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Australian Property Research and Education Fund

The Australian Property Research and Education Fund offers tertiary education scholarships to support students in accessing and completing their desired property economics, property valuation and other API Accredited Courses

Together with a financial bursary, awardees are supported by an Associate of the Australia Property Institute (AAPI) member who guides and mentors the student to complete their studies. 

 

2027 APREF Scholarship Applications are now open

The next round of scholarship applications are now open from 30 June 2026 and closes on 30 January 2027. 

Apply Here

Our Scholarship Program

Currently we offer five (5) Scholarships to support student studies.

Rural and Regional Scholarship

$10,000 per year

The Rural and Regional Education Scholarship financially supports the study of specialising in the valuation field to one (1) prospective 2026 tertiary student residing in a rural or regional location in mainland Australia, either currently studying Year 12 or a mature-aged applicant.

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Tasmanian Scholarship

$10,000 per year

The Tasmanian Education Scholarship supports a student residing in Tasmania to pursue study of an API accredited property degree, ultimately to become a Certified Practising Valuer in Tasmania.

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Advancing Women in Property Scholarship

$10,000 per year

The Advancing Women in Property scholarship promotes engaging and advancing women in the property industry through education, training, and development to ensure the property profession is a thriving option for women following a career break, who are looking to progress their career through studying an accredited degree.

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Robert Hecek Scholarship

$10,000 per year

The Robert Hecek Scholarship supports one final-year student studying an API accredited property valuation degree.

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Preston Rowe Paterson Scholarship

$4,000 per year

The Preston Rowe Paterson Regional Scholarship supports a final-year student from regional Australia who is enrolled in an API-accredited property valuation degree.

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Impact of the APREF Education Scholarships

Education scholarships can have a profound impact on students, in providing financial assistance enabling pursuit of a property career and the financial support to focus on their studies. Scholarships open doors to higher education for those who might not otherwise afford it, promoting diversity and inclusion within universities.

Launched in 2020, The Australian Property Research and Education Fund (APREF) is a charitable arm of the API and has provided over $250k in scholarships to date. APREF offers tertiary education scholarships to support students in accessing and completing their property and valuation course, accredited by the API. APREF offers a range of scholarships supporting rural/regional students, women returning to the workforce, students living in Tasmania and two named scholarships supporting final year students: the Robert Hecek Scholarship and the newly formed Preston Rowe Paterson Regional Scholarship.

Hear directly from our current scholarship recipients about how these scholarships have transformed their lives.

 

Testimonials

“Being a single mother and changing careers at this late stage, it is hard at the best of times financially, but adding textbooks and university fees, and extra daycare days, it adds up extremely quickly. This money has helped to relieve some of that financial pain and is getting me to my goal so I can secure the best future for me and my little one. Thank you API.”

Jessica Dixon, Advancing Women in Property scholarship recipient

“Included in the scholarship was a mentor in the property industry. This has given me guidance and further opportunities to meet people in the industry and attend important events. Since connecting to various people in the industry I have been fortunate to do some work experience, confirming that I’d like to work in the valuation field. I hope that this scholarship can continue to allow people like me to pursue a career in the property sector.”

Sarah Wake, Tasmanian Scholarship recipient

"Looking back over my first year, the most impactful element of the scholarship has been the mentorship program. Upon our first meeting, I felt comfortable as my mentor made me feel like a peer and not a student. Sharing her experiences but also expressing an interest in my personal and professional goals, my mentor's guidance and support has improved my confidence and opened the door to work experience opportunities. It is very comforting to know that I have financial support and access to the expertise of a professional.”

Claire Rackemann, Rural and Regional Scholarship recipient

“It has removed the stress of me thinking I need to work a fulltime job as well as be a fulltime uni student. Allowing me to fully focus on my studies, getting the best out of myself and the course.”

Fynn Hatfield, Rural and Regional Scholarship recipient

Want to make a difference?

Create a lasting legacy with a Named Scholarship and make a difference today.

Establish a Named scholarship and create a lasting legacy for yourself, your family or your business. Your contribution will have a profound impact on the property profession and the awarded student.

Invest in education. Inspire futures. Leave a legacy.

Contact us to learn how [email protected]

 

Past Recipients

Click here to see the past recipients

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Grants

APREF Research Grants supports vital statistical research that future-proofs the property industry.

Awards

The Peter Barrington Gold Medal Award encourages research and excellence in the study of land economy