QUT Indigenous Australian Law Scholarship Opens for First Nations Law Students

Queensland University of Technology has opened applications for the Ashurst and Department of Transport and Main Roads Indigenous Australian Law Scholarship, offering financial support and professional experience to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students.

The scholarship is valued at A$10,000 and is intended to help current QUT law students meet study and living costs such as textbooks, technology and rent. The recipient may also receive the opportunity to complete a paid six-week internship with Ashurst and Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads.

QUT Indigenous Australian Law Scholarship: Key Details

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

QUT states that applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have their Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent processed through the QUT Oodgeroo Unit.

Applicants must also be studying full-time at QUT in an undergraduate single or double law degree and meet the university's academic and progression requirements.

• Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity confirmed through the applicable QUT process
• Current full-time QUT student
• Active enrolment in an undergraduate law degree
• Minimum GPA of 4.0
• At least 96 credit points completed at the time of application
• At least two consecutive semesters of full-time study remaining

How Much Funding Will the Recipient Receive?

The scholarship provides A$10,000, paid directly into the successful student's nominated bank account. QUT states that the funding is normally divided into two semester instalments of A$5,000 each.

The scholarship is principally intended to assist with education and living expenses, including items such as:

• Textbooks
• Technology
• Rent and accommodation costs
• Other study-related living expenses

Paid Internship Opportunity With Ashurst and TMR

A major feature of the scholarship is the opportunity for the recipient to undertake a six-week paid internship with Ashurst and Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads. QUT notes that the internship is a separate arrangement from the formal scholarship contract.

The placement can give a law student exposure to both private-sector legal practice and a government organisation, while also helping the recipient build professional experience and networks before graduation.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants are required to complete the QUT online application and prepare supporting documentation.

• A current CV
• A personal or employment reference
• A reference from a First Nations community member describing the applicant's involvement in community activities

QUT also advises applicants to provide original responses in their own words when completing the scholarship application.

How Are Scholarship Recipients Selected?

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview involving representatives from Ashurst, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and QUT's Faculty of Business and Law or Oodgeroo Unit.

The successful recipient must remain enrolled full-time in an undergraduate law degree and maintain a minimum GPA of 4.0 during the scholarship period.

Why the Scholarship Matters

The programme is designed to support First Nations law students not only through financial assistance but also through practical professional experience. QUT says the partnership reflects a broader commitment by Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the legal profession.

Eligible students should review the latest official QUT scholarship page before submitting an application, particularly for the final closing date and any updated documentation requirements.