The Ramsay Centre For Western Civilisation

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The Ramsay Centre For Western Civilisation

Igniting timeless curiosity through scholarships, educational partnerships and events The Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships, valued at up to $AUD100,000 p.a.

The Ramsay Centre was established in March 2017 through an extraordinary endowment by the late Mr Paul Ramsay AO, a leading Australian businessman and philanthropist. Paul was deeply grateful for the opportunities Australia had afforded him, as one of many nations that had benefited from being part of the long continuum of Western civilisation. To ensure others – especially young Australians – would appreciate this heritage, Paul resolved to establish a centre dedicated to the study of Western civilisation. The Centre has forged partnerships to offer Western civilisation degrees and related scholarship programs with the University of Wollongong, the University of Queensland and the Australian Catholic University. We have also established one of the most generous postgraduate scholarship programs in Australia. are open to Australian graduates from a range of disciplines, for study at the world's best overseas universities. Our first Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships were awarded in 2021.

06/10/2026

Congratulations to 2025 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholar Hannah Mourney on completing her Oxford MBA.

Hannah wrote on LinkedIn:

"Graduating from Oxford is one of those once in a lifetime experiences.

I flew across the world a year ago to start my MBA at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Fresh off the launch of the Tech Central Strategy, I had one somewhat crazy plan: spend a year exploring the commercial side of sport

Where did it get me?

I played football with the Oxford University Women's Blues football team. I met Fabian Hürzeler in Brighton whilst consulting with Minute9. I introduced panels at the Global Summit on Women & Sport, supported the Football Business Awards and had calls and coffees with many great people working across the world of sports

I was at WSL opener where London City launched the largest women-only front-of-shirt deal ever and made it into the post-game sizzle reel 🔥

Beyond all that, I've met the most brilliant cohort of people who will be making an impact in their work for years to come. Thank you to everyone who made this year one to remember!

It wouldn't have been possible without the support of The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation and the Forté Foundation

Excited to jump into consulting with Athlone Town AFC on their plans for 2027 whilst finalising my next role."

We are proud to have supported Hannah's journey and wish her every success in the next chapter.

22/09/2026

What better way to study our civilisation than by exploring some of the Italian cities that helped shape it?

Visiting historical and literary sites in Rome and Florence and exploring Pompeii, Siena and Bologna, students from The University of Queensland (UQ) recently experienced Western Civilisation sites where history was made as they enjoyed the 2026 UQ Western Civilisation Italy Study Tour.

Open to students enrolled in UQ’s extended major in Western Civilisation, the tour enabled students to delve into the ancient world, trace the threads of medieval Europe, and encounter masterpieces of the Renaissance.

2026 Ramsay Scholar Lucy Delbridge, who is studying UQ’s Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Western Civilisation) (Honours) degree reflected on the experience:

"The 2026 Italy Study Tour has undeniably and irrevocably altered how I see Western Civilisation. Yes, you can read Machiavelli or Dante in a classroom and learn much. But now I can say I have walked in the footsteps of the Greats. I have meandered along the little roads that once led them to their homes; marvelled at their architecture; wandered into their churches; and I have stood before their monuments and tombs. Indeed, so many of the Greats have attempted to transcribe their love of Rome and Florence into words. I find myself now sharing in their struggle. A struggle, for which, I will be forever grateful: to the Ramsay Centre, for their generosity, and for the people who made the other side of the world feel like home."

International study opportunities are a hallmark of Western Civilisation programs at our partner universities, giving students the chance to connect classroom learning with immersive academic and cultural experiences abroad.

Curious about studying Western Civilisation at one of our partner universities? Learn more at: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

17/09/2026

What do you learn from studying Western Civilisation at university?

The University of Queensland law and humanities scholar William O'Quinn says it taught him that centuries-old ideas continue to shape the political and social institutions we live with today.

By engaging with the great texts and debates of the Western tradition, students gain a deeper understanding not only of the ideals they have inherited, but also of the tensions and contradictions within them. That understanding provides a foundation for thoughtful leadership and meaningful contribution to the ongoing task of building a society that better lives up to its own promises.

Interested in where a Western Civilisation degree could take you?

Learn more about the Ramsay-supported programs available at our partner universities: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

16/09/2026

Pictures from the recent UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia and Ramsay Centre annual celebration dinner, marking seven years of partnership delivering its Bachelor of Western Civilisation degree program.

Alongside students enrolled in the degree, the dinner was attended by UOW Acting Chancellor Greg West, Provost Professor Ana Deletic, and the University’s new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business, Professor D’Maris Coffman. The Centre was represented by CEO Dr Martin Fahy, together with members of its Executive and Board.

Fourth-year student Ruby Egan Brown told guests the program’s interdisciplinary approach had equipped her to grapple with emerging challenges including artificial intelligence, data privacy, intellectual property and international governance. She said these issues require creativity, critical thinking and thoughtful judgement about the values society should protect and promote.

Alumna Shanti Pillai, now a solicitor in the criminal defence team at Karnib & Co. Lawyers, reflected on the program’s lasting impact on her professional and personal life. The first in her family to attend university, she said the degree opened opportunities she had never imagined possible and equipped her with skills she uses every day in legal practice. She credited the program with strengthening her ability to think critically about complex questions of justice, morality and human behaviour, while building her confidence as an advocate.

Read more: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/news-and-media/uow-ramsay-centre-celebrate-western-civilisation-program-success-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUW4CVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6lQo_9F6fhgLGrcFu9LjcTX0am7IVMvb-e9wnZtQcjnD7UfTBoPlCBLv4A0Q_aem_DxUit--Z2xN2zrbp6Ukegg

14/09/2026

A month in Paris. A world of new ideas.

2024 Ramsay Scholar Jameliah Burns, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation and Bachelor of International Studies at the University of Wollongong, recently spent a month in Paris studying at Sciences Po, one of the world's leading universities for international relations.

Studying alongside students from around the globe, Jameliah explored questions of peace, conflict and justice while learning from leading academics and practitioners in the field. Beyond the classroom, living with a Parisian host family and forming friendships with fellow students gave her a unique local perspective on the city and its culture.

International study opportunities are a hallmark of Western Civilisation programs at our partner universities, giving students the chance to deepen their learning through immersive academic and cultural experiences abroad. Experiences like these broaden horizons, spark new questions, and bring ideas to life.

Curious about the international opportunities available through Ramsay-supported programs at our partner universities?
Learn more: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

09/09/2026

95%+ student satisfaction. Three University Medallists. Philosophy ranked sixth in the world.

The UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia's Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation is delivering exceptional outcomes for students, graduates and the wider community.

At the program's annual celebration dinner, UOW and the Ramsay Centre recognised the impact of Paul Ramsay's vision and the achievements of scholars who are going on to careers in law, government, defence, public service and beyond.

Read more: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/news-and-media/uow-ramsay-centre-celebrate-western-civilisation-program-success-2/

08/09/2026

An inspiring story of talent, hard work, and the transformative impact of great teachers.

Congratulations to 2022 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholar Pablo Bonilla Ataides, who will graduate from Harvard University in November with a PhD and the prestigious Goldhaber Prize for the best theory graduate student.

As highlighted in this NSW Department of Education profile, Pablo's extraordinary journey was shaped by the support of dedicated teachers at Bossley Park High School, particularly his maths teacher David Foti, who nurtured his talent, challenged him to excel, and connected him with opportunities that helped launch his career in quantum physics.

Pablo's story is a powerful example of how outstanding support at every stage of a student's education can unlock exceptional potential. We were proud to build on the foundations laid by his teachers and school community through a Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship, supporting his studies at Harvard as he continued to push the boundaries of quantum computing research.

From solving a decades-old quantum computing problem as a University of Sydney student to conducting groundbreaking research in quantum error correction at Harvard, Pablo's achievements are remarkable. We are delighted to see him receive this well-deserved recognition and look forward to following the next chapter of his career.

Thank you to the NSW Department of Education for sharing Pablo's story: https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/from-bossley-park-high-to-harvard-physics-genius?fbclid=IwY2xjawUMRQFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5j2kNGgbnYpceDDF-eew6tGu0ncO81HMrHUwS8N5I8cbDWHHdUEUL3CWQpkg_aem_ztjy-D-r90oPDH1hsaIvFQ

01/09/2026

What makes a Bachelor of Western Civilisation degree different?

For UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia graduate and University Medallist Phillip Gigliotti, it was the discussion-based approach to learning. Through seminar-style classes, he developed a deeper understanding of the texts he studied, the world around him and his own perspectives.

Today, Phillip is a solicitor and an award-winning graduate, demonstrating where intellectual curiosity and academic excellence can lead.

If you're looking for a university experience built around ideas, discussion and intellectual curiosity, explore the Bachelor of Western Civilisation. Learn more at: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

26/08/2026

Career paths are rarely linear.

To help prepare our scholars we hosted a 'Career Pivots' panel at our recent 2026 Postgraduate Scholars Orientation. Moderated by CEO Dr Martin Fahy it featured Michael Chan, General Partner at Acova Capital, Jo Dooley, Vice President, Enterprise at Microsoft, and Anna Learmonth, CEO of Only About Children.

Drawing on careers that have spanned medicine, business, technology and education, our panellists shared candid reflections on pursuing non-linear paths, taking risks, navigating setbacks, and redefining success along the way. The discussion explored everything from early career decisions and transferable skills to research commercialisation, leadership, and what they wish they had known earlier in their professional journeys.

For our scholars preparing to embark on postgraduate study at world-leading universities, it was a timely reminder that meaningful careers are often shaped not by following a straight line, but by remaining curious, adaptable and open to unexpected opportunities.

25/08/2026

What makes studying Western Civilisation in one of our partner degree programs unique?

According to lawyer and University of Queensland graduate Jamie Robbins, it's the combination of small class sizes and life-changing international opportunities.

Through close engagement with academics and peers, students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to think deeply about some of the most influential ideas in history. And through overseas study experiences, they have the opportunity to encounter in person the places, cultures and traditions they've explored in the classroom.

As Jamie puts it, there's nothing quite like experiencing what you've studied firsthand.

Curious? Learn more at https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

Address

Suite 8. 01, Aurora Place, 88 Phillip Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Telephone

+61291347900

Website

http://www.ramsaycentre.org/

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