The American-Australian Arts Fund (AAAF) provides support of up to US $10,000 to emerging Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander artists to study or undertake artistic development in each other’s countries respectively. The American Australian Association awards more than 15 arts scholarships and grants per year and has overall awarded more than 500 grants, totaling over $1 million, to talented emerging artists since establishing the scholarship program in 2002.

The following scholarship and grant opportunities are specifically available to emerging Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander artists under the AAAF. These scholarships and grants support artists in the fields of theatre, film, television, dance, music, visual arts, craft, design, literature, photography and fashion.
  • AAA Indigenous Arts Grant (AUS to USA only): Will support one Indigenous Australian or Torres Strait Islander undertaking or planning to undertake artistic development in any art field, in the United States. This scholarship will provide up to US $10,000 of support which may be used toward travel, tuition, living expenses and any other associated artistic development costs.
  • AAA Arts Fund (AUS to USA and USA to AUS): Will support Indigenous Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian artists undertaking or planning to undertake artistic development in any art field, in the country of the other. These grants will provide up to US $5,000 of support which may be used toward travel, tuition, living expenses and any other associated artistic development costs.

$10000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

15 scholarships offered

Overseas

Closed

Open: 01/01/2026

Close: 31/03/2026

The Charlie Perkins Scholarship was launched in 2009 in memory of leader and activist Dr Charlie Perkins. The Charlie Perkins Trust partners with the Aurora Education Foundation to deliver the Charlie Perkins Scholarships to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in undertaking postgraduate study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. 

 

The purpose of the Charlie Perkins Scholarship is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have the potential to become leaders in their field and in communities. 

 

Fifteen years ago, there has never been an Indigenous Australian studying full-time at Oxford or Cambridge. Since then, 31 Charlie Perkins Scholars have been accepted into full-time study at these universities. To date, 28 have graduated. You can read more about each Scholar's journeys here.

 

The value of each Charlie Perkins Scholarship will vary, depending on the holder's course of study. 

It will cover up to three years full university and college fees, travel costs and an annual stipend to cover living expenses. 

Value may vary

3 Years

1 scholarship offered

Overseas

Closed

Open: 13/10/2025

Close: 30/01/2026

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship was established through contributions from the university, industry donors, community organisations and the annual Reconciliation Scholarship Dinner Dance.

$40000 approx. total

4 Years

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 14/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defence projects in Australia. The successful recipient of the Boeing Indigenous Engineering Scholarship will be offered the opportunity to apply for a Boeing Defence Australia internship where you can put your university studies into practice before graduating.

$5000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 06/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

The Friends of the University were established in 1981 to foster an awareness of the University and its place in the community and to conduct activities including fundraising that promote the interests of the University. Since that time the Friends have raised over $1,000,000 and contributed towards scholarships, art works, music, rare books, infrastructure and more. This Teaching Scholarship is to be awarded annually for an indigenous student studying an education degree.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 21/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program was born to honour the life changing and enduring friendship between the successful Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma and the respected Novocastrian Ken Morley through a program that aims to inspire, educate and cultivate the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders.

$50000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

6 scholarships offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 01/07/2025

Close: 31/07/2025

Operational throughout NSW and the ACT, Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) is a private, family owned construction company that has been delivering projects as promised; on-time and budget, safely and to the highest quality since 1976. As a proud Australian business, we recognise the importance of giving back to and supporting the future of our industry and we are honoured to offer construction and civil engineering students at the University of Newcastle this Indigenous Scholarship.
 
The successful student will be offered the opportunity to complete a 12 week paid internship with RCC.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT

Closed

Open: 15/12/2025

Close: 08/02/2026

This scholarship was established to honour the memory of Jack Doherty, who founded the Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group in 1980. Jack saw tertiary education as a key factor in Aboriginal empowerment. The intention of the scholarship is to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete studies at the University of Newcastle. The scholarship was established with funds from the former Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group.
 
Funds have also been contributed in memory of Athie and Con Ellis, who understood the value of education and had a unique perspective on the problems faced by others in the community. They had no children of their own and were dedicated to helping further the education of young people.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 21/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

This program offers Indigenous students and professionals the chance to explore postgraduate study opportunities in the United States. The tour features multi-week visits to institutions in Tucson, New York City and Boston. Study Tour participants have become part of a strong network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers. Many participants have returned from the Study Tour to soon purse studies overseas, either immediately or in the future. 
 
Over thirteen years, the Aurora Study Tour has:
  • Provided opportunities for over 200 talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain insights into the experience of undertaking postgraduate study at premier overseas institutions.
     
  • Seen 60% of participants go on to apply to study at the universities visited, with 93% being accepted.
 
Symposium and Study Tour Dates:
  • US Study Tour 2027: 21 February - 13 March 2027 (dates subject to change, please allow a day on each side for domestic travel)

     

  • Symposium: Monday 15 June - Friday 19 June 2026

     

 
Join the Aurora Study Tour to gain insights into postgraduate study in the US and connect with a network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers.

Value may vary

Duration of the Program

Overseas

Closed

Open: 06/10/2025

Close: 15/03/2026

The Roberta Sykes Scholarship provides supplementary financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postgraduate students who wish to undertake full-time studies at any recognised overseas university. Roberta Sykes scholars must embody academic excellence and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

 

The value of the Scholarship is up to a maximum amount of AUD $75,000, paid directly to the recipient in equal instalments at the start of each semester or term, subject to academic progress.

 

Roberta Sykes Scholarships are administered by the Aurora Education Foundation and jonintly funded by the Australian Government (National Indigenous Australians Agency), the British High Commission (Chevening), Cambridge Australia Scholarships Ltd, Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the University of Cambridge. 

$75000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

Overseas

Closed

Open: 13/10/2025

Close: 30/01/2026

Featured Promoted
The Roberta Sykes Indigenous Education Foundation provides partial funding for Indigenous postgraduate students to undertake research, at a leading overseas academic institution, as part of their Australian postgraduate study program. Roberta Sykes Fellows must embody academic excellence and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

The value of the Scholarship is up to AUD $30,000, depending on the period of study.

$30000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

1 scholarship offered

Overseas

Closed

Open: 13/10/2025

Close: 30/01/2026

Kulbardi was first established in 1988 as the Aboriginal Education Unit for Murdoch University, the centre was named the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre by respected Elder Ralph Winmar. Kulbardi, pronounced ‘Kool-bar-dee’, is the Noongar word for magpie.

The Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre Health Scholarships open to Indigenous students enrolled in undergraduate course within the health or human services disciplines. This includes, but is not limited to: Chiropractic, Psychology and Nursing.

Value may vary

1 Semester

WA

Closed

Open: 05/10/2025

Close: 08/03/2026

This scholarship has been set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in the Veterinary BSc, DVM Waardong program.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

WA

Closed

Open: 05/10/2025

Close: 08/03/2026

Kulbardi was first established in 1988 as the Aboriginal Education Unit for Murdoch University. The centre was named the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre by respected Elder Ralph Winmar. Kulbardi, pronounced ‘Kool-bar-dee’, is the Noongar word for magpie.

Awarded in categories of:
Kulbardi Education Assistance;
Kulbardi Childcare Support Scheme;
Kulbardi Accommodation Assistance;
Kulbardi Laptop Scheme.

Value may vary

Duration of the Program

WA

Closed

Open: 05/10/2025

Close: 08/03/2026

This scholarship is provided by the friends of Charles Sturt University, the many service organisations, individuals and corporations throughout our region who give generously via the Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust in support of the University and its students. Their gifts allow Charles Sturt University to offer more than 200 Foundation scholarships each year to students across the campuses of CSU.
 
 

$5000 approx. total

1 Semester

NSW

Closed

Open: 09/12/2024

Close: 04/02/2026

The Deadly Education Costs Scholarship aims to improve higher education access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.'
 

$2000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

VIC

Closed

Open: 04/01/2026

Close: 12/03/2026

The Deadly Relocation/Accommodation Costs Scholarship (ICACS) aims to improve higher education access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples', particularly those who need to relocated from regional and remote areas in order to access study. 
 
$3500 in first year per semester, $2500 each semester after
 

Value may vary

Duration of the Program

VIC

Closed

Open: 04/01/2026

Close: 12/03/2026

The Australian Academy of Law offers the Australian Academy of Law First Nations Scholarship tenable in the applicable year for a First Nations final year law student studying for the LLB or JD or combined Law degree at any Australian law school, or the Diploma in Law through the NSW Law Extension Committee (LEC).
 
The successful recipient may have the opportunity of being mentored for up to a year by an AAL Fellow.

$6000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT, Overseas

Closed

Open: 22/01/2026

Close: 27/03/2026

Lowitja Institute Certificate IV scholarships are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who would like to develop their skills and knowledge in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. 

Past scholars have completed in project management, public health, policy and analysis. 

$15000 approx. total

1 Year

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT

Closed

Open: 27/11/2023

Close: 05/02/2024

Lowitja Institute is offering Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Top-Up scholarships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled in a higher degree by research and have passed their confirmation of candidature. The focus of the research must be related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and align with Lowitja Institute's research agenda. 

$10000 approx. total

2 Years

3 scholarships offered

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT

Closed

Open: 27/11/2023

Close: 05/02/2024

The American-Australian Arts Fund (AAAF) provides support of up to US $10,000 to emerging Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander artists to study or undertake artistic development in each other’s countries respectively. The American Australian Association awards more than 15 arts scholarships and grants per year and has overall awarded more than 500 grants, totaling over $1 million, to talented emerging artists since establishing the scholarship program in 2002.

The following scholarship and grant opportunities are specifically available to emerging Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander artists under the AAAF. These scholarships and grants support artists in the fields of theatre, film, television, dance, music, visual arts, craft, design, literature, photography and fashion.
  • AAA Indigenous Arts Grant (AUS to USA only): Will support one Indigenous Australian or Torres Strait Islander undertaking or planning to undertake artistic development in any art field, in the United States. This scholarship will provide up to US $10,000 of support which may be used toward travel, tuition, living expenses and any other associated artistic development costs.
  • AAA Arts Fund (AUS to USA and USA to AUS): Will support Indigenous Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian artists undertaking or planning to undertake artistic development in any art field, in the country of the other. These grants will provide up to US $5,000 of support which may be used toward travel, tuition, living expenses and any other associated artistic development costs.

$10000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

15 scholarships offered

Overseas

Closed

Open: 01/01/2026

Close: 31/03/2026

The Charlie Perkins Scholarship was launched in 2009 in memory of leader and activist Dr Charlie Perkins. The Charlie Perkins Trust partners with the Aurora Education Foundation to deliver the Charlie Perkins Scholarships to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in undertaking postgraduate study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. 

 

The purpose of the Charlie Perkins Scholarship is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have the potential to become leaders in their field and in communities. 

 

Fifteen years ago, there has never been an Indigenous Australian studying full-time at Oxford or Cambridge. Since then, 31 Charlie Perkins Scholars have been accepted into full-time study at these universities. To date, 28 have graduated. You can read more about each Scholar's journeys here.

 

The value of each Charlie Perkins Scholarship will vary, depending on the holder's course of study. 

It will cover up to three years full university and college fees, travel costs and an annual stipend to cover living expenses. 

Value may vary

3 Years

1 scholarship offered

Overseas

Closed

Open: 13/10/2025

Close: 30/01/2026

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship was established through contributions from the university, industry donors, community organisations and the annual Reconciliation Scholarship Dinner Dance.

$40000 approx. total

4 Years

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 14/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defence projects in Australia. The successful recipient of the Boeing Indigenous Engineering Scholarship will be offered the opportunity to apply for a Boeing Defence Australia internship where you can put your university studies into practice before graduating.

$5000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 06/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

The Friends of the University were established in 1981 to foster an awareness of the University and its place in the community and to conduct activities including fundraising that promote the interests of the University. Since that time the Friends have raised over $1,000,000 and contributed towards scholarships, art works, music, rare books, infrastructure and more. This Teaching Scholarship is to be awarded annually for an indigenous student studying an education degree.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 21/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program was born to honour the life changing and enduring friendship between the successful Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma and the respected Novocastrian Ken Morley through a program that aims to inspire, educate and cultivate the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders.

$50000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

6 scholarships offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 01/07/2025

Close: 31/07/2025

Operational throughout NSW and the ACT, Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) is a private, family owned construction company that has been delivering projects as promised; on-time and budget, safely and to the highest quality since 1976. As a proud Australian business, we recognise the importance of giving back to and supporting the future of our industry and we are honoured to offer construction and civil engineering students at the University of Newcastle this Indigenous Scholarship.
 
The successful student will be offered the opportunity to complete a 12 week paid internship with RCC.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT

Closed

Open: 15/12/2025

Close: 08/02/2026

This scholarship was established to honour the memory of Jack Doherty, who founded the Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group in 1980. Jack saw tertiary education as a key factor in Aboriginal empowerment. The intention of the scholarship is to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete studies at the University of Newcastle. The scholarship was established with funds from the former Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group.
 
Funds have also been contributed in memory of Athie and Con Ellis, who understood the value of education and had a unique perspective on the problems faced by others in the community. They had no children of their own and were dedicated to helping further the education of young people.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW

Closed

Open: 21/01/2026

Close: 08/02/2026

This program offers Indigenous students and professionals the chance to explore postgraduate study opportunities in the United States. The tour features multi-week visits to institutions in Tucson, New York City and Boston. Study Tour participants have become part of a strong network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers. Many participants have returned from the Study Tour to soon purse studies overseas, either immediately or in the future. 
 
Over thirteen years, the Aurora Study Tour has:
  • Provided opportunities for over 200 talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain insights into the experience of undertaking postgraduate study at premier overseas institutions.
     
  • Seen 60% of participants go on to apply to study at the universities visited, with 93% being accepted.
 
Symposium and Study Tour Dates:
  • US Study Tour 2027: 21 February - 13 March 2027 (dates subject to change, please allow a day on each side for domestic travel)

     

  • Symposium: Monday 15 June - Friday 19 June 2026

     

 
Join the Aurora Study Tour to gain insights into postgraduate study in the US and connect with a network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers.

Value may vary

Duration of the Program

Overseas

Closed

Open: 06/10/2025

Close: 15/03/2026

The Roberta Sykes Scholarship provides supplementary financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postgraduate students who wish to undertake full-time studies at any recognised overseas university. Roberta Sykes scholars must embody academic excellence and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

 

The value of the Scholarship is up to a maximum amount of AUD $75,000, paid directly to the recipient in equal instalments at the start of each semester or term, subject to academic progress.

 

Roberta Sykes Scholarships are administered by the Aurora Education Foundation and jonintly funded by the Australian Government (National Indigenous Australians Agency), the British High Commission (Chevening), Cambridge Australia Scholarships Ltd, Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the University of Cambridge. 

$75000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

Overseas

Closed

Open: 13/10/2025

Close: 30/01/2026

Featured Promoted

The Roberta Sykes Indigenous Education Foundation provides partial funding for Indigenous postgraduate students to undertake research, at a leading overseas academic institution, as part of their Australian postgraduate study program. Roberta Sykes Fellows must embody academic excellence and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

The value of the Scholarship is up to AUD $30,000, depending on the period of study.

$30000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

1 scholarship offered

Overseas

Closed

Open: 13/10/2025

Close: 30/01/2026

Kulbardi was first established in 1988 as the Aboriginal Education Unit for Murdoch University, the centre was named the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre by respected Elder Ralph Winmar. Kulbardi, pronounced ‘Kool-bar-dee’, is the Noongar word for magpie.

The Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre Health Scholarships open to Indigenous students enrolled in undergraduate course within the health or human services disciplines. This includes, but is not limited to: Chiropractic, Psychology and Nursing.

Value may vary

1 Semester

WA

Closed

Open: 05/10/2025

Close: 08/03/2026

This scholarship has been set up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in the Veterinary BSc, DVM Waardong program.

$4000 approx. total

1 Year

WA

Closed

Open: 05/10/2025

Close: 08/03/2026

Kulbardi was first established in 1988 as the Aboriginal Education Unit for Murdoch University. The centre was named the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre by respected Elder Ralph Winmar. Kulbardi, pronounced ‘Kool-bar-dee’, is the Noongar word for magpie.

Awarded in categories of:
Kulbardi Education Assistance;
Kulbardi Childcare Support Scheme;
Kulbardi Accommodation Assistance;
Kulbardi Laptop Scheme.

Value may vary

Duration of the Program

WA

Closed

Open: 05/10/2025

Close: 08/03/2026

This scholarship is provided by the friends of Charles Sturt University, the many service organisations, individuals and corporations throughout our region who give generously via the Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust in support of the University and its students. Their gifts allow Charles Sturt University to offer more than 200 Foundation scholarships each year to students across the campuses of CSU.
 
 

$5000 approx. total

1 Semester

NSW

Closed

Open: 09/12/2024

Close: 04/02/2026

The Deadly Education Costs Scholarship aims to improve higher education access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.'
 

$2000 approx. total

Duration of the Program

VIC

Closed

Open: 04/01/2026

Close: 12/03/2026

The Deadly Relocation/Accommodation Costs Scholarship (ICACS) aims to improve higher education access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples', particularly those who need to relocated from regional and remote areas in order to access study. 
 
$3500 in first year per semester, $2500 each semester after
 

Value may vary

Duration of the Program

VIC

Closed

Open: 04/01/2026

Close: 12/03/2026

The Australian Academy of Law offers the Australian Academy of Law First Nations Scholarship tenable in the applicable year for a First Nations final year law student studying for the LLB or JD or combined Law degree at any Australian law school, or the Diploma in Law through the NSW Law Extension Committee (LEC).
 
The successful recipient may have the opportunity of being mentored for up to a year by an AAL Fellow.

$6000 approx. total

1 Year

1 scholarship offered

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT, Overseas

Closed

Open: 22/01/2026

Close: 27/03/2026

Lowitja Institute Certificate IV scholarships are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who would like to develop their skills and knowledge in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. 

Past scholars have completed in project management, public health, policy and analysis. 

$15000 approx. total

1 Year

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT

Closed

Open: 27/11/2023

Close: 05/02/2024

Lowitja Institute is offering Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Top-Up scholarships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled in a higher degree by research and have passed their confirmation of candidature. The focus of the research must be related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and align with Lowitja Institute's research agenda. 

$10000 approx. total

2 Years

3 scholarships offered

NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, SA, TAS, NT, ACT

Closed

Open: 27/11/2023

Close: 05/02/2024

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Aurora Education Foundation acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Custodians of the lands of Gadigal Country and Whadjuk Noongar Country where Aurora offices are located.

Aurora also acknowledges the Countries and ancestors of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, scholars, families and carers, staff, volunteers and Board Directors who partner with Aurora to achieve a society where First Peoples determine their own aspirations through education and lifelong learning. We acknowledge and pay respects to your Elders, past and present.