The Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia is offering a postgraduate scholarship to eligible students currently conducting research in a project related to energy geoscience within Australia. The award, known as the Horstman Federal Postgraduate Scholarship, consists of an annual prize of $5,000 to the successful recipient as part of PESA’s program to promote and encourage subsurface energy geoscience research and education in Australia.
The closing date for applications is Monday 2 November 2026.
Eligibility
The PESA Horstman Federal Postgraduate Scholarship is open to students who, at the application deadline, are:
- Enrolled in a PhD (full or part-time) or Masters program at a recognised Australian tertiary institution.
- Conducting research in a subsurface energy geoscience project with the area of study located in Australia. The scope of eligible geoscience research projects includes studies in conventional and unconventional petroleum, carbon capture and storage (geosequestration) and new energy resources (e.g., hydrogen) which are relevant to the exploration, development or production of subsurface energy resources and/or energy transition in Australia. Critical minerals geoscience projects which are applicable to domestic energy transition will also be considered eligible.
- A current member of PESA with participation in PESA events.
Scholarship Allowance
This scholarship offers an award of $5,000 ($2,500 for part-time candidates) to support the student for a period of one year. After the first year, the successful recipient is eligible to reapply for the scholarship in a subsequent year.
PESA Membership
Postgraduate students are eligible for student membership (free of charge) and can sign up through the PESA website. Students wishing to be considered for the PESA Scholarship for the current year need to be current members at the time of application for the award.
Where possible, student participation in PESA events will be highly regarded and the level of involvement may be verified with the applicant’s local PESA Branch.
Selection Procedure
Applications will be assessed by the PESA Education and Awards Sub-Committee and the winning candidate ratified by the Federal PESA board. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by videoconference. The successful applicant will be formally notified by email.
The scholarship award will be presented at a technical luncheon or evening event hosted by the winning applicant’s respective state branch.
Conditions of the scholarship
- A requirement of the award will be for the recipient to provide a short article for PESA Gazette on his/her research activities.
- Prior to or upon completion of the term of the scholarship, the recipient will also be required to present an overview of his/her project at a branch technical event and at a PESA Webinar (when some results from the project become available).
How To Apply
Applicants must include the following in their application:
- A completed Application Form (download the form here or from the info box at the top right side of this page);
- CV/resume;
- Proof of enrolment in a recognised Australian tertiary institution.
- A certified copy of their Tertiary Academic Record;
- A cover letter outlining how their geoscience research project is relevant to the exploration, development, or production of subsurface energy resources or applicable to energy transition within Australia (maximum 1 page);
- A project summary/proposal;
- Name of a referee who is an Active PESA member within their local branch.
Completed application forms and accompanying documentation should be emailed to:
Federal PESA Education – Programs and Scholarships Sub-Committee
Email: education@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 Monday 2 November 2026.