Sir John Monash Medal
The Sir John Monash Medal for Outstanding Achievement is awarded to a final year Arts undergraduate student eligible to graduate/course complete who has also demonstrated a significant commitment, while at Monash, to advancing one or more of the University’s goals of social justice, human rights and a sustainable environment.
Refer to the Scholarships and Prizes Policy and University Medals and Commendations Procedure for further information.
Benefits and number of awards
The Sir John Monash Medal is awarded to one student per year in an Arts faculty Bachelor’s degree who has completed the course requirements and has been judged:
- to have an excellent academic record; and
- to have demonstrated, while at Monash, a significant commitment to advancing one or more of the University’s goals of social justice, human rights or a sustainable environment.
The medal will be proclaimed at the student’s graduation ceremony and will also be included on official University transcripts.
Eligibility criteria
The following eligibility criteria apply:
- nominees must have fulfilled all the requirements of an Arts faculty Bachelor's degree in the current academic year (i.e. 2026), noting that students who complete their degree or award requirements over the Summer A period are considered to have qualified in the current academic year.
- nominees must have achieved a minimum overall average grade of Credit.
- nominees must demonstrate they have made an outstanding contribution to advancing one of the University’s goals of social justice, human rights or a sustainable environment.
- nominees who have completed a double degree from different faculties can be nominated by either faculty, however they can only receive the same type of medal once.
- nominees who have failed unit(s) within the relevant course are not eligible for this award, except under exceptional circumstances.
- nominees with a finding of misconduct against them may be ineligible.
- former winners of the Sir John Monash medal are not eligible to apply.
Nomination and selection process
A nomination may be made by the student, a fellow student, any Monash staff member, or any member of the community.
The nomination:
- is to be submitted via the application form;
- must include a written statement (300 words limit) demonstrating the significant commitment the nominee has made whilst at Monash University, to advancing one or more of the University's goals of social justice, human rights or a sustainable future; and
- may include any supporting information which could be useful in the selection process.
A panel appointed by Deputy Dean, Education will review submissions and determine the medal recipient.
2026 Applications will open in approx. October 2026. Please revisit the site closer to this time.