UNSW graduate named 2027 NSW Rhodes Scholar-Elect

Renewable energy engineer Tess Rickard will pursue further study in energy systems at Oxford University after winning the prestigious postgraduate award.

UNSW Sydney renewable energy engineering graduate Tess Rickard will pursue postgraduate study in energy systems at the University of Oxford after being named a 2027 NSW Rhodes Scholar-Elect.

She hopes to use the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the economic, political and social dimensions of the energy transition.

Ms Rickard graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Renewable Energy Engineering in 2025, achieving First Class Honours and the University Medal.

She is an Ausgrid Graduate Engineer, undertaking rotations that build experience in network reliability, distributed energy resources, and renewable-energy integration.

“I am so deeply honoured to be named the 2027 NSW Rhodes Scholar-Elect. It still feels quite surreal, particularly after meeting such an impressive group of finalists throughout the selection process, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” Ms Rickard said.

A consistently high achiever, who was Dux of School at Pymble Ladies College in Sydney, said UNSW had played a key role in shaping both her interests and the direction of her career.

“The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering is full of experts and leaders in their respective fields who are genuinely passionate about building a more sustainable energy future. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from them, and their enthusiasm and expertise have had a huge influence on my own goals,” she said.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs congratulated Ms Rickard on her award.

“Tess Rickard’s election as the 2027 NSW Rhodes Scholar-Elect is an outstanding achievement and a testament to her academic excellence, leadership and her passion and commitment to positive societal impact through advancing renewable energy,” Prof. Brungs said.

“Her work in renewable energy engineering, combined with her experience in energy systems and sustainability, reflects the kind of purpose-driven leadership our country and the world needs to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“On behalf of the UNSW community, I warmly congratulate Tess on this well-deserved honour, her incredible track record of achievements and wish her every success.”

Ms Rickard said she is interested in beginning with a MSc in Energy Systems and then potentially continuing into either a DPhil or a further master’s degree.

“Longer term, I want to return to Australia and contribute to the energy transition here. I hope the experience at Oxford will put me in a position to contribute not only technically, but also to the broader decisions around energy-system planning, policy, and investment.”

Ms Rickard has already spent time studying in the UK, having completed an interdisciplinary sustainability and ethical-design program at TEDI-London in July 2025, receiving the Engineers in Business Fellowship Prize, and an international exchange at the University of Leeds supported by a merit-based scholarship.

“I loved my previous time in the UK, having spent a semester on exchange at the University of Leeds, so I’m really excited to return. Outside of academics, football has always been a big part of my life. I’m looking forward to playing for a team at Oxford and hopefully taking the opportunity to catch a few Arsenal games while I’m there.”

Ms Rickard’s scholarship follows UNSW Medicine & Health alumna Dr Ragavi Jeyakumar who was the NSW Rhodes Scholar for 2025. She was the fourth UNSW Medicine & Health alum to receive a Rhodes Scholarship in five years.