UNSW John Lions Computer Science Honours Award 2025-2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
If you’re a high-achieving student passionate about systems-level programming, the applications are now open for the UNSW John Lions Computer Science Honours Award 2025-2026! This prestigious one-year award of AUD 15,000 supports a final-year honours project focused on operating systems research at the School of Computer Science & Engineering.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Sydney, Australia (UNSW)
Host Institution: University of New South Wales, School of Computer Science & Engineering
Study Level: Undergraduate Honours (final year)
Target Group: Students commencing full-time Honours year in Systems at UNSW Engineering in:
Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours)
BE in Computer Engineering (Honours)
BE in Software Engineering (Honours)
BE in Bioinformatics (Honours)
Fields of Focus: Operating Systems, Systems, Open Source software
Value: AUD 15,000 awarded for one year
Award Duration: One-year stipend
Application Opens: 1 July 2025
Application Deadline: 31 August 2025 (for commencement in Term 3, 2025)
Start Date: Term 3, 2025 (mid-year entry)
Eligible To: All students (no residency requirement) commencing the specified UNSW Honours programs
📚 Scholarship Overview
The John Lions Computer Science Honours Award (UGCA1645) recognizes and supports a top-performing student embarking on a final-year honours research project focused on operating systems, with scope in design, implementation, evaluation, or verification.
Selection Criteria:
Academic Merit: demonstrated by a strong WAM and systems coursework performance
Aptitude & Commitment to Systems: evidenced in prior work or coursework
Thesis Focus: a thesis oriented toward operating systems research (design, implementation, evaluation, verification)
Applications will be assessed strictly and only if accompanied by supporting documentation; incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered. Achievements older than three years are excluded.
🎁 Benefits
Financial Support: AUD 15,000 for the full Honours year, easing financial burden and allowing you to focus on your research.
No Residency Restrictions: Open to domestic and international students alike.
Prestige & Focus: Named in honor of John Lions, an iconic UNSW researcher and author of the famed “Lions Book,” underlining the award’s legacy and academic standing.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply, ensure you meet the following:
Commencing full-time Honours year in Systems in one of the listed UNSW programs (CS, Advanced CS, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics – all Honours)
Overall WAM of Distinction (75 or higher)
High Distinction average in systems courses
Proposed thesis in Operating Systems, involving design, implementation, evaluation, or verification
Complete documentation: transcripts, evidence of coursework excellence, thesis proposal or supervisor confirmation, and any other relevant recent achievements. Note: achievements older than 3 years are not eligible.
📝 Application Procedure
Access the UNSW Scholarships Portal:
Log in using your student credentials; register if you're new.
Locate the John Lions Computer Science Honours Award (UGCA1645) and complete the online application.
Submit supporting documents (all must be uploaded before deadline):
Academic transcript showing WAM and systems coursework marks
Evidence of high distinction in systems courses
Honours thesis proposal or supervisor confirmation
Any relevant awards, projects, or achievements (within last 3 years)
Submit early: Technical support is only available during business hours; applications submitted close to deadlines risk technical issues.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
💡 Extra Insights & Context
John Lions (1937–1998) was a celebrated Australian computer scientist at UNSW, best known for the "Lions' Commentary on UNIX 6th Edition"—a foundational teaching resource in operating systems. The award carries forward his legacy in systems education and research.
The award aligns with UNSW CSE’s strong tradition in systems engineering and OS research—part of a vibrant academic and research community.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This award is a remarkable opportunity for students eager to undertake operating systems research at UNSW. Carrying the legacy of John Lions, it supports not just academically excellent students, but future contributors to systems innovation. If you qualify, prepare your documentation carefully, submit early, and seize this chance!
