Scholarship details
The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage and support female students in Australia, in their study of Specialist Mathematics* in Years 11 and 12, studying at a school with low socio-educational advantage in addition to experiencing their own disadvantage and/or financial need.
The scholarship program is part of AMSI’s goal to boost female participation in advanced maths and encourage them to study mathematical sciences and other STEM degrees at university.
The recipients will receive a scholarship of $3,000 each year, in year 11 and 12, as well as a mentor and the opportunity to participate in career awareness activities.
*For students in New South Wales, we accept Mathematics Extension 1 for both years 11 and 12. For those in Tasmania, we accept Methods 4 in year 11 and Maths Specialised in year 12.
Who can apply
- Female students who complete year 10 in 2025
- Intend to study specialist maths or accepted equivalent in NSW and Tasmania in year 11 in 2026 and year 12 in 2027
- Are studying at an eligible registered high school in years 11 and 12 (school ICSEA percentile must be ≤ 50, refer to myschools website)
- Is experiencing and can evidence disadvantage
- Can provide evidence of strong performance in mathematics
- Demonstrates a passion for and achievement in mathematics
- Students can undertake studies via distance education if their school does not offer the subject.
Note: Students must either be Australian permanent residents or hold a humanitarian visa. Please include evidence of visa details as an attachment to the application. If you have further questions regarding eligibility, please contact enquires@amsi.org.au
What to include with your application
- Applicant’s 2025 mid-year mathematics results
- A statement written by the applicant describing and confirming their commitment to studying Specialist Mathematics maths in years 11 and 12
- Statement from the applicant’s school, or maths teacher, supporting the application
- Evidence of disadvantage and/or financial need
- When uploading documents please include student’s name in the file names
Important dates
| Round 1 (written applications) | Open Friday 15 August – Close midnight Friday 14 November |
| Notification of Round 1 outcome | late November |
| Round 2 (interview) | early December |
| Scholarships announced | mid December |
How to apply
Please submit your Round 1 written application via the scholarship portal here by 11.59 AEST 14 November 2025.
Guidelines for the School Letter of Support
Please include any information on general disadvantage, including disadvantage related to maths teaching at the school if applicable, and evidence of distinction, in your letters of support.
Background to the scholarship
The AMSI Female Specialist Maths Scholarships were established in 2024 by our founding donors Tim Brown and Catriona De Vere, to honour the legacies of their grandmothers, Ethel (Elsie) Yuille and Catherine Mary (Maimie) Umbers, to empower future generations of women through educational opportunities.
Both women overcame significant challenges and made substantial and unconventional contributions to their communities and families. These scholarships are dedicated to supporting female secondary school students, inspired by these trailblazing women.
The Scholarships were originally named Yuille-Umbers, however as there are now multiple donors in to the Scholarship, they were renamed the AMSI Female Specialist Maths Scholarship, with individual scholarships awarded in the name of the donors.
AMSI would be delighted to hear from donors who would like to contribute to the expansion of the scholarships. Please contact us at philanthropy@amsi.org.au or enquiries@amsi.org.au.
