About the role
Award Details
Each year, the Queensland Department of Education awards:
- up to 15 TJ Ryan Memorial Medallists:
- a prize of $5,000
- a medallion and a certificate of recognition
- up to 15 TJ Ryan Merit awards:
- a Certificate of Merit.
Suitability
Nominees must:
- be an Australian citizen, a New Zealand Special Category visa holder, or have permanent residency status in Australia
- successfully complete Year 12 at a Queensland state or non-state school in 2026
- be applying for and accepting entry into a recognised Higher Education Institution undergraduate degree program for commencement in Semester 1, 2027
- have the School Principal's endorsement.
Reason for nomination
This is a great opportunity for outstanding leaders in their final year of school to gain recognition for the leadership qualities and academic achievements they have demonstrated, and receive financial support towards undergraduate tertiary studies.
How schools nominate their candidate
Each Queensland secondary school can submit one only nominee.
- Review the Guidelines (below)
- Schools determine their one nominee
- Review the nomination process with the selected nominee to prepare a nomination.
How student nominee submits the nomination
- Gather all supporting documents (as listed in the Document Checklist below)
- Click the green ‘apply online' button (below) – an account may need to be created
- When logged into the Smart Jobs account, complete the online questionnaire and upload ALL required supporting documents
- Submit nomination by 11 December 2026.
If you are experiencing issues uploading documents, upload as much as possible and email remaining documents to scholarships@qed.qld.gov.au by the closing date. Make sure your name – 2026 TJ Ryan nomination appears in the subject line.