The Queensland Branch of the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia is offering a postgraduate scholarship for an Honours or MSc student at a Queensland Tertiary Education Institution, undertaking a research project with relevance to energy geosciences industry (i. e., sedimentology, basin analysis, geophysics, organic geochemistry, structural geology, palaeontology, petroleum geology, petrophysics and sequence stratigraphy).
The scholarship consists of the award of $2,500 to the successful recipient as part of PESA-QLD’s commitment to promote and encourage subsurface energy geoscience research and education at Queensland Tertiary Institutions.
Eligibility
The PESA-QLD Annual Scholarship is open to students who, at the application deadline, are:
- Enrolled to complete a Honours or Masters program at a recognised Queensland based tertiary institution.
- Conducting a research project in relation to subsurface energy geoscience (i. e., sedimentology, basin analysis, geophysics, organic geochemistry, structural geology, palaeontology, petroleum geology, petrophysics and sequence stratigraphy). Critical minerals geoscience projects which are applicable to domestic energy transition will also be considered eligible.
- If not a current member of PESA, submit a membership application with their scholarship application.
A mid-year entry Honours student may apply in their first or second year, though an unsuccessful application in the first year will limit the ability to apply in the second year.
Scholarship Allowance
This scholarship offers the award of $2,500 to support the student with their Honours or postgraduate studies, which may include university fees, subsistence, or project costs such as data, travel and accommodation.
Selection Procedure
Applications will be assessed by a selected panel of senior Queensland Branch Committee Members, appointed at the discretion of the Branch President to ensure an impartial evaluation process. The successful applicant will be formally notified by email.
The award will be made to a high achieving student with a project relevant to the energy geosciences. The student’s supervisor recommendation and contributions to the Geoscience community (PESA, Student/University Societies, Primary/Highschool Outreach Programs, etc) may also be considered when awarding the scholarship. An intention to pursue a career in the energy sector will be considered favourably.
The award will usually be made at a PESA Technical Luncheon or Evening held in Brisbane.
Conditions of the scholarship
- A requirement of the award will be for the recipient to provide a short article for PESA Gazette on their research activities, and
- A short presentation of their project at a PESA-QLD technical event.
Prior written approval for the presentation and abstract publication must be obtained from any sponsoring company before the award can be conferred. At the time of application, informal approval is acceptable.
How To Apply
Applicants must include the following in their application:
- A completed Application Form (download via the information box at the top of this page);
- Proof of enrolment in a recognised Australian tertiary institution; and
- A certified copy of their Tertiary Academic Record.
Supervisor endorsement/recommendation is recommended but not required. Applicants may demonstrate their contributions to the Geoscience community, relevant industry experience and/or an intention to pursue a career in the energy sector, in the format of a cover letter or resume if application space provided is insufficient (optional).
Completed application forms and accompanying documentation should be emailed to:
PESA-QLD President – Sue Slater
Email: qld-president@pesa.com.au
It is important that the application is completed in full as incomplete applications may affect your chance of selection.
Closing date for applications is COB Friday 27th February, 2026.