Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and other energy transition-related degrees at the University of Newcastle will benefit from a major new scholarship initiative funded by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
CSIRO has committed $1.5 million to create pathways to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue careers in STEM and play a leading role in Australia’s energy transition.
The CSIRO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Energy Transition Scholarship works to strengthen the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent and support greater Indigenous participation in Australia’s future science and technology workforce.
Under the partnership, two students each year will receive scholarships valued at $15,000 annually for up to five years, providing a total scholarship value of up to $75,000 per student. The initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers and open pathways into high-growth STEM and clean energy fields, while recognising the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems alongside scientific and technical expertise.
Over the lifetime of the scholarship a hundred scholarships will be awarded, creating life-changing opportunities for students and their families to by opening doors to higher education and future employment opportunities.
Bandjin woman and Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leader, Loren Collyer, said the partnership would help create a new generation of Indigenous leaders in STEM and clean energy.
“These scholarships provide more than financial support for students, they send a powerful message that Indigenous students belong in STEM,” Mrs Collyer said.
“The impact extends well beyond the individual recipient. When Indigenous students succeed at university, it creates opportunities for families, it inspires communities and helps build on a legacy of achievement for future generations.”
The initiative aligns with the University’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success through the Wollotuka Institute and exemplifies the principles outlined in the co-authored paper Philanthropy, Our Way , demonstrating the role philanthropy can play in creating opportunity and supporting success when guided by relationships, trust and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led priorities.
CSIRO Energy Director, Dr Dietmar Tourbier said the scholarship was established to help remove barriers to education and encourage greater Indigenous participation in the STEM and energy sector.
“CSIRO is delighted to partner with the University of Newcastle to support outcomes that continue future STEM opportunities for Indigenous students,” Dr Tourbier said.
“By supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to develop skills in energy, science, technology and engineering, our shared aim is to open additional pathways into careers that will continue to attract more talent and drive Australia’s clean energy transition and future prosperity.”
The scholarship will help address the representation gap in STEM education and careers, creating more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to contribute to Australia’ scientific and technology future.
Applications for the scholarship will open today and remain open till March 2027 – CSIRO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Energy Transition STEM Scholarship
This media release was originally published by the University of Newscastle .
