Scholarship details
Study levels
Undergraduate
Student type
Current students
Study area
Law
Eligibility criteria
Indigenous Australian
Citizenship
Australian or New Zealand
Application dates
- Applications open
- February 2025
- Applications close
- March 2025
What you'll receive
The Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads First Nations Law Scholarship is principally for educational purposes. It is intended that the scholarship funds be used to pay student expenses such as textbooks, transport, technology, and rent.
The recipient will receive $10,000, paid directly into their nominated bank account, paid in semester instalments of $5,000.
- The first instalment will be paid after Census in Semester 1, 2025.
- The second instalment will be paid after Census in your second consecutive semester of study.
- Eligibility for payment is contingent on the recipient satisfying the conditions of their scholarship contract.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, you must:
- be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
- identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and have had the Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent (CATSID) processed by the QUT Oodgeroo Unit
- be currently admitted to QUT as a domestic full-time student (minimum 36 credit points per semester)
- have an active enrolment in an undergraduate single or double law degree
- possess a track record of academic achievement aspiring for excellence with a GPA of 4.0 or above
- have completed at least 96 credit points of study in your QUT degree at time of application (NB 96cp may be achieved across law and non-law disciplines)
- have at least two consecutive semesters of full time study left to complete at the time of application
- complete the online application form as per the instructions in the how to apply section.
Applicants must also be willing to undertake a paid internship for 6 weeks during your scholarship tenure period, at Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads. This is a separate arrangement outside the terms of the scholarship contract.
How to apply
Applications for will open in February 2025.
Applicants are reminded to provided original, authentic responses in their own words. The use of AI-generated content is discouraged.
As part of your application you will be required to provide the following documentation:
- a current CV
- a personal or employment reference
- a reference from a First Nations community member outlining your relevant involvement in community activities.
Read the scholarship application guide for expert tips on how to enhance your written application and interview performance.
Download the scholarship application guide (PDF file, 146.8 KB)
What happens next?
A confirmation receipt will be sent to your QUT email account upon submission of your application. If you do not receive one, confirm your application has been received by emailing buslaw.scholarships@qut.edu.au or by calling the Faculty of Business and Law Scholarships Coordinator on 3138 4632.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a panel interview with a representative from Ashurst Law firm, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and QUT Faculty of Business and Law or QUT Oodgeroo Unit.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.
Conditions
The recipient will be required to meet all of the following conditions for the duration of their contract:
- remain admitted as a full-time student at QUT
- remain actively enrolled in an undergraduate single or double-law degree
- achieve academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 4. 0 or above each semester of the scholarship period.
About the scholarship
Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads are committed to advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.
Ashurst has a proud history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at QUT. This is evidenced by many QUT students completing the Ashurst work experience program and transitioning into the firm's graduate program - the firm being the principal sponsor of Project Imba (a program that aims to build future pathways for the young people of Cunnamulla) that was founded by two QUT alumni and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mooting Competition.
Ashurst recognises the critical role played in the success of First Nations law students at QUT and wishes for QUT to play a driving force in the scholarship.
 |  |
Contact us
Testimonials
Inaugural recipient Christine Conn pictured with Ashurst and Dept of Transport and Main Roads sponsors, at the Ashurst scholarship presentation ceremony, 2022'Before receiving the Ashurst and TMR First Nations Law Scholarship, I worked four part-time jobs to support myself. This scholarship provided me with the financial relief to reduce my working hours and focus on my studies. I am so grateful that this scholarship has helped me build strong relationships with Ashurst and TMR, as organisations that really care about the success of Indigenous law students.'
