The "Ramsay Scholars" were chosen from a field of 70 applicants to receive the scholarships, funded by the centre established by the late healthcare businessman Paul Ramsay.

Four other students have signed up for the course without the $30,000 per year scholarship.

UOW today announced the recipients of the $4.5 million scholarship fund, along with the first academic appointments for the liberal arts degree.

Most were doing it as part of a double degree, and more than half were female. UOW said the scholars had a track record of helping others or volunteering.

"The UOW Ramsay Scholars underwent a rigorous and comprehensive selection process that included a written application, an essay, an evaluation of their academic performance and an interview," UOW said.

The application process occurred before the HSC exams, so academic results prior to that were used, UOW said.

Under the deal signed with the Ramsay Centre, first year scholars will have places guaranteed for them in university accommodation, and a special "Ramsay Lounge" will established where they can meet for study, socialising and events.

The scholars had to demonstrate a series of "Ramsay attributes", mentioned but not further defined in the Memorandum of Understanding between Ramsay and the university.

Ramsay's website said this included the "potential for leadership".

UOW executive dean of the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts Professor Colin Picker said the scholars were the "next generation of creative and critical thinkers".

"The BA in Western civilisation complements our current offerings, adding an extra dimension to the faculty's existing academic teaching and research strengths and we look forward to seeing what the UOW Ramsay scholars achieve during their time at UOW and beyond," Professor Picker said.