A gifted young student from Curtin University has been named Western Australia’s 2026 Rhodes Scholar, earning one of the world’s most prestigious academic honours.
Jamie Erak who started his university studies at just 14 years of age, is Curtin’s second Rhodes Scholar in as many years.
The 18-year-old is now bound for Oxford University in 2026 and will join more than 100 scholars from around the world to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies.
The physics honours student who works with Curtin’s Institute of Theoretical Physics and is a strong advocate for students with autism in higher education, was announced the winner at Government House on Friday after a rigorous selection process.
The Rhodes Scholarships is one of the oldest, most competitive, and prestigious international fellowship awards in the world.
They recognise young people who combine academic excellence with exceptional character, leadership and a commitment to tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Past recipients have included former world leaders such as Bob Hawke and Bill Clinton.
Each year, nine Rhodes Scholars from Australia are selected to study at Oxford, this includes a representative from each state and three ‘Australia at Large’ Scholars.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the University was incredibly proud of Mr Erak’s achievement.
“Jamie’s success is a moment of real inspiration for both students and staff at Curtin,” Professor Hayne said.
“His selection as a Rhodes Scholar reflects his remarkable talent and determination and adds to his growing list of accolades, including receiving Curtin’s Don Watts High Achiever Scholarship.
“We wish him all the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter at Oxford.”
Mr Erak said he was still absorbing the news but thrilled to be joining other Rhodes Scholars from around the world.
“During my time at school, I was often told that things weren’t possible or that things wouldn’t work out a certain way, but now I find myself being given a life-changing opportunity,” Mr Erak said.
Mr Erak was home-educated for a few years before he enrolled at Curtin and is now an advocate for autistic students in higher education.
“Autism is a different experience for each individual. In my case, I have very strong interests in certain subjects, but I also react strongly to sensory stimuli and struggle to express myself sometimes. If there are any autistic people who hear or read my story, I would say be proud of who you are,” Mr Erak said.
Mr Erak will head to Oxford in September next year.
