APREF Scholarships

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. 

Currently, APREF offers five scholarships. Applications to the scholarship programs open April 2024 and close 31 October 2024, to support 2025 studies.

Hear from our 2024 Regional/Rural APREF Scholarship recipient, Fynn Hatfield about the impact this scholarship as has on him.

Watch the video

Regional/Rural Scholarship

The Regional/Rural Education scholarship financially supports a regional or rurally located student to pursue their study of an API accredited degree, specialising in the valuation field.

The scholarship is open to a prospective 2025 tertiary student, either currently studying Year 12 or a mature-aged applicant.

Applications open and close 31 October 2024, to support 2025 studies.

Tasmanian Scholarship

The Tasmanian Education Scholarship supports a student residing in Tasmania to purse their study of an API accredited degree, specialising in the valuation field, to attend a mainland University.

The scholarship is open to a prospective 2025 tertiary student, either currently studying Year 12 or a mature-aged applicant.

Applications open and close 31 October 2024, to support 2025 studies.

Advancing Women in Property

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. 

Applications open and close 31 October 2024, to support 2025 studies.

Robert Hecek Scholarship

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

Applications open and close 31 October 2024, to support 2025 studies.

Preston Rowe Paterson Regional Scholarship

The Preston Rowe Paterson Regional Scholarship supports a final-year student from regional Australia who is enrolled in an API-accredited property valuation degree. The scholarship is intended for students planning to work in regional Australia after graduation.

Applications are open and close 31 October 2024, to support 2025 studies.

Past Awardees

APREF Robert Hecek Scholarship Recipient Update – Sam Johnston

“I was extremely fortunate to be announced as the 2023 recipient of the Robert Hecek Scholarship. The financial support and mentorship that I received over the last 12 months is the main reason that I was able to stick with my degree (Bachelor of Property Valuation) and complete the course in three consecutive years rather than having to defer my studies as the result of financial hardship and stress.

Unfortunately, at the end of 2022 I was hit by a record level flood which saw my whole farm’s production devastated and around 1 foot of water go through my home which I had just spent two years renovating with my finance. Fortunately, with the support of Mr. Robert Hecek, the API staff, my extremely supportive lecturers and family, I was able to stay with it and push through a tough period which I am very grateful for. I look forward to finally graduating in April this year and at some point in the near future commencing the practical requirements that are needed to become a registered valuer.”

APREF Regional Scholarship Recipient Update – Chelsea White 2023 Reflections

Chelsea has just completed her second year of her property degree at UTS. Chelsea states, ‘I am still loving the course and am working as an Assistant Valuer in Herron Todd White’s rural team. I have had the opportunity to attend numerous property inspections around New South Wales and have been able to assist with various components of the reports.’

Throughout the year, Chelsea has benefited from her mentor. They have discussed career pathways moving forward, particularly in relation to becoming a CPV valuer. Her mentor provided many tips and tricks as she navigated the journey through the last year of her degree and on to CPV admission.

Chelsea expresses her gratitude, “I am extremely thankful for your support and guidance provided by the API and APREF, and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

Awarded 2020 - Commenced 2021

Regional/Rural Scholarship
Meg Eishold,VIC

Tasmanian Scholarship
Will Lonergan, Hobart, TAS

Awarded 2021 - Commenced 2022

Regional/Rural Scholarship
Chelsea White,Narromine, NSW

Tasmanian Scholarship
Bernadette Savy,Launceston,TAS

Awarded 2022 - Commenced 2023

Robert Hecek Scholarship
Sam Johnston – NSW (Forbes)

Advancing Women in Property
Nicole Churchette, NT (Darwin)

Regional/Rural Scholarship
Kimberley Newman, NSW (Hunter Valley)

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