The First Peoples Leading Leadership Scholarships empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to create meaningful change in their careers, communities, and workplaces. Supported by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, these scholarships offer significant financial support for three leadership development programs: Next Gen, Impact, and Changemakers.
Applications remain open throughout the year, allowing flexibility for prospective leaders. Importantly, successful applicants receive an 85% fee reduction, making these high-impact programs accessible to more First Nations peoples. These scholarships aim to foster lasting positive change that flows through communities and reshapes systems affecting all First Peoples.
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Key Details
Application Deadline: Not specified – please see official page
Eligible Countries: Australia (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
To be taken at (country): Australia
About this Scholarship
Level of Study: Professional leadership development (not academic degree)
The scholarships support participation in three programs:
- Next Gen: Open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Impact: Designed for team leaders and people managers
- Changemakers: For senior leaders and executives
Each program is developed and delivered by experienced Indigenous leaders. They focus on practical leadership skills, self-awareness, and peer learning. Programs offer a safe and culturally responsive environment for growth.
Eligibility
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Be self-employed, a student, or work for one of the following:
- An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
- A First Nations-led not-for-profit
- A First Nations-owned and operated business
- Not employed by state or federal government
Number of Awards: Not specified – please see official page
Value of Award: 85% of program fees covered (Next Gen: AUD $310, Impact: AUD $870, Changemakers: AUD $1,480 paid by participant or employer)
Duration of Award: Duration of selected program (varies by program)
Benefits
- 85% tuition fee coverage for selected program
- Access to culturally responsive leadership training
- Mentoring and coaching from experienced Indigenous leaders
- Networking with peers across Australia
- Practical leadership skills and personal development
Required Documents
- Name and contact details of a supporter from your organisation or community
- Short answers (100 words or less each) to:
- Your leadership journey and aspirations
- Impact you hope to make in your community or workplace
- Why the scholarship is important for your participation
Award Provider: First Peoples Leading (supported by the Paul Ramsay Foundation)
How to Apply
- Prepare your supporter’s contact details (organisation or community representative).
- Write your responses to the three application questions (100 words or less each).
- Complete the online application form on the First Peoples Leading website.
- Submit your application. The process takes about 5 minutes.
Applications are open all year, with multiple program start dates. For further details or to apply, contact the program team if you need guidance on choosing the right program.
👉 Visit the official scholarship page for details
