Indigenous Pathways Portal

You must apply directly to the university prior to applying for this Scholarship. Each course and university has its own deadlines which you must be aware of (please refer to the Charlie Perkins Trust website). Please ensure you read all the information below and contact the Scholarships team at scholarships@aurorafoundation.com.au if you have any questions about the application process. 

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 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 enrolment in a postgraduate course at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge;
• Provide a budget (a template is provided) outlining how the Scholarship funds will be used and;
• Be able to demonstrate how your chosen course of study will support you in becoming a leader in your chosen field and within your communities. 

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 allow you to become a leader in your field of study and in your community.

• 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.

A Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent statement is typically administered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Heritage Association, Corporation or Land Council. 

The individual is responsible for confirming their own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity. If an individual is unable to obtain either of the above materials please contact Aurora’s Pathways Scholarships team via email at scholarships@aurorafoundation.com.au.

Aurora understands that the process to obtain a Confirmation of Aboriginality with a common seal is complex, but it is required for your application. Any without will be marked incomplete and will not be assessed.  

Differing reference types for applications:

Academic: academic staff such as Lecturers. Tutors and Course Coordinators. Professional staff members such as Student Success Officers will not be accepted.

Professional: someone who was/is your reporting manager.