Aurora Indigenous International USA Study Tour and Symposium

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.

This scholarship is for:

Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students Only

Areas of study:
Details not available.
At Institution:
Details not available.
Study Level:
  • Doctoral Research
  • Early Career Research
  • Mid-Career Research
  • Postdoctoral
  • Postgraduate Coursework
  • Postgraduate Research
Study Load:
Full Time
Location:
Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

  • Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
  • Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted as such by the communntiy in which they live or have lived;
  • Provide written confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council;
  • Hold a Bachelor degree with a minimum Distinction average (equivalent to a GPA of 6.0-7.0 or WAM of 70-79) OR must be enrolled in or have completed an Honours degree (First Class or Upper Second Class Honours) OR postgraduate study with a Distinction average;
  • Have a strong interest in postgraduate study overseas;
  • Be willing to act as an ambassador of the program while overseas;
  • Be able to demonstrate a commitment to giving back to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and;
  • Be available for the Study Tour Symposium in Sydney, NSW for Monday 15 June - Friday 19 June 2026. 
How to Apply

Please ensure you submit an application with all required documents. Your application will not be considered complete or pass the shortlisting process if all required documents are not submitted by the closing date.

 

The required documents include:

  • Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity through a letter stamped with a common seal and signed by the chairperson of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Land Council, in whose area the person lives or has previously lived OR a letter stamped and signed by an authorised delegate of an incorporated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation;

     

  • Personal statement outlining your background, career goals, and motivation for the Study Tour;

     

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV);

     

  • Official academic transcript of all university results, including mid-year results, if available; 

  • A high-resolution corporate headshot in jpeg format;

     

  • One written reference from an Elder or senior member of your community to highlight your connection to community;

     

  • Two written academic references OR;

     

  • One academic and one professional written reference.

Ensure all written references are emailed directly by the referee to studytour@aurorafoundation.com.au
Further Information

Please have references sent to studytour@aurorafoundation.com.au.
You will have to supply three written references:
  • One from an Elder or senior member/Leader from the Community;
  • One professional AND one academic OR Two academic references. These should come from an academic such as Lecturers, Tutors and Course Coordinators. Professional staff members, such as Student Success Officers, from a tertiary institution will not be accepted.


References should outline and address the below:
  • Referee's relationships with the candidate
  • Referee's academic and/or professional position in relation to the candidate
  • Academic ability and capabilities of the candidate
  • Personal qualities and characteristics of the candidate 
  • The candidate's leadership potential in their field of study and/or Indigenous community
  • If applicable, the candidate's contribution to the Indigenous community
  • Timeliness of the opportunity in the candidate's academic and career development
 
For more information about this opportunity please email the Pathways Team on studytour@aurorafoundation.com.au.  
Value may vary.
Duration of the Program
Open
Open: 06/10/2025
Close: 30/01/2026