Applications for the Tuckwell Scholarship - made available through a donation of $50 million by ANU alumnus Graham Tuckwell and his wife Louise - are now open.

Twenty-five scholarships worth $20,000 a year for up to five years will be awarded annually.

To be eligible, students will need an ATAR score of 95 or more, have a broad range of interests and have shown a commitment to their communities.

The scholarship also pays for scholars to return home twice a year and have membership of the ANU Sports Centre for the length of their degree.

ANU acting pro vice-chancellor Associate Professor Paul Compston said the university wanted a broad range of applicants.

“As articulated in Graham and Louise Tuckwell's vision, the Tuckwell Scholars should demonstrate a unique mix of academic potential and personal attributes that will further enhance the ANU experience for the benefit of the scholars and their fellow students," he said.

“The ANU now welcomes applications from students across Australia who believe they have the attributes, and the desire, to be a Tuckwell Scholar.”

Applications for 2014 Tuckwell Scholarships close on Tuesday April 2.

For more details, visit http://tuckwell.anu.edu.au