A FORMER Ballarat student has won a scholarship worth up to $150,000 to complete her Phd in Arts-Literature at Cambridge University.
Bridget Vincent, 25, was one of eight General Sir John Monash Awards winners for 2006 who will study at the world's top universities.
Ms Vincent attended Ballarat Grammar School, before gaining a Masters of Arts and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Diploma in Modern Languages - French.
In Ballarat this week after returning from teaching English in France to receive the award, she said she was thrilled by the news.
"I'm really excited and I think it's still sinking in," she said.
She plans to continue her nine-month stay in France before travelling to the United Kingdom in October.
At Cambridge she will study the way writers contribute to social and political change and she ultimately hopes to create opportunities for academics in the humanities to have a voice on social issues.
"I've always wanted to combine my passion for English and literature with the discussion of social issues.
"In society there is usually a small group of people who participate in these discussions.
"I want to create more opportunities for people working in the humanities to participate and feel more socially relevant," she said.
The awards were presented by the General Sir John Monash Foundation chairman General Peter Cosgrove in Canberra.
He said Ms Vincent was among Australia's future leaders.
"In a global era where Australia needs leaders of vision, energy and ability in all walks of life, the Monash Award winners will fill this need," he said.
The awards criteria included academic excellence, leadership qualities and altruism demonstrated through community service.
Other Ballarat recipients in the past have included former Ballarat Grammar student Aimee Heuzenroeder and former Damascus College student Catherine Vaughan.
Ballarat MHR Catherine King praised Ms Vincent for her commitment to her study and the community.
"This is an outstanding achievement that places Bridget on the world stage," she said.