Apply now for Chevening Scholarship in Australia

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Chevening Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students supports outstanding Indigenous Australians pursuing postgraduate study at leading universities in the United Kingdom. Delivered in partnership with the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust and the Aurora Education Foundation, the scholarship provides financial and professional support to help develop future Indigenous leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers. What Is the Chevening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship? The scholarship is a specialised postgraduate opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants from Australia who want to study in the United Kingdom. The programme combines access to world-class postgraduate education with financial assistance and international professional networking. It is designed for applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and have a clear vision for creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Why Does the Scholarship Matter? Access to postgraduate education at leading international universities can provide Indigenous Australians with advanced academic knowledge, professional networks, and leadership opportunities.

The scholarship aims to help scholars:

Develop advanced professional and academic expertise. Strengthen their ability to contribute to their communities. Develop long-term relationships between Australia and the United Kingdom. Join a wider international scholarship and alumni network. The programme therefore focuses not only on academic achievement but also on leadership, community impact, and future contribution. Which Universities Are Included? The scholarship supports postgraduate study at leading UK universities, including: University of Oxford University of Cambridge Applicants should identify an eligible postgraduate course and meet the relevant university’s admission requirements. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must meet the programme’s Indigenous identity and study requirements.

Key eligibility conditions include:

Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Applicants must provide confirmation of identity from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council. Applicants must have applied for or been accepted onto an eligible postgraduate course. The proposed study must be at the University of Oxford or University of Cambridge under the stated scholarship arrangements. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change. Applicants should also check the current scholarship and university requirements before submitting an application. What Does the Scholarship Cover? The scholarship provides a comprehensive package intended to support postgraduate study in the UK.

Support includes:

Tuition fees. Living allowance. Additional scholarship support according to the programme’s terms. Opportunities to participate in UK cultural and professional activities. Access to a wider network of scholars and alumni. The financial support is intended to allow scholars to concentrate on their academic studies and professional development. What Does the Programme Look for in Applicants? The scholarship is aimed at individuals with the potential to become leaders, decision-makers, and opinion-formers.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

Leadership potential. Academic ability. Professional ambition. Commitment to their community. A clear vision for future impact. The ability to benefit from international postgraduate education. A strong reason for undertaking the proposed course. A strong application should explain not only what the applicant wants to study but also how the education will contribute to their future work and community. How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Indigenous Eligibility

Applicants should establish that they meet the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent requirement. They must also obtain the required identity confirmation from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council.

Step 2: Choose a Postgraduate Course

Identify a suitable postgraduate programme at the University of Oxford or University of Cambridge.

Applicants should ensure that:

The course matches their academic and professional goals. They meet the university’s entry requirements. The course is eligible under the scholarship. They understand the course duration and study requirements.

Step 3: Apply to the University

Applicants should follow the relevant university’s admissions process and retain evidence of their application or acceptance. Confirmation of enrolment or application forms an important part of the scholarship application.

Step 4: Prepare the Personal Statement

The personal statement should explain:

The applicant’s background and experience. Their leadership journey. Why they want to study in the UK. Why they selected the proposed course. Their career goals. How their education could benefit their community. Their long-term vision and intended impact.

Step 5: Prepare Academic Documents

Applicants should gather their academic records, including: Academic transcripts. Relevant qualifications. University admission documentation. These documents should be prepared according to the scholarship’s application requirements.

Step 6: Arrange References

Applicants should identify appropriate referees who can provide credible evidence of their: Academic capabilities. Professional experience. Leadership qualities. Character and potential.

Step 7: Prepare the Budget

Applicants must provide a budget explaining how scholarship funds will be used. The budget should be realistic and clearly connected to the proposed postgraduate study. What Documents Are Required? A completed application includes key supporting materials such as: Personal statement. Confirmation of enrolment or university application. Academic transcripts. References. Budget outlining intended use of scholarship funds. Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait