Apply for an Early Career Bursary

Early Career Bursaries provide funding to the Australian Landscape Conference (ALC) on 12 and 13 March, 2027.

The bursaries are selected via an EOI process and are available to applicants who are in the first 8 years of their career in a landscape design related field eg. landscape architecture, horticulture, architecture, ecology, the arts etc.

The Australian Landscape Conference (ALC) is arguably one of the most important gatherings of landscape professionals in Australia. Held biennially in Melbourne, the conference attracts leading designers, horticulturists, environmental experts and craftspeople from around the world, along with attendees ranging from established practitioners to students just entering the profession.

The conference, now in its 35th year, has become a remarkable platform for education, inspiration and the exchange of ideas. Its influence extends far beyond the event itself, shaping gardens, landscapes and environmental outcomes across Australia through the people who attend and the ideas they take back to their practices.

The event offers unique experiences to both landscape professionals and garden enthusiasts to hear from the leading designers across the globe, meet with colleagues and friends from around Australia and NZ and share experiences throughout the weekend.

Please read the Eligibility Criteria (below) before applying for an Early Career Bursary.

Eligibility Criteria for applying

Early Career Bursaries are designed to create opportunities to attend the Australian Landscape Conference for those working in a broad field of landscape design for less than 8 years. The landscape design field include Landscape Architecture, garden design, horticulture, Architecture,gardening, plant production and nursery professionals, landscapers, ecologists and other related fields.

It also includes students at a tertiary institution who and are in their 3^rd year or beyond

When do the applications open and close?

Applications are now open (September 2026) and close on 10 December, 2026 at 5.00pm.

Applicants are advised by 10 January 2027.

What’s included in the bursary?

Registration to the two days at the Australian Landscape Conference which includes entry to all presentations, lunches, morning and afternoon teas, attendance at the social (drinks) function on the first day (Friday).

What’s not included in the bursary?

Travel and accommodation expenses. Some funding may become available for travel for successful applicants residing outside Victoria. The availability of this funding will depend on sponsorship.
The garden tours nor the workshops. These can be purchased separately.
Recordings of the presentations. These can be purchased separately.

What’s expected of me in accepting the bursary?

Successful candidates are expected to attend both days of the conference.

As representatives of the Early Career Bursary program, you may also be asked to participate in group activities such as appearing on stage as a cohort, being photographed and assisting with setting up and packing down the stage.

What should I do to apply?

The successful applicants are selected using an Expression of Interest Process. The applications will be assessed on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate:

A genuine commitment to the profession.
Growing professional goals and aspirations.
Strong alignment between their interests and the conference program.
A willingness to apply and share their learning.
Potential to make a positive contribution to the profession in the future.

If I previously received a bursary, am I able to apply for one in 2027?

If you previously received a bursary at an earlier ALC event, you are not eligible to receive another one.

If I’m not successful in receiving a bursary, can I still attend the ALC?

Yes. Assuming you are eligible for an early career bursary but not successful in being awarded one, you will be offered the opportunity to purchase a registration at the discounted price of $690 inc GST.

How are the bursaries funded?

The bursaries are funded by individuals and organisations who recognise that attendance at the ALC goes far beyond providing financial assistance to attend the event. It opens doors, builds confidence and creates opportunities that can have a lifelong impact for the recipient in retaining them in the landscape profession. Through their generosity, the ALC becomes a reality for carefully selected recipients.

In 2025, 45 Early Career Bursaries were awarded.

How many bursaries are offered?

The number of bursaries awarded is directly linked to the number of bursaries funded.

Please read the Eligibility Criteria (below) before applying for an Early Career Bursary.

Thank you to our Early Career Bursary Sponsors

Early Career Bursaries are made possible by the contributions of:

Women’s Leadership Institute Australia

Founded by Carol Schwartz AO, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia is a not-for-profit focused on growing the critical mass of women leaders. We see politics, media, policymaking and capital as pivotal engines for propelling gender equality forward. So, we focus on high-impact investments, strategic partnerships & groundbreaking research in these four influential spheres.

Learn more