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John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship

Overview

As a proud supporter of Rugby Australia and the Wallabies, Bond University has joined forces with the former Wallabies Captain, John Eales AM, to present John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship which provides an opportunity for two outstanding rugby union players (one male and one female) to be mentored both on and off the field.

In line with Bond University’s commitment to nurture the sporting and career aspirations of the leaders of tomorrow, as a recipient of the scholarship you will network with elite athletes, coaches and top-level teams from a range of sports.

The goal of the scholarship is to prepare you for life beyond rugby with an internationally recognised degree in the discipline of your choice, which is enhanced by the global networks, industry connections, and work experience opportunities for which Bond University is renowned.

As a John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholar, you will be awarded with 100% tuition remission for a single diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate degree* and you will commence in the following January semester. You will also spend your rugby season with the Bond University Rugby Club playing in the highest competition in the state of Queensland throughout the duration of your degree. In addition, you will receive a living allowance totalling $20,000.

*Students applying for the following programs are not eligible to apply for this scholarship; Bond Medical Program, Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology, Doctor of Physiotherapy. For a Bachelor of Laws this scholarship applies for a maximum of 6 semesters.

Application dates

OPEN: 1 May, 2025 (10am AEST)

CLOSE: 31 July, 2025 (11:59pm AEST)

Eligibility

Available to Australian residents eligible to represent Australian Rugby.

Value

Provides 100% tuition remission for a single diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate degree* plus a $20,000 living allowance. 

Level of study

Available to those applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study, who have not yet commenced at Bond University.  

FAQS

What are the obligations of this scholarship?

As a John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholar, you will be required to:

  1. Play rugby union exclusively with the Bond University Rugby Club
  2. Represent Bond at the UniSport Nationals if applicable, attend Bond University’s annual Blues Awards and Bond Rugby season events.
  3. Update the University with your sporting achievements and allow Bond University to promote these achievements.
  4. Apply to become a member of Bond’s Elite Sports Program (BESP) and meet with the BESP Manager during each semester of study.

If you have a question about this scholarship that is isn't answered above, we're here to help!

We've put together the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Follow the link below to review these carefully to find the answers to your questions. If you still have a question after reviewing our FAQs, please contact us and our team will be happy to help.

VIEW SCHOLARSHIP FAQS

  • You've submitted your scholarship application, so what happens next?

    Scholarship applications are reviewed once the relevant scholarship closing date has passed, so take a deep breath and hold tight!

    Once scholarship applications have closed, you will be sent an important email outlining the next steps in the selection process relevant to the scholarship(s) you have applied for. 

    Each scholarship has a different selection process and we will keep in touch throughout the way. All applicants will be notified of their scholarship outcome by email.

  • View our full scholarship terms and conditions in the Bond University Enrolment Policy, in section 4.10.

    DOWNLOAD NOW

You've submitted your scholarship application, so what happens next?

Scholarship applications are reviewed once the relevant scholarship closing date has passed, so take a deep breath and hold tight!

Once scholarship applications have closed, you will be sent an important email outlining the next steps in the selection process relevant to the scholarship(s) you have applied for. 

Each scholarship has a different selection process and we will keep in touch throughout the way. All applicants will be notified of their scholarship outcome by email.

The rugby scholar who found her spark through sport

Lilliana 'Lil" Prucha made the move to Queensland in 2025 as Bond's first Wheelchair Rugby player to be awarded the John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship, and now she has her sights on the Los Angeles Paralympics.

Hear more about Lil
The rugby scholar who found her spark through sport - Hear more about Lil

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