In today’s fast-paced innovation ecosystem, diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is not just a social imperative—it is a driving force behind global advancement. Yet, significant gender disparities continue to limit progress in these fields. Recognizing this challenge, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has introduced the Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM scholarship—a flagship initiative that addresses this gap through strategic, long-term support.
The Elevate program is more than just a financial award. It is a leadership pipeline and a mentorship platform that provides up to AUD 150,000 in comprehensive support, including tuition fees, living stipends, and leadership development. As the 2025–2026 application cycle opens, this guide aims to walk eligible candidates—ranging from undergraduates to PhD researchers—through every stage of the process.
This detailed resource is intended for:
- Final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing a future in STEM
- Early-career researchers and PhD candidates in STEM fields
- Diversity advocates in academia or STEM-linked industries
- International candidates seeking scholarships for study in Australia
About the Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM Program
Current Program Status
- Application Status: Open for the 2025–2026 academic intake
Purpose and Vision
The Elevate program is rooted in a commitment to reshape the STEM workforce by fostering greater inclusion and gender equity. The program’s core objectives include:
- Dismantling barriers that prevent equitable access to STEM education and careers
- Offering professional mentoring and career growth opportunities for women and non-binary individuals
- Creating pathways for underrepresented groups—such as Indigenous Australians, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from low-socioeconomic or culturally diverse backgrounds
Program Duration and Delivery
Each stream of the Elevate scholarship is tailored for a different stage of academic or professional growth:
- Undergraduate Stream: 3 years
- Postgraduate Research Stream: 3.5 years
- Leadership Stream: 2 years
Study Mode: Full-time, on-campus attendance at accredited Australian universities is required.
Focus Areas Covered
The Elevate program supports a diverse range of academic and applied fields, such as:
- Computer and Software Engineering
- Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Health and Biomedical Innovations
- Applied Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Business-STEM hybrids (particularly for the Leadership stream)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Elevate scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Basic Requirements
- Gender Identity: Applicants must identify as women or non-binary individuals. The program welcomes all expressions of gender identity that fall within these definitions.
- Residency Status: Only domestic students eligible to study at Australian universities are considered.
- Academic Plans: Applicants must plan to begin a STEM-related degree or leadership-focused postgraduate program in 2026.
Priority Applicant Categories
The Elevate scholarship strongly encourages applications from individuals who:
- Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Reside in regional, remote, or rural areas
- Identify as LGBTQIA+
- Come from low-income backgrounds
- Belong to culturally or linguistically diverse communities
- Live with a disability
Application Process
Applicants must follow a structured process to ensure successful submission:
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Confirm Eligibility: Review the official criteria and ensure all prerequisites are met.
- Prepare Documentation: Collect all required documents listed in the following section.
- Access the Application Portal: Go to the online platform: https://atse.grantplatform.com
- Create a Profile: Register on the portal to begin your application.
- Complete the Application Form: Enter accurate personal, academic, and professional information.
- Upload Documents: Ensure all files meet the required specifications.
- Submit: Finalize and submit your application well before the deadline.
Required Documents
To complete your application, prepare the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current resume highlighting your academic, professional, and research experiences.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Research Proposal: Outline your research interests, future goals, and how the scholarship will support your academic journey.
- Recommendation Letters: Two letters from referees familiar with your work, preferably from academic supervisors or research mentors.
- Academic Transcripts: Certified records from your most recent and relevant educational qualifications.
- Proof of Admission or Enrollment: Formal documentation from an Australian university confirming your placement in a qualifying program.
- Proof of Identity: A valid government-issued ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license).
- Supplementary Forms: Any additional documents required by the Elevate program, such as financial need declarations or consent forms.
Supported Fields of Study
Elevate supports a broad spectrum of STEM and interdisciplinary domains, including:
Science
- Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Environmental Studies
Technology
- Information Systems, Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics
Engineering
- Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering
Mathematics
- Theoretical Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Computational Modeling
Interdisciplinary Innovations
Fields that combine STEM with leadership, business strategy, or public impact—especially emphasized in the Leadership stream—are highly encouraged.
Applicants should clearly articulate how their chosen field contributes to the Elevate program’s vision of an inclusive STEM future.
Financial Support and Benefits
One of the distinguishing features of the Elevate program is its holistic financial package, which includes:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Complete coverage of tuition for the duration of the academic program
- Living Stipend: A monthly allowance to support everyday living expenses
- Research Funding: Financial support for research activities, materials, and conference travel
- Relocation and Visa Assistance: Help with moving costs and visa processing for qualifying domestic students relocating within Australia
- Healthcare and Family Services: Optional health and wellness resources for scholars with caregiving responsibilities
The precise benefits vary depending on the stream and personal circumstances of each scholar.
Selection Process
The Elevate program uses a competitive, multi-stage evaluation process:
Stages of Review
- Preliminary Screening: Applications are checked for basic eligibility and document completion.
- Committee Evaluation: A diverse panel of STEM experts and industry leaders reviews the eligible applications.
- Assessment Metrics:
- How well the applicant’s goals align with Elevate’s mission
- Demonstrated leadership experience or potential
- Commitment to academic excellence and community impact
- Likely long-term impact of scholarship support
- Final Decision: Applicants are shortlisted and selected based on merit and ATSE’s diversity and inclusion benchmarks.
Key Application Dates: 2025–2026 Intake
Stay aligned with the following official deadlines for the upcoming cycle:
- Applications Open: May 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM AEST
- Information Webinar: June 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM AEST
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM AEST
- Evaluation Period: September to October 2025
- Award Announcements: Mid-November 2025
- Scholarship Start Date: January 2026
Tips for a Competitive Application
Strengthen your application by focusing on the following areas:
Writing a Compelling Statement of Purpose
- Clearly Express Goals: Explain your academic interests and long-term career aspirations.
- Connect with Elevate’s Mission: Demonstrate how your values and work align with gender equity and innovation in STEM.
- Showcase Broader Impact: Emphasize how you will contribute to both your field and the wider community.
Crafting a Professional CV
- Highlight Academic Accomplishments: Include research, honors, or scholarships.
- Detail Practical Experience: Internships, volunteer work, or job roles that relate to STEM.
- List Technical Proficiencies: Include certifications, software tools, or technical skills relevant to your domain.
Securing Strong Recommendations
- Select Reputable Referees: Professors or supervisors who can speak to your potential.
- Provide Background Information: Share your CV and SOP to help referees write tailored letters.
- Request Early: Give your referees ample time—ideally several weeks before the submission deadline.
Contact Details
For queries or additional support regarding the Elevate scholarship, use the following contact information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +61 2 6185 3240
- Program Website: ATSE Elevate
- Application Portal: https://atse.grantplatform.com
Conclusion
The Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM scholarship is not merely a funding opportunity—it is a career-shaping experience. Through structured financial support, high-level mentorship, and leadership development, the program is committed to empowering the next generation of women and non-binary STEM leaders in Australia.
As the 2025–2026 cycle opens, potential applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early. A successful application requires clarity of purpose, commitment to equity in STEM, and a well-documented academic profile. This scholarship could be the pivotal step in transforming your aspirations into a meaningful STEM career.
References
- Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE): Elevate Program
https://www.atse.org.au/what-we-do/pathways-into-through-stem/elevate - ATSE Grant Application Portal
https://atse.grantplatform.com
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Program Name | Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM Scholarship |
| Host Country | Australia |
| Funded By | Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE) |
| Duration | Up to 3.5 years (varies by stream) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, Onsite |
| Eligibility | Women and non-binary domestic students at Australian universities |
| Financial Support | Up to AUD 150,250; tuition, stipend, research and relocation support |
| Fields of Study | All STEM disciplines |
| Application Deadline | September 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM AEST |
| Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Domestic students identifying as women or non-binary and enrolling in STEM programs at Australian universities can apply for the Elevate Scholarship.
Eligible programs include STEM disciplines such as engineering, data science, biomedical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary STEM fields.
Yes, the scholarship can cover tuition, a living stipend, travel costs, leadership training, and research support for eligible students.
No, only domestic students in Australia are eligible; however, international students with domestic status may qualify.
Yes, the scholarship offers a dedicated stream for postgraduate research, covering study and research costs for up to 3.5 years.
