Scholarship details
The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage and support girls studying 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 the participation of girls and women 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
- Girls who complete year 10 in 2026
- Intend to study Specialist Mathematics or accepted equivalent in NSW and Tasmania in year 11 in 2027 and year 12 in 2028
- 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 excellent performance in mathematics
- Demonstrate a passion for and high achievement in mathematics, as evidenced by participation in mathematics competitions and/or attendance at mathematics camps.
- Students can undertake studies via distance education if their school does not offer the Specialist Mathematics subject.
- Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a visa that allows them to live in Australia for the entire two-year scholarship period.
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 2026 mid-year mathematics results
- Evidence of high performance in external maths competitions
- A statement written by the applicant describing and confirming their commitment to studying Specialist Mathematics 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
- Applications open Thursday 20 August, 2026
- Applications close midnight Friday 23 October, 2026
- Online interviews with shortlisted candidates late November, 2026
- Scholars announced early to mid December, 2026
How to apply
Applications will open on Thursday 20 August, 2026 and close on Friday 23 October, 2026.
Guidelines for the School/Teacher Letter of Support
Please include information about any general disadvantage experienced by the student, including disadvantage related to mathematics teaching at the school where applicable.
As this scholarship is designed for exceptionally talented and highly motivated mathematics students, letters of support should provide clear evidence of the student’s mathematical ability, achievement, and engagement. This may include participation in external mathematics competitions, awards, distinctions, enrichment programs, advanced coursework, or other indicators of outstanding mathematical potential.
Please note: If multiple applications are received from the same school, AMSI may ask teachers to rank their students in order of recommendation.
Background to the scholarship
The AMSI Specialist Maths High School Scholarships for Girls 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, and 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 girls studying in secondary school, inspired by these trailblazing women.
The scholarships were originally named the Yuille-Umbers Scholarships. As additional donors joined the program, the collective initiative was renamed the AMSI Specialist Maths High School Scholarships for Girls, with individual scholarships awarded in recognition of donor-supported legacies.
In accordance with the wishes of the founding donors, the named scholarship will alternate annually between the Yuille-Umbers, honouring their grandmothers, and the De Vere-Hudson, honouring their mothers. This arrangement recognises the women whose lives, values and contributions continue to inspire the scholarships and will continue for as long as the founding donors support the program.
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.
