The Wollongong, New South Wales based University of Wollongong (UOW) invites applications from aspiring Indian students for the prestigious annual UOW Bradman Foundation cricket and education scholarship. The last date for submitting applications for the scholarship is September 30, 2016. 
Now in its fourth year, the international scholarship encourages young Indian students to further their education at the University of Wollongong (UOW) while indulging their passion for cricket. The Bradman Foundation Scholarship has witnessed significant interest in the last three editions with hundreds of Indian students applying for the scholarship. 

Scholarship recipients have benefited greatly from the opportunity, gaining financial assistance to access high quality education opportunities at UOW while also being able to play cricket at a high standard, particularly with UOW’s own cricket team. 

The Bradman Foundation Scholarship is offered to one undergraduate or postgraduate student – male and female – each year, for the duration of the recipients’ study programme, providing a 50 per cent waiver of tuition fees. 

UOW vice-chancellor Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, said the scholarship is aimed at students who reflect the ideals of the great Australian cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman. 

“What we are looking for is an all-rounder, someone who is willing to participate in social activities, be an active member of the UOW and Bradman Foundation Cricket Clubs, and who meets the academic requirements,” Prof. Wellings said. “It’s really important that we find someone who has a blend of academic, personal and social skills as well as a high level of cricket skills.” 

UOW partnered with the Bradman Foundation, a charitable trust established in 1987 to promote cricket as a cultural and sporting force, to establish the scholarship in 2012.
It is part of a wider agreement between UOW and the Bradman Foundation to educate, inspire, and develop young people. 

Former Test cricketer Adam Gilchrist AM, who is UOW’s brand ambassador, said the scholarship brings together education and sport and was a unique opportunity for a student to forge their future in their chosen field. “Sir Donald Bradman left an enduring legacy to the game of cricket with his incredible achievements, and Indian cricket fans understand that as well as anyone,” Gilchrist said. “Sir Donald, through the establishment of the foundation that bears his name, also had a vision that through education and the advancement of youth, cricket could be strengthened and advanced. It is a cause that was very dear to his heart and is very dear to my heart. It is wonderful that this scholarship encourages young students to combine their love of education and sport while building their future.” 

Rina Hore, executive director of the Bradman Foundation, said the scholarship reflected the strength of the partnership between UOW and the Bradman Foundation as well as the cultural and sporting connections between India and Australia. “The scholarship holder will have the opportunity to become involved in the Bradman Foundation and will become future ambassadors for us,” Hore added. 

“It fulfills the foundation’s goal of promoting cricket as a valuable cultural and social force in the community, while helping a young student to further their education at an excellent university and learn about another culture and country.” 

Applicants to the scholarship must actively participate in the game of cricket and hold an unconditional offer to study at UOW. The successful candidate will be announced during Prof. Welling’s visit to India in November. 

For more information on the scholarship, visit uow.edu.au/future/international/apply/scholarships/UOW135799.html