Kickstart your geospatial career in 2027

The Esri Young Scholar Award program recognises the exemplary work in geospatial science of graduate and undergraduate students and celebrates their excellence, innovation, and creativity in the application of GIS technology to solve real-world challenges. 

Each year, one lucky Australian student will get an opportunity to gain valuable industry experience, exposure to the geospatial sector, and a global platform to showcase their work.

Are you ready to advance your GIS career?

The next round of applications for the Esri Young Scholar Award opens Q4 2026. 

Applications are now closed. The next round will commence in late 2026. 

Prizes

The first-place winner will receive a prize package including: 

  • A paid internship with Esri Australia.
  • An award and a certificate recognising their achievement.  
  • A 12-month ArcGIS for Personal Use licence
  • Having their work featured on the global stage at the Esri User Conference Map Gallery.

*Terms and conditions apply - based on availability and other criteria

EYSA_winner

For more information on how to apply, contact our Education Team.

Meet the 2026 EYSA winner

Lucy Hughes from James Cook University was awarded the winning place for her project: Constructed Seascapes: Understanding Fishtrap Construction, Use, Condition and Futures in the Wellesley Islands Region, Gulf of Carpentaria

Explore past EYSA projects

See the past projects from previous EYSA winners.

Long-term Changes in Mangrove Distribution and Its Response to Anthropogenic Impacts

EYSA 2025 winner Thuong Tran's project, Long-term Changes in Mangrove Distribution and Its Response to Anthropogenic Impacts, explores critical environmental changes and their relationship with human activities.

Explore the project

Long-term Changes in Mangrove Distribution and Its Response to Anthropogenic Impacts project screenshot

Predictive Modelling of Urban Heat Island Effects: A Global Analysis of 216 Cities Using Machine Learning Techniques

EYSA 2024 winner Glenn Kong's project, Predictive Modelling of Urban Heat Island Effects: A Global Analysis of 216 Cities Using Machine Learning Techniques, harnesses machine learning to predict urban heat islands and empower city planners to tackle global climate challenges.

Explore the project 

 

EYSA 2024 Winning Project Screenshot

Towards Urban Green Equity in Australia - Developing Australia Urban Green Space Equality Dashboard

EYSA 2023 winner Zih-Hong Li's project, Towards Urban Green Equity in Australia – Developing Australia’s Urban Green Space Equality Dashboard, aims to direct decision-makers to ensure equal access to green spaces that will benefit all urban residents, and work to promote physical and mental health.

Explore the project 

EYSA 2023 Winning Project Screenshot

Previous winners

Thuong Tran
Thuong Tran
Esri Young Scholar Award 2025 Winner
Monash University , Melbourne
Glenn Kong
Glenn Kong
GIS Consultant | Esri Young Scholar Winner 2024
Esri Australia, Brisbane
A life-long learner with a passion for geographical systems.
Zin Hong profile image
Zih-Hong Lin
Esri Young Scholar Award Winner 2023
Researcher, University of New South Wales
PhD Candidate and aspiring GIS professional.

Judges

Glenn Kong
Glenn Kong
GIS Consultant | Esri Young Scholar Winner 2024
Esri Australia, Brisbane
A life-long learner with a passion for geographical systems.
Rob Clout
Rob Clout
Principal Consultant
Veris , Brisbane, Brisbane
With over 25 years of experience across 4 continents, I bring a extensive expertise in deploying cutting-edge technologies to address complex challenges. 
Sharyn Hickey
Dr Sharyn Hickey
Senior Lecturer
University of Western Australia , Perth
An enthusiastic data and policy analyst with over 9 years service in the federal public sector, I have expertise in government health and welfare evaluation and reporting. My skills are grounded in data analysis, and I am proficient in a wide range of tools including GIS, SAS, STATA, SPSS, Tableau, Endnote, NVIVO, and Microsoft software.
Jennah Williams
Jennah Williams
Science & Education Manager
Esri Australia, Brisbane
Helping the next generation of Earth advocates sharpen their STEM skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.

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