Resources

The requirement of a Distinction average for Study Tour scholars reflects the academic standards typically expected by the universities we visit for successful applications. Applicants with marks slightly below a Distinction average are still encouraged to apply; the outcome of their application will be assessed on the overall strength of their submission. 

Applicants are required to provide three written references, including either two academic references or one academic and one professional reference, along with a personal reference. Reference letters should either be uploaded with your application or sent directly to the Study Tour Team at studytour@aurorafoundation.com.au. Written References should clearly address the following points: 

• Referee’s relationship 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 this opportunity in the candidate’s academic and career development 

Confirming an individual’s status as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to be eligible for the Study Tour is necessary. Details relating to acceptable evidence are outlined below.    

A person may confirm their 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;  

• 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, applicants are encouraged to contact Aurora’s Pathways Leader, Study Tour via email at StudyTour@aurorafoundation.com.au. 

Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the Study Tour team and Aurora’s Deputy CEO. Those shortlisted will be invited to a 30-minute interview to explore their interests, experiences, and aspirations. Successful applicants are provided a conditional offer letter for the Study Tour and invited to a week-long Symposium, where they will engage with peers and program staff to refine their future study goals.   

Places on the Study Tour are awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement— First Class or high Second Class Honours, or a Distinction average — but also consider an applicant’s potential to become a leader in their field and within their communities. Preference is given to students in the final year of their studies. We are looking for applicants with the potential to become future Charlie Perkins and Roberta Sykes Scholars. 

The difference between academic and administrative contacts: 

• Academic contacts are members of departments, schools and faculties who conduct research, teach classes, etc, relevant to your study interests.  Meeting with these contacts should help you define exactly what, or explore the possibilities of what you want to study from an academic perspective.  These meetings can help you identify potential supervisors and the most suitable courses or research programs 
• Administrative contacts are generally university personnel who work in student services (e.g. Graduate Admissions, Student Support, Financial Aid, International Student Support), or alternatively are academics who hold an administrative role such as the chair of a department or coordinator of a postgraduate program that you are interested in learning more about.  Meeting these contacts should help you clarify what is required to study at each university in a particular program, and what kind of facilities and support may be available to you.  Contact details of administrative contacts are often found listed under the ‘staff’ section of a Department’s website (as opposed to ‘Faculty’, which is where you would find academics listed), or in the student services section of a university’s website.