The Northcote Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £186,656 (2024)
• Success Rate: Highly competitive (1-3 awards annually)
• Decision Time: 8 weeks (approximately 2 months after deadline)
• Grant Range: Full funding including tuition, living allowance, and flights
• Geographic Focus: UK residents studying in Australia
• Application Deadline: Late August annually

Contact Details

Website: https://britain-australia.org.uk/northcote/

Email: northcote@britain-australia.org.uk

Phone: 020 7630 1075

Administered by: Britain-Australia Society

Overview

The Northcote Trust (Charity Number 207813) was established in 1936 following a bequest in the will of Lady Alice Northcote, wife of Lord Henry Northcote, third Governor-General of Australia. Originally created to assist poor children of British birth to migrate to Australia, the Trust has evolved to focus on supporting postgraduate education. With an annual income of £209,359 and expenditure of £186,656 (2024), the Trust awards 1-3 new PhD or Masters scholarships annually to UK residents to undertake research-based postgraduate degrees at Australian universities. The Trust operates with 6 trustees who receive no remuneration, ensuring funds are dedicated entirely to supporting scholars. The scholarships are administered on behalf of the Trust by the Britain-Australia Society.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Northcote Postgraduate Scholarships (Full funding)

• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Coverage includes:
• Payment of compulsory university fees and charges at Australian universities
• Generous living allowance, paid quarterly
• Economy class return airfare to Australia
• Compulsory medical/overseas health insurance
• Application method: Annual fixed deadline (late August)
• Awards: 1-3 new PhD and/or MA scholars per year

Priority Areas

• Research-based postgraduate degrees: PhDs and Masters programmes with significant research components
• All academic fields: No limitation on field of study
• UK to Australia mobility: Supporting UK residents to study at Australian universities
• Academic excellence: Funding is based on academic potential and character

What They Don't Fund

• Professional qualifications for Masters level study (e.g., MBA, LLM without research component)
• Undergraduate degrees
• Taught Masters programmes without significant research components
• Students not resident in the UK or its dependencies/territories
• Study outside Australia

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Governance and Leadership

The Northcote Trust has 6 trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The Board of Trustees includes Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke PC.

Historically, William Waldegrave Palmer, Earl Selborne, was made a Trustee to chair the Trust after Alice Northcote's death in 1934.

The Trust operates in partnership with the Britain-Australia Society, which administers the scholarship programme on behalf of the Trust.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted on prescribed forms in the prescribed format, available from the Britain-Australia Society website at britain-australia.org.uk/northcote.

Application Requirements:

1. A statement explaining why the study must be undertaken in Australia

Application Deadline: Applications close at 5pm (GMT) on Friday 29 August annually. Full or incomplete applications will not be accepted after this time and will only be accepted if on prescribed forms in prescribed format.

Decision Timeline

• Submission deadline: Late August (29 August for 2025 cycle)
• Evaluation period: Submissions are distributed to an Evaluation Committee after closing date
• Interview stage: In some circumstances, the Trust may contact individual applicants to attend an online interview prior to making final award
• Decision notification: Approximately 2 months after submissions close (around end of October)
• Decision communication: All applicants are notified

Success Rates

The scholarship is highly competitive with typically 1 to 3 new PhD and/or MA scholars awarded each year. The exact number depends on income from invested Trust funds. Specific application numbers are not publicly disclosed, but the programme is described as having “a limited number of scholarships available” with “not all eligible applicants” receiving awards.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly disclosed. Prospective reapplicants should contact the Trust directly through the Britain-Australia Society.

Application Success Factors

Scholar Advice:

Successful Northcote scholars have advised: “Research the institution you plan to study at, the people you plan to study under and the existing research coming out of those places” and “Without a doubt, go explore! ... Just go for it!”

Key Success Factors:

1. Strong research focus: The Trustees only accept applications for PhDs and Masters programmes with a significant research-based component. Ensure your chosen programme has substantial research elements.

1. Clear Australian rationale: Applications must include a statement explaining why the study must be undertaken in Australia specifically. This is a critical component.

1. Academic excellence and character: References must assess both academic potential AND character, suggesting the Trust values well-rounded candidates.

1. Institutional endorsement: A statement from the Australian host institution confirming acceptance and suitability of research facilities demonstrates you've done groundwork.

1. Complete applications only: The Trust explicitly states that incomplete applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Submit everything required on time.

1. Potential interview preparation: Some candidates are invited to online interviews before final awards, so be prepared to articulate your research plans and motivations.

Scholar Impact Testimonials:

Recipients describe transformative impacts: “Such a big burden had been lifted off my shoulders and I could finally focus on my studies,” highlighting how the full funding enables complete focus on research without financial stress.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Research-based only: Do not apply for professional or taught Masters programmes - only research-based postgraduate degrees qualify
• Australian connection required: You must clearly articulate why your study needs to be undertaken in Australia specifically
• Highly competitive: With only 1-3 awards annually, ensure your application demonstrates exceptional academic potential
• Character matters: References should address both academic capabilities and personal character
• Preparation is key: Have provisional or firm acceptance from an Australian university before applying
• Full funding advantage: Unlike partial scholarships, this covers all major costs (fees, living, travel, insurance)
• Strict deadlines: Late or incomplete applications are categorically rejected - plan ahead

References

• Britain-Australia Society - Northcote Trust page: https://www.britain-australia.org.uk/northcote
• UK Charity Commission Register - The Northcote Trust (207813): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=207813&subid=0
• Find and Connect - Northcote Trust history: https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/entity/northcote-trust/
• Australian National University - Northcote Graduate Scholarships: https://science.anu.edu.au/study/scholarships/northcote-graduate-scholarships-australia
• Flinders University - Northcote Postgraduate Scholarship information: https://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships/the-northcote-postgraduate-scholarship
• Charity Commission financial data for year ending 31 December 2024