The Mining and Metallurgical Bursaries and Scholarships fund was subscribed by Australian mining companies in 1917 to promote University education of mining engines and metalling. Initially based in Melbourne, while it was in a trustee, the fund was extended to Adelaide University in 1918. And a committee was set up to attend to this extension on behalf of the Board of Trustees in Melbourne. Initially known as the Mining and Metallingual Bursaries and Scholarships (selection) Committee from meeting of 17th April 1929 as the Mining and Metallurgical Bursaries Selection Committee.