Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship

Applications open
Amount

$40,000

Number available

1

Closing date

08 February 2026

Apply for this scholarship

Scholarship details

Donor

Established through contributions from the University of Newcastle, industry donors, community organisations, and the annual Reconciliation Scholarship Dinner Dance.

Establishment

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

For more information on this scholarship, please review the full Terms and Conditions.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you will need to:

  • Be enrolled in any year of an undergraduate degree program at the University of Newcastle.
  • Be intending to study on a full-time basis (minimum 60 units per year).
  • Demonstrate academic progress by the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent required for entry for commencing students, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 for continuing students (evidence not required for current UON students).
  • Establish your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status per the process outlined on the Wollotuka Institute's study with us page.
  • Not be the recipient of another University of Newcastle donor-funded or sponsored scholarship concurrently.

Required Documentation

Required documents will be listed on the ‘Your Documents’ page of your application. The application portal accepts PDF only. A maximum of 3 PDF smaller than 5 MB can be added per document type upload field.

  • A personal statement (approx. 1 A4 page) outlining your academic achievements, career aspirations in the relevant area of study, and how this scholarship would assist you. This statement will cover all scholarships you are submitting for.
  • Up to 3 documents which demonstrate your academic achievements, such as awards, participation in enrichment and travel programs or internships, academic competitions, portfolio or cv. Transcripts are not required for UON students.
  • Option to provide up to 3 documents which show your commitment to leadership within your community, such as a reference, proof of volunteering and community activities, leadership panel or club membership, articles or publication.

Benefit

This scholarship provides a total benefit of $40,000 up to a maximum 4-year tenure, provided ongoing eligibility is met. The scholarship provides $10,000 annually paid as $5,000 in each semester.

Payments are typically received 2–3 weeks after the semester census date, or 2–3 weeks after you accept your offer if the census date has already passed.

Selection

Selection is a competitive process based on assessment of the scholarship application and any required supporting documents, with reference to the eligibility criteria.

Selection will be made by the Indigenous Selection Panel which will consist of a minimum of three members chosen by the Pro Vice-Chancellor – Indigenous Strategy and Leadership.

The Selection Panel will communicate the details of successful recipients to the Scholarships Office and all applicants will be notified of an outcome via email within 6 weeks of the application closing date.

College

Contact Details

Scholarships
Student and Academic Services
University of Newcastle
University Drive
CALLAGHAN NSW 2308

Phone: +61 2 4921 5000
Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au