A strong and visible presence by Indigenous people in higher education reduces cultural isolation and heightens the potential for successful outcomes for Indigenous people studying or working in the higher education sector. Many Indigenous staff at Australia’s public higher education institutions are also leaders and mentors to Indigenous people contemplating or undertaking study, and the demands of this role may limit their professional development opportunities.
The Indigenous Staff Scholarship Programme was established for Indigenous staff (academic or general) who have actively encouraged Indigenous students to participate in higher education and complete their courses. The scholarships enable staff to take one year of leave from their university employment to undertake full-time higher education study in their chosen academic or professional area. This will recognise their commitment to assisting students in higher education and enhance their own academic/professional standing.
Five national scholarships are awarded annually, each providing approximately $11,300 (indexed annually) to cover tuition fees and/or student contribution amounts for that year, and a non-taxable stipend of approximately $22,700 for each scholarship holder (indexed annually). The scholarships are awarded on merit as determined by the Minister following advice from the new Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council, with priority given to people undertaking postgraduate awards.
Applications are now closed and will reopen in 2009
The requirements associated with the Indigenous Staff Scholarships are detailed in Chapter 5 of the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines.
- Indigenous Staff Scholarships Programme Guidelines PDF
(29.7 KB) RTF 
(85.7 KB)
- Indigenous Staff Scholarships Programme Information Package PDF (58.3 KB) RTF (242.3 KB)
- Indigenous Staff Scholarships Programme Application Form PDF (148.0 KB) DOC
(455.5 KB)
REPORTING
Reporting templates for Student Reporting Requirements and Administering Provider Reports:
- Student Progress Report PDF (26.7 KB) RTF (69.0 KB)
- Student Final Report PDF (34.7 KB) RTF (149.8 KB)
- General Final Report PDF (14.5 KB) RTF (23.3 KB)
Contact Officer for ISS inquiries:
Shona McQueen
Indigenous Higher Education Team
Indigenous & Transitions Group
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Telephone: 02 6240 5441