The former Scotch Oakburn College and now Australian National University first year student, was one of four formally recognised with the scholarship at a ceremony in Canberra last week.

The three-year, approximately $51,000 scholarship will be used towards his study and accommodation costs.

Formerly of Perth, Mr Nilon said the scholarship win was "fantastic" and he was very grateful to the Charles Hawker Scholarship Trust, his family and former school.

He was selected on academic merit and personal qualities.

Mr Nilon said the interest in his former school's connection to a school in Maliana, Timor Leste, was one of the main reasons he is studying law and economics at ANU.

"I think my visits to Timor Leste were the best thing I've ever done," Mr Nilon said.

"I first went in year 11 and returned last year, and both times it was just fantastic and I learnt and got so much out of it.

"Just seeing a little bit about how other people live and understanding things from the other side."

Mr Nilon said he was still deciding what career he would like, but a double degree in law and economics may go some way to addressing the problems faced in places like Timor Leste.

The C.A.S Hawker Scholarship was established by the late Lilias Needham, in memory of her brother who was a respected Australian politician in the 1930s.