Established by the University of Otago Council in 2014, through the provision of funding from Helen R Thacker, this scholarship aims to support students of Abo...
Aurora Indigenous International USA Study Tour and Symposium
Aurora’s US Study Tour is now open for applications. This program offers Indigenous students and professionals the chance to explore postgraduate study opportunities in the United States. The tour features multi-week visits to institutions in Tucson, New York City and Boston. Study Tour participants have become part of a strong network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers. Many participants have returned from the Study Tour to soon purse studies overseas, either immediately or in the future.
Over thirteen years, the Aurora Study Tour has:
- Provided opportunities for over 200 talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain insights into the experience of undertaking postgraduate study at premier overseas institutions.
- Seen 60% of participants go on to apply to study at the universities visited, with 93% being accepted.
Eligibility:
For application and eligibility requirements, see the “Eligibility Criteria” and “How to Apply” sections.
Requirement:
Attendance at the Symposium is a requirement of the program. Please only apply if you are able to attend both the Symposium and the Study Tour.
Symposium and Study Tour Dates:
- US Study Tour 2026: 15 February – 8 March 2026 (dates subject to change, please allow a day on each side for domestic travel)
- Symposium: Monday 16 June – Friday 20 June 2025
Key Dates:
- Applications open: Monday 23 September 2024
- Applications close: Sunday 23 December 2024
- Interview Period: Tuesday 28 January – Friday 7 February 2025
Join the Aurora Study Tour to gain insights into postgraduate study in the US and connect with a network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers.
Scholarship details
Application dates
How to apply
Internally managed. Fill our online form at https://aurorafoundation.com.au/our-work/indigenous-pathways-portal/scholarships/aurora-indigenous-international-usa-study-tour-and-symposium/
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This scholarship is for:
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants
Academic meritAreas of study:
- Any Area of Study
At Institution:
- Registered Training Centre
- Other
Study level:
- Postgraduate coursework
- Postdoctoral
- Postgraduate research
Study Load:
- Full Time
Location:
- Overseas
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply, 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 communntiy 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;
- Hold a Bachelor degree with a minimum Distinction average (equivalent to a GPA of 6.0-7.0 or WAM of 70-79) OR must be enrolled in or have completed an Honours degree (First Class or Upper Second Class Honours) OR postgraduate study with a Distinction average;
- Have a strong interest in postgraduate study overseas;
- Be willing to act as an ambassador of the program while overseas;
- Be able to demonstrate a commitment to giving back to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and;
- Be available for the Study Tour Symposium in Sydney, NSW for Monday 16 June – Friday 20 June 2025.
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 closing date.
The required documents include:
- Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity through a signed statement from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council;
- Personal statement outlining your background, career goals, and motivation for the Study Tour;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Official academic transcript of all university results, including mid-year results, if available;
- A high-resolution corporate headshot in jpeg format;
- Copy of your passport bio-data page;
- One written reference from an Elder or senior member of your community to highlight your connection to community;
- Two written academic references OR;
- One academic and one professional written reference.
Ensure all written references are emailed directly by the referee to studytour@aurorafoundation.com.au
Further Information
Please have references sent to studytour@aurorafoundation.com.au.
You will have to supply three written references:
- One from an Elder or senior member/Leader from the Community;
- One professional AND one academic OR Two academic references. These should come from an academic such as Lecturers, Tutors and Course Coordinators. Professional staff members, such as Student Success Officers, from a tertiary institution will not be accepted.
References should outline and address the below:
- Referee’s relationships with the candidate
- Referee’s academic and/or professional position in relation to the candidate
- Academic ability and capabilities of the candidate
- Personal qualities and characteristics of the candidate
- The candidate’s leadership potential in their field of study and/or Indigenous community
- If applicable, the candidate’s contribution to the Indigenous community
- Timeliness of the opportunity in the candidate’s academic and career development
For more information about this opportunity please email the Pathways Team on studytour@aurorafoundation.com.au.