Applications for the 2008 Summer Scholarship will open in August.

The National Archives of Australia preserves Australia’s valuable Commonwealth records, which trace events and decisions that shaped the nation. The records cover topics as diverse as federation, immigration, defence, Cabinet and Prime Ministers, patents and much more.

To promote research and scholarly use of our collection, we have established the Summer Scholarships scheme. The scheme is aimed at university students enrolled in 20th century Australian history or a related field.

Scholarships are awarded for a six-week period of full-time research, effective for the months of January and February. Research is undertaken at the National Archives Canberra Office.

If you are interested in applying, you will need to know how the Summer Scholarships scheme works.

The National Archives will provide:

• return economy airfare from the student's Australian residence to Canberra, or reimbursement of other travel expenses up to the cost of the relevant airfare
• accommodation (room and board) at one of the Australian National University's colleges for six weeks
• a weekly stipend of $300 for six weeks
• taxi fares to and from the airport in the student's home city and to and from Canberra airport.

During the scholarship, students will have:

• a desk, computer and telephone at the Archives office in Parkes, Canberra (ACT)
• access to our databases and records from our collection to assist in their research project
• free photocopying and microform printing of material in the Archives collection
• support from an Archives staff member who will act as a first point of contact, assist with access to records and data systems, and provide advice about records.

At the time of taking up their scholarship (January 2008) students must be enrolled in, or be planning to enrol in:

• an undergraduate degree – year 3 or 4
• an honours degree
• a graduate diploma
• a Masters or PhD degree – year 1

Their studies should include a major in 20th century Australian history, politics, social studies, or similar subject.

Students must be Australian residents and must be studying within Australia.

In assessing applications preference will be given to students that can demonstrate:

• the highest level of achievement in subjects that involve 20th century Australian history, politics, foreign relations, social studies or similar.
• a high standard of written work, as demonstrated by the written sample provided with their application.
• the use and understanding of primary (archival) sources, as demonstrated by the written sample provided with their application.
• the potential to bring credit to the Archives through distinction in their future careers.

Student's obligations

As a Summer Scholar, you will be expected to:

• complete a research project on a topic set by the Archives using the Archives collection
• submit a report at the end of your scholarship
• present a seminar of approximately 15–20 minutes duration to Archives staff at the end of the scholarship and answer questions on the nature of your work
• acknowledge the Archives in any future publication that might result from your research at the Archives
• provide the Archives with a complimentary copy of any future publication that might result from your research.

Please address any queries about the scholarship scheme to Michelle Fracaro, Scholarship Coordinator, Public Programs:

Telephone: (02) 6212 3691
Fax: (02) 6212 6230
Email: michelle.fracaro@naa.gov.au