What is a scholarship?
Our scholarships recognise achievement, talent and potential, supporting students who are committed to making a positive contribution to our community.
Some scholarships are awarded for the duration of your university studies, while others are available for one academic year. To be eligible for a College scholarship, you must intend to live at Trin for the full academic year.
If you require needs-based financial assistance, the College also offers bursaries.
Applications for the 2027 Academic Year are now open and will close Sunday 29 November 2026.
New Resident Scholarships Current Resident Scholarships
New Residents
Ada Purnell Academic Scholarship
The Ada Purnell Academic Scholarship is valued at $4,000* and recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement during their secondary studies. This scholarship is designed to support new residents as they transition to university and contribute to the academic community at the College.
Strive Scholarship
The Strive Scholarship is valued up to $8,000* and recognises students who, in addition to their academic achievement, demonstrates a commitment to personal growth while making a positive contribution to the College community.
*2027 Academic Year values.
The Ada Purnell Academic Scholarship recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement during their secondary studies. This scholarship is designed to support new residents as they transition to university and contribute to the academic community at the College.
Value: $4,000.*
Eligibility
The Ada Purnell Academic Scholarship is available to new residents of Trinity Residential College who are commencing full-time, first-year study at a Western Australian university.
Applicants must be a domestic (Australian) or international student and have achieved an ATAR of 97.0 or above, or equivalent.
The Scholarship is awarded for the first year of College residence only.
Assessment criteria
Applicants must provide evidence of their academic results and submit a recommendation letter from their school verifying their academic achievement and contribution to the school community.
Scholarship conditions
Recipients will be expected to:
- maintain satisfactory academic standing;
- contribute to the College’s academic community through participation in the College Tutoring Program; and
- make a positive contribution to College life throughout the scholarship period.
*2027 Academic Year values.
The Strive Scholarship recognises students who, in addition to their academic achievement, demonstrates a commitment to personal growth while making a positive contribution to the College community.
Value: $8,000 or $4,000* as determined by the College.
Eligibility
The Strive Scholarship is available to new residents of Trinity Residential College only.
Applicants must be a domestic (Australian) or international student enrolled, or intending to enrol, at a Western Australian university.
Applicants must demonstrate good academic standing and provide evidence of their academic results.
Scholarships are awarded for one year only. The total value awarded will depend on the strength and competitive nature of the application.
Assessment criteria
Applicants must demonstrate achievement and commitment across the following areas:
- Leadership – demonstrated leadership through school, university, work, community or other activities.
- Voluntary Service – meaningful voluntary service or contribution to the community.
- Sport – demonstrated achievement and commitment in sport.
- The Arts – demonstrated achievement and commitment in creative or performing arts.
Two levels of scholarship funding are available:
- Strive Scholarship A – applicants must provide evidence of achievement and commitment across at least three assessment criteria.
- Strive Scholarship B – applicants must provide evidence of achievement and commitment across at least two assessment criteria.
Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a scholarship or particular level of funding. The strength of achievement, commitment and supporting evidence will be considered as part of the overall assessment.
Additional consideration
Additional consideration may be given to applicants who:
- have experienced hardship, disadvantage or circumstances that may present a significant barrier to pursuing their university studies;
- are the first generation in their family to attend university;
- are a First Nations person; or
- come from an educational, cultural or geographic background that is underrepresented in university study or within their chosen discipline.
*2027 Academic Year values.
Current Residents
InTRINsic Scholarship
The InTRINsic Scholarship is valued at $6,000* and recognises current residents who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the College and its core values of Culture, Care and Community through their involvement, support of others and willingness to engage with new people, experiences and opportunities.
Jake East Scholarship
The Jake East Scholarship is valued at $5,000* and recognises current residents who demonstrate a natural ability to bring people together and strengthen the sense of community at the College. The Scholarship recognises those who are inclusive, welcoming and genuinely interested in others; people who build connections across the College community, help others feel a sense of belonging and positively contribute to the experience of those around them.
O’Connell Postgraduate Scholarship
The O’Connell Postgraduate Scholarship is valued at $5,000* and recognises current residents who have demonstrated strong academic achievement during their undergraduate studies while also making a positive contribution to College life. The Scholarship supports residents as they progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study and continue their involvement in the College community.
*2027 Academic Year values.
The InTRINsic Scholarship recognises current residents who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the College and its core values of Culture, Care and Community through their involvement, support of others and willingness to engage with new people, experiences and opportunities.
Value: $6,000.*
Eligibility
The InTRINsic Scholarship is available to current residents of Trinity Residential College who are applying to return to the College for the following year.
Applicants must be a domestic or international student enrolled, or intending to enrol, at a Western Australian university.
The Scholarship is awarded for one year only and Resident Advisors are not eligible.
Assessment criteria
Applicants must demonstrate ongoing commitment and contribution across the College’s three core values:
- Community – actively contributing to College life by attending, supporting, leading or representing the College at events, activities and initiatives.
- Care – demonstrating care and kindness towards others and contributing positively to the wellbeing of the College community, including through support for individuals, sustainability and consideration for others.
- Culture – contributing to an inclusive and accepting College culture that values diversity, engaging with different people and perspectives, and demonstrating a willingness to challenge themselves and try new things.
Applications will be assessed on the strength, consistency and breadth of the resident’s contribution to College life. Holding a formal leadership position is not required.
Additional consideration
Academic standing will also be considered as part of the overall assessment.
Successful applicants will be expected to maintain their commitment to the College’s values and continue making a positive contribution to College life throughout the scholarship period.
*2027 Academic Year values.
The Jake East Scholarship recognises current residents who demonstrate a natural ability to bring people together and strengthen the sense of community at the College. The Scholarship recognises those who are inclusive, welcoming and genuinely interested in others; people who build connections across the College community, help others feel a sense of belonging and positively contribute to the experience of those around them.
Value: $5,000.*
Eligibility
The Jake East Scholarship is available to current residents of Trinity Residential College who are applying to return to the College for the following year.
The Scholarship is awarded for one year only and Resident Advisors are not eligible.
Assessment criteria
Consideration will be given to residents who demonstrate:
- an ability to bring people together and create opportunities for connection;
- a welcoming and inclusive approach to people from different backgrounds, interests and friendship groups; and
- a genuine effort to include others and help people feel comfortable and part of the College community.
Selection
A formal application process is not required. Potential recipients will be identified through their demonstrated contribution to College life, including as part of the College’s renewal assessment process.
The recipient will be selected by the College Leadership Team.
Scholarship conditions
The Jake East Scholarship is the only College scholarship that may be awarded in addition to another College scholarship or bursary. Where appropriate, it may provide further financial support to a student who meets the intent of the scholarship.
Recipients will be expected to continue demonstrating the qualities and contribution recognised by the Scholarship throughout the scholarship period.
*2027 Academic Year values.
The O’Connell Postgraduate Scholarship recognises current residents who have demonstrated strong academic achievement during their undergraduate studies while also making a positive contribution to College life. The Scholarship supports residents as they progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study and continue their involvement in the College community.
Value: $5,000.*
Eligibility
The O’Connell Postgraduate Scholarship is available to current residents of Trinity Residential College who are commencing postgraduate study in the following year.
Applicants must have achieved a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 80 or above in their undergraduate degree while living at the College.
The Scholarship is awarded for one year only.
Assessment criteria
Applicants must demonstrate that they are an active and engaged member of the College community, with consideration given to their involvement and contribution to College life.
Applicants must submit a reference from a member of the College community who can verify their contribution and involvement in College life.
Academic achievement beyond the minimum WAM requirement may also be considered as part of the overall assessment.
Scholarship conditions
Recipients will be expected to:
- maintain satisfactory academic standing;
- contribute to the College’s academic community through participation in the College Tutoring Program and other activities; and
- continue making a positive contribution to College life throughout the scholarship period.