John Cripps Horticulture Scholarship
This scholarship was established to recognise the importance of research to the WA horticulture industry and is in memory of one of our leading apple breeders and industry legend Mr John Cripps AO.
The scholarship proposes over time to:
- develop talented candidates into researchers who can work in both industry and academic settings
- strengthen industry through focused innovation and development through greater university-government-industry collaboration
- support research projects co-designed between government, university and industry.
Research supports the success of WA’s horticulture businesses to meet the challenges that impact the industry now and into the future. Current industry challenges include productivity, climate variability, pest and diseases management, consumer trends and economic pressures.
The long-term vision is to increase the number of horticultural researchers based in WA and build a focus on horticulture in the state’s universities.
Applicants are required to select one of the research projects listed as part of their application.
Available Projects:
- DPIRD - I & D PhD Sustainable Management of thrips in WA horticulture
- DPIRD - I & D PhD Longtail mealybug
- DPIRD - F & PC PhD Avocado skin exchange
- DPIRD - F & PC Avocado storage
- DPIRD - I & D IPM strategy for cluster caterpillar (Spodoptera litura)
Eligibility
To be eligible for a scholarship, potential applicants must meet the following criteria:
have a Bachelors degree with first-class honours (some universities may consider students with upper second-class honours), or a Master degree with a research component or equivalent from a recognised university
- have a record of excellent academic performance
- be able to provide evidence of strong written and spoken English
- have an Australian citizenship or have permanent residency status in Australia, OR have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the scholarship
- be available to take up the scholarship if offered, for commencement by 31 July 2026.
Special approval may be granted on written application, for a later commencement date for those candidates with unavoidable commitments. However, any award or scholarship offered will lapse, if not taken up before the commencement date.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and FAQs are available via the DPIRD website & SmartyGrants portal.
How to Apply
Applications are now open and will close at midnight AWST on Friday, 13 January 2026.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and FAQs are available via the DPIRD website & SmartyGrants portal.
Additionally, to answer any remaining questions, DPIRD will host a webinar/ Q&A session designed for university staff:
Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025
Time: 11:00am (AWST)
Platform: Microsoft teams