Initially, by investing in the Sheep CRC’s education programmes, the Trust facilitated the development of a comprehensive range of sheep and wool education modules which are now available at the University of New England (UNE) and also, via its long-distance learning initiatives, to students in other institutes. Other industry sectors such as Meat and Livestock Australia, funded a complimentary range of sheep and sheep meat production modules.
At the end of the Sheep CRC the ownership of these modules was transferred to the Trust. The Trust in turn licenced UNE to deliver and manage this IP.
To facilitate this, funds are allocated to UNE by the Trust. This is the largest single funding arrangement made by the Trust.
To support enrolments in these UNE sheep and wool units, the Trust allocates funds to non-UNE Universities to offset any loss of income. These subsidies are distributed directly to the Universities by the Trust based on the student/unit enrolments supplied by UNE at the end of each academic year. From 2026, the subsidy is $2,000/student/unit.
To encourage enrolments in the modules being offered by UNE, the Trust co-funds a number of under-graduate scholarships for students across Australia who wish to undertake sheep and wool education training.
Each scholarship is valued at $6,000 and they are generally offered to students in the second or third year of their degree.
Other co-funders include industry companies and industry organisations.
The number of scholarships offered each year depends on the total funds available.
Applications for these scholarships are made through the University of New England.
In 2025, the Trust supported 12 Undergraduate Project Scholarships from different universities across Australia, each valued at $7,000.
These scholarships are available to undergraduate students (3rd, 4th or Honours year) and Masters by Course Work students undertaking a research project relevant to wool and/or wool sheep. This relevance is the most significant criterion considered by the selection panel in assessing applications. Preference is given, but not limited to, Agriculture and/or Animal Science students.
The University and the student may negotiate how the funds are split and, with the split specified in the application. Applications for these scholarships must be made directly to the Trust and must be supported by an academic referee from the University at which the student is enrolled or intends to enrol.
Applications for 2027 Undergraduate and Masters by Coursework Project Scholarships close on Friday 30th October 2026.
On behalf of the family of the late Honourable Anthony Street, AWET offers one annual monetary Scholarship to attend or present to an AWET endorsed international conference and/or sheep/wool industry study tour to enhance the Scholar’s education and networks in the sheep/wool supply chain. An Annual Scholarship of up to $10,000 is available to one recipient chosen by an AWET Selection Panel according to AWET endorsed selection criteria.
The Honourable AA (Tony) Street
This scholarship is awarded by AWET and is endowed by the Street family in memory of their father Tony Street, a woolgrower from the Western District of Victoria. In addition to running a successful fine wool Merino and prime lamb property for more than 70 years, he also served as a member of parliament for the Federal seat of Corangamite for 18 years and was a Cabinet minister between 1975 and 1983. In and out of politics, he was a strong advocate for investment in agricultural research and innovation, and for the translation of scientific and technological advances into their adoption by primary producers.
To gain an insight into of Tony Street’s commitment to the sheep and wool industry and to science, please go to:
The Scholarship Fund is to attend an AWET endorsed international event/conference/study tour, which includes exposure to the wool supply chain with the support of a mentor arranged by AWET. The opportunity to present research findings (oral or poster) may be available if a project is complete.
An outcomes report from the Scholar would describe how their knowledge and prospects in the sheep/wool industry were impacted by the Scholarship. This would be published on woolwise.com. Additional responsibilities would include presenting at the annual AWET/Wool Academics meeting held in July (at AWET’s cost for attendance) and potential membership of the AWET Tony Street Memorial Scholarship Selection Committee in the subsequent year.
Please refer to all links listed below to ensure you fulfil all the necessary requirements.
Eligibility, Selection Criteria and Obligations
Applications
Please send applications to the AWET Secretary e. kerry.hansford@woolwise.com.
Applications for 2027 Tony Street Memorial Scholarship close on Friday 30th October 2026.
To enhance their Students’ Work Experience and Careers, grants are available to Universities for activities that will assist their students to become career ready. In 2025, Grants were valued at up to $10,000 per Institute.
Each proposal is at the University’s discretion, i.e. whatever the University believes will provide the best outcomes for students, and it must be wool and/or wool sheep focused. Preference is given, but not limited to, Agriculture and/or Animal Science students. On completion, a statement from the University as to how the funding worked, along with a brief note from students reflecting on their experiences, is required.
A single page proposal to be assessed by AWET Trustees is required. Please send applications to the AWET Secretary e. kerry.hansford@woolwise.com.
Applications for 2027 Wool Industry Placement Grants close on Friday 30th October 2026.
The small initiative grants are available to academics who have an innovative idea related to sheep and wool education that needs seed funding to help develop and deliver the idea. Applications may be made at any time during the year.
Applications are made using the Application Form. Each application must be supported by an Academic Referee. The applicant must download the form, complete the contact and project details in Section A, then pass the document to the Academic Referee who will complete Sections B and C, and submit it to the AWET Secretary.
General grants apply to innovation initiatives that are not constrained other than that they must be aimed at sheep and wool education
Special grants are for innovation initiatives directly related to Ag360 (formerly Askbill) or RamSelect on-line educational tools.
The Trust supports the VET sector via scholarships, valued at $3,000 each, being made available per year to students attending institutions in this sector.
Applications for these scholarships are made on behalf of the student(s) by the institution at which the student is enrolled.
The Trust provides funding of $10,000 per annum to support the Alastair Mackenzie Scholarship at Marcus Oldham College in Victoria.
Applications for this scholarship must be made through Marcus Oldham College.
The Trust provides grants to final year Fashion Students to assist them to purchase wool fabrics for their final year collections. Twenty-five (25) grants are available, valued at $1500 for a final year student in a 3-year degree or $2000 for a final year student in a 4-year degree.
The students are selected by the Fashion Institute in which they are enrolled.
AWET Scholarships and Grants are only awarded to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents and/or Australian Companies/Organisations.