The Indigenous Commonwealth Education Scholarship provides up to $6,000 per year for the standard duration of program.
The continuation of the scholarship is based on meeting the terms and conditions each semester.
For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander degree and postgraduate by coursework students; worth $6,000 per year.
Applications now closed
To be eligible for this scholarship you must:
- be an Australian Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander student
- be an Australian citizen
- be enrolling full-time in an associate or bachelor degree, or a postgraduate by coursework program at RMIT in semester 1 2023 (part-time study will be considered in exceptional circumstances)
- be able to provide proof of your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent to the Ngarara Willim Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples if selected as an eligible recipient
- meet at least one of the following criteria:
- be able to demonstrate financial disadvantage such as
- receiving a government tested low income benefit or having a Centrelink Health Care Card
- are relocating or have relocated from a rural/regional area to study in Melbourne within the last four years.
- be able to demonstrate financial disadvantage such as
Preference will be given to students able to demonstrate financial disadvantage and who have relocated from a rural/regional area to study at RMIT.
It is preferred that you apply direct to RMIT for this scholarship.
Direct to RMIT applications
The online application form will be made available here when applications open.
VTAC applications
The online application form will be made available here when applications open.
Supporting documentation
Before you begin your application, please visit Supporting Your Application for more information about supporting your application with evidence and answering application questions.
Find out more about applying for scholarships.
Applications for Semester 1, 2023 are now closed.
This scholarship will next be offered for Semester 2, 2023, with applications opening May 2023.
Applications for Semester 1, 2023 are now closed.
View the Coursework Scholarships Office’s terms and conditions (PDF, 698KB).
Some of the terms and conditions include:
- must demonstrate continued commitment and participation with the RMIT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by either attending one social or one cultural activity through Ngarara Willim Centre per semester
- must complete a survey at the beginning of each semester that includes providing continued financial eligibility
- must maintain satisfactory academic performance, which will be viewed at the completion of each semester
- must engage an Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) tutor in the commencing year of study for your scholarship to continue into the second year
- must participate in the Gamadji 2 Day Orientation program including the How to Manage your Scholarship session in the commencing year of study.
If eligible, you can also apply for ongoing accommodation support via the Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship. Additional services and financial support may be available through the Ngarara Willim Centre. Please contact them for further information.
Find out how to contact the Coursework Scholarships Office.
Notice to applicants
The scholarship application process is highly competitive with a limited number of scholarships available. Unfortunately, not all eligible applicants will receive one.
Only successful candidates will be notified via email to their RMIT student account.
For information about other financial assistance available to RMIT students, please speak to one of our Student Welfare Advisors.
