The Roberta Sykes Scholarship
The Roberta Sykes Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to undertake postgraduate study abroad.
To be a Roberta Sykes Scholar, one must reflect the strong community and activist values held by Roberta herself. On their return to Australia, Roberta Sykes Scholars are strongly encouraged to give back to their communities.
More than 100 Indigenous students and professionals have been awarded Roberta Sykes Scholarships since the program began over 40 years ago. Currently, there are four types of Roberta Sykes Scholarship opportunities available. These are outlined below.
For more information about Roberta and her legacy click here
Roberta Sykes Scholarship
The Roberta Sykes Scholarship provides funding to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander postgraduate students who wish to undertake studies at recognised overseas universities. The value of the Scholarship is up to AUD $60,000 per year, paid directly to the recipient in equal instalments at the start of each semester or term, subject to academic progress. Successful applicants may be awarded funding for a number of years – or may need to reapply for the Scholarship in subsequent years.
To review the application criteria, dates and eligibility requirements, click below.
Roberta Sykes Fellowships
The Roberta Sykes Fellowship provides funding for Indigenous postgraduate students to undertake research at a leading overseas academic institution, as part of their Australian postgraduate study program. The period of study at the overseas institution can vary from a few months to a year. The value of this Scholarship type is up to AUD $20,000, dependent on the period of study.
To review the application criteria, dates and eligibility requirements, click below
Roberta Sykes Executive Scholarship
The Roberta Sykes Executive Scholarship provides partial funding for Indigenous professionals to undertake short, executive education courses at leading overseas academic institutions. In many cases, the candidate’s employer is requested to contribute up to 50% of the costs. The value of the Scholarship is up to $20,000.
To review the application criteria, dates and eligibility requirements, click below.
Roberta Sykes Chief Executive Women Scholarship
The Roberta Sykes Scholarship, in partnership with Chief Executive Women (CEW) provides scholarships to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) for rising and mid-career woman leaders who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Applicants are requested to select a course, delivered either face-to-face or online, offered by Harvard Kennedy School. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate why they have chosen the course and how it will benefit both current and future roles.
To review the application criteria, dates and eligibility requirements, click below.
Roberta Sykes Scholarships are made possible through support from Chevening, the National Indigenous Australians Agency and other generous supporters.