Western Sydney University announces major investment in postgraduate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Western Sydney University has announced a refreshed scholarship program – including three PhD scholarships valued at $50,000 per annum – to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking higher degree research.
Announced during NAIDOC Week – a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – these scholarships are among the largest for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Degree Research students in Australia.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Strategy and Consultation, Professor Michelle Trudgett – who started at Western Sydney University this week – said this refreshed investment will provide a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the opportunity to pursue research in areas they are deeply passionate about.
"This investment and support is a clear sign that Western Sydney University values Indigenous Knowledge and is deeply committed to developing the Indigenous scholars of the future and, in turn, benefit scholars’ families, communities and our nation as a whole,” said Professor Trudgett.
"I am extremely excited by the opportunities and prospects at Western Sydney University and believe it is destined to be one of Australia's leading universities in Indigenous Research and Education.”
Professor Caroline Smith, Dean of Graduate Studies, Graduate Research School, said this renewed investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Degree Research students will be coupled with the introduction of a suite of other mechanisms – to be announced in the coming months – to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“This announcement reiterates that Western Sydney University is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Degree Research students in a meaningful manner,” said Professor Smith.
The Yarramundi PhD Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, valued at $50,000 per annum, will be awarded to three students. In addition, three annual scholarships – valued at $24,000 for stage one and $32,569 for stage two – will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Master of Research students.
Further details on the application process will be announced shortly.
ENDS
11 July 2019
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