Sommeliers Australia Education Scholarship 2025
The Education Scholarship is Sommeliers Australia’s flagship education initiative, held every three years in Melbourne.
Conducted over three intensive days, the 2025 Education Scholarship will take place from 11–13 August. It offers a world-class, stand-alone programme that blends key elements of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Len Evans Tutorial. This distinctly international tasting and benchmarking programme also showcases a uniquely Australian perspective.
The Scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for a select group of 12 up-and-coming, working wine professionals from across Australia to further develop their skills, with the aim of ‘raising the bar’ and benchmarking the knowledge of Australian sommeliers and wine professionals.
Led by the Sommeliers Australia Education Sub-Committee, together with invited industry expert panellists and supported by our valued Partners, the intensive course gives Scholars the rare opportunity to taste many of the great wines of the world. Each Scholar will be aligned with a Partner for the duration of the programme.
At the conclusion of the Scholarship, the two best-performing Scholars will undergo a final round of assessment during the Awards Ceremony on 13 August. The most outstanding candidate will be awarded Dux, receiving a major prize of a $2,000 contribution towards visiting international wine regions of their choice.
Since its inception, the Scholarship has seen over 80 Scholars participate, with many going on to reach the highest echelons of the craft in Australia and beyond. Past Dux alumni include:
Liam O’Brien (2008)
Clara Davidson (2009)
Tristan Habeck (2010)
Harry Hunter (2013)
Kayleen Reynolds and Richard Healy (joint Duxes, 2016)
Mirco Scanu (2019)
Ella Stening (2022)
Applications for the 2025 Education Scholarship open Friday 2 May and close Thursday 5 June.
Scholars and Partners will be announced on Wednesday 18 June.
Scholar Requirements:
Must hold a current Professional membership with Sommeliers Australia at the time of application and throughout the duration of the scholarship.
Must be actively working in the hospitality industry as a sommelier, wine buyer, or wine professional in a wine retail or distribution setting.
Must submit a current CV, highlighting their relevant wine and service experience.
Must complete a short questionnaire.
Must have completed at least WSET Level 3, CMS Certified or equivalent industry experience.
Must be available to attend the 3 day coursework and examination programme 11-13 August 2025.
Must self-fund travel to and from Melbourne (accommodation is organised and paid for by Sommeliers Australia)
