
- Level 1, 2 or 3 in Spirits
- Level 1 or 3 in Sake - Wine Service (including Sommelier) courses.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Applicants must be employed in the Australian wine industry or studying a related course.
- Applicants should be available to attend the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show (July 2025).
Scholarships available:
Scholarships of up to $6,000 are available depending on the professional development course chosen.
Applications are now open for 2025, apply here.
Applications for the Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships open end of July 2024 and close 9 September 2024.
If you are applying to the Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship, previous work experience in the wine industry is not required. However, if you are applying to the Sydney Royal Professional Development Scholarship, you will be required to provide information regarding your experience working in the Australian wine industry.
No. The Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships are only provided to applicants who intend to study in any Australian university, college, TAFE or educational institution.
The scholarships are not awarded on academic merit however, it is a requirement that scholarship recipients complete their studies for their nominated subjects/course and pass. As part of the scholarship, progress reports along with academic transcripts are to be submitted twice a year.
No. To be able to apply to this scholarship, you can either be in year 12 or already be studying at college, TAFE or university.
Yes, you can be eligible for a Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship if you wish to study part-time.
Yes, you can still be eligible for a Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship if you are studying via distance, depending on the course.
Scholarships for up to $6,000 are available for the Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships, depending on the study load and the course chosen.
No, you do not have to attend an interview in Sydney as part of the scholarship assessment process. Interviews are conducted via phone or zoom video conferencing.
If you are granted a Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship, you might be able to utilise your scholarship to pay for expenses related to your practical placements. These are costs that you may incur if you are required to temporarily relocate, and may include additional transportation costs and accommodation costs.
Please email us at foundation@rasf.org.au if you have any other questions regarding the Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships or the application process.