Roberta Sykes Scholarship for postgraduate study abroad

Why it fits you

Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study

At the institution of your choice (no set country)

Target level

Master’s and Doctorate

Fields of study

All fields

Other conditions

• 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 you live or have lived.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: 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.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Provide written confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council;
• Provide written confirmation of enrolment in a postgraduate course at an overseas institution.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Provide written confirmation of enrolment in a postgraduate course at an overseas institution;
• Provide a budget outlining how the scholarship funds will be used, including all additional funding and income (a template is provided).RequiredOrganisation’s wording: 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.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: 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.

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

When it is paid

Paid directly to the recipient in equal instalments at the start of each semester or term, subject to academic progress.

Dates

Applications open

5 October 2026 at 00:00 GMT, time zone not specified

Applications close

29 January 2027

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

1. 1
   Step 1: Submit your application with all required documents before the closing date.

   With whom

   You (the applicant)

   By when

   29 January 2027

   Documents to provide

   • Personal statement (max two pages)
   • Written confirmation of full-time enrolment, or of the application submitted, from the relevant university
   • Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • High-resolution corporate headshot in jpeg format
   • Copy of your most up-to-date official academic transcript
   • Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
   • Completed budget (template provided)
   • One written reference from an Elder or senior member of your community
   • Two written academic references, or one academic and one professional reference

2. 2
   Step 2: Ask your referees to email their references directly to scholarships@aurorafoundation.com.au.

   With whom

   Your referees

Where to apply