Ruyton School Co-Captain Grace Tan awarded prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship
Grace Tan
Tuckwell Scholarship recipient
Awarded a prestigious scholarship to study at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra.
We are delighted to congratulate Year 12 student and School Co-Captain Grace Tan on being awarded a prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship to study at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra.
Grace has made an outstanding contribution to Ruyton throughout her time at the School, particularly this year as School Co-Captain. Her leadership, enthusiasm and genuine commitment to our community have been evident in the many ways she has embraced opportunities and encouraged those around her.
Reflecting on receiving the Scholarship, Grace shared her excitement and gratitude.
The Tuckwell Scholarship is one of Australia's most prestigious undergraduate scholarship programs, with up to 25 Scholarships awarded annually to talented and motivated students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities and a commitment to making a positive contribution to their communities.
Valued at between $82,800 and $138,000 over three to five years, the Scholarship provides financial support alongside exceptional opportunities for leadership development, mentoring, personal enrichment and connection with fellow Scholars.
Grace described the selection process as a unique and rewarding experience that encouraged her to look beyond academic achievements.
"It gave me space to look beyond achievements and ask bigger questions about what is important to me, the global community and the kind of person I want to become."
A special connection to Ruyton's alumnae community
Grace is the second Ruyton student to receive a Tuckwell Scholarship, following Janet Davey (Class of 2013), who was selected as part of the inaugural cohort in 2014.
For Janet, the Scholarship proved to be a life-changing opportunity, opening doors to academic study, international experiences and a career in research.
Janet completed a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies, spent a year studying at Fudan University in Shanghai and graduated with First Class Honours in Asian Studies. She went on to complete a PhD in Chinese Linguistics at ANU in June 2026, researching how native Chinese speakers understand chengyu, traditional four-character Chinese idioms.
Reflecting on her journey, Janet also credits the encouragement of her Ruyton teachers with giving her the confidence to pursue her interests.
"At the end of every Year 12 Chinese class, Dr Ren used to tell me that he thought I would do well, and I have never forgotten it. That belief, along with the generosity of my Ruyton teachers, who gave so much time and knowledge to a student forever knocking on their doors, gave me the confidence to back myself long before I felt ready."
Janet shared a special message for Grace as she prepares for university:
"Congratulations, Grace. Follow what interests you, and do not wait until you feel ready before you start."
Looking ahead, Grace is excited by the people she will meet and the opportunities to broaden her perspectives.
"I can't wait to be surrounded by a diverse group of people who will challenge the way I think, introduce me to new perspectives and inspire me to expand my horizons! And whilst I'm so excited for this next chapter, the Ruyton community, my friends and my family will forever be home."
We are incredibly proud of Grace and this exceptional achievement. It is wonderful to see another Ruyton student following in Janet's footsteps, and we look forward to seeing where this opportunity takes her.
