Roberta Sykes Fellowship

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.

This scholarship is for:

Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students Only

Areas of study:
Any Area of Study
At Institution:
Any institution in the specified location(s)
Study Level:
  • Doctoral Research
  • Mid-Career Research
  • Postdoctoral
Study Load:
Full Time
Location:
Overseas
Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must: 

  • Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted as such by the community 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;

  • Provide written confirmation on enrolment/acceptance of postgraduate study at an overseas institution;

  • Provide a budget outlining how the Scholarship funds will be used. The budget must also outline all additional funding and income (a template is provided) and;

  • Be able to demonstrate how your chosen course of study will support you in contributing to your community and the wider Indigenous community upon your return to Australia.

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 Scholarship closing date.

The required documents include:

  • A personal statement of no more than two pages, outlining:

    • Why you want to study your chosen course;

    • How you identify with the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community(ies) in which you live, have lived or have ancestral connection to, and the contributions you have made within the community;

    • Ways in which understanding and completing your chosen course will contribute in tangible, applied ways to advance the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

  • Written confirmation of full-time enrolment from the relevant university. Alternatively, written confirmation of the application submitted to the relevant university;

  • Current Curriculum Vitae (CV);

  • A high-resolution corporate headshot in jpeg format;

  • A copy of your most up-to-date official academic transcript;

  • Academic transcripts: official transcripts of your university results (including mid-year if possible);

  • Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity through a letter stamped with the 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;

  • Completed budget (there is a downloadable template within the application form);

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

  • Two written academic references highlighting your capabilities and the benefits of completing the chosen course OR;

  • One academic and one professional written reference highlighting your capabilities and the benefits of completing the chosen course.

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

Application documents explained:
 
Aurora understands that the process to obtain a Confirmation of Aboriginality with a common seal is complex, but it is required for your application to the Scholarship, any applications without this document will be marked as incomplete and will not be assessed.
 
Reference types:
Academic: academic staff such as Lecturers, Tutors and Course Coordinators - someone who can speak to how you have undertaken your studies. Professional staff members, such as Student Success Officers, will not be accepted.
 
Professional: someone who is/was your reporting manager.
$30000 approx. total
Duration of the Program
1 scholarship offered
Open
Open: 13/10/2025
Close: 30/01/2026