Aurora Alumna Lilli Ireland awarded 2024 Rhodes Scholarship

Aurora UK Study Tour Alumna Lilli Ireland has received a Rhodes Scholarship to continue her studies in law at the University of Oxford. A proud Melukerdee woman, Lilli is passionate about elevating the voices of First Nations peoples in environmental and climate decision making through the law. We recently spoke to Lilli about her experience on the UK Study Tour in 2022, and how that experience informed her decision to pursue postgraduate study at Oxford.

What was your experience on the Aurora Study Tour? 

I had an incredible experience on the UK Study Tour. I was able to meet professors, talk to students, dine my way through the colleges and sit in classes. The experience helped me to figure out exactly what I wanted to study and cemented my desire to apply to Oxford. However, the core takeaway of this experience was the confidence building that came with it. At a world-renowned institution like Oxford, I expected to feel insufficient. Also, as an Aboriginal woman, I expected to feel out of place. When sitting in the classroom, I found I not only understood the content, but felt like I had valuable contributions to make. This made me believe I actually could study there, that I belonged.

The experience wouldn’t have been the same if I hadn’t been surrounded and supported by mob. Going through the journey with the other scholars and the Aurora staff made me feel safe, supported and inspired at all times. 

How did your experience on the Aurora Study Tour inform your decision to apply for overseas study? 

Being able to imagine myself as a student at Oxford made me all the more determined to make it happen. Through meeting and talking with people on the Tour, I was able to figure out exactly what I wanted from my postgraduate studies. This was unbelievably helpful for the Rhodes Scholarship process and for applying to my chosen university course.

What are you most looking forward to about studying overseas? 

I am most looking forward to two things. Firstly, I am so excited to study at an institution which is a centre of global thought. People from around the world come to study and work at Oxford, bringing with them different lived experiences, cultures, disciplines and perspectives. To study amongst this will be an unequivocal experience to broaden my understandings, and in turn contribute and elevate Indigenous – especially Palawa – perspectives. Secondly, I am really excited about having the opportunity to just immerse myself in studies. It is such a privilege to be funded so I can throw myself fully into learning – something I won’t take for granted.

What are your goals for when you return? 

I want to be able to give back and apply the privilege and education I have had by working in Sea Country restoration and protection, empowering our communities in this space.

How did your experience with Aurora empower you to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship? 

The Study Tour made me certain of the academic goals I wanted to pursue, which I think made me a stronger applicant to the Rhodes Scholarship. At Oxford, I was able to talk to both the professor of my intended course and also a potential supervisor of a dissertation. This helped me answer questions relating to why I wanted to study my particular course with certainty of my goal; understanding of the course; and confidence in my abilities.

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone looking to apply for an overseas scholarship like the Rhodes Scholarship? 

If you’re thinking about it, do it! Even if you are unsuccessful (which I have been in the past), the process of applying allows you to pause and think about what you want to achieve in your career, and in your life. We often don’t get the chance to think about our bigger aspirations, so it is a rare chance to self-reflect. More than anything, the application process for scholarships taught me about myself. Also, don’t be afraid to ask people for advice, even if it involves reaching out to people online. Sometimes talking about it feels scary, but I found hearing about other peoples’ experiences super helpful.

Lilli, congratulations on this incredible achievement. We are so excited for you and can’t wait to see what you achieve as you embark on your chapter at Oxford.

Applications for the 2025/26 Aurora International Study Tour and Symposium will open on Monday 23 September 2024. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.