NSW Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarship Program 2025-2026

To be eligible you must:

• Identify and be recognised by your Community as an Aboriginal person;
• be a NSW Resident*;
• be enrolled in an Aboriginal Languages Course (or module(s)) at an ALT recognised Aboriginal Community Languages Organisation or NSW TAFE; OR
• be enrolled in an Undergraduate, Master’s degree, graduate certificate, or studying Postgraduate Module(s); OR
• be enrolled in a PhD or Doctorate in NSW relating to Aboriginal Languages research; OR
• be engaged by an ALT recognised Aboriginal Community Languages Organisation to undertake Aboriginal Languages research (for Community-led research projects – not delivered by a Tertiary Institution)

Note: * Exception may be granted under special circumstances, where an applicant can demonstrate that the Language group area crosses State borders and/or the study/research will significantly benefit a NSW Languages group.

Tier 1: Aboriginal Languages courses at an ALT-recognised Community Language Organisation or NSW TAFE Aboriginal Languages courses. 

Tier 2: Undergraduate, Graduate Certificate, or Master’s level study at a NSW University. 

Tier 3: Research-based study (Masters by Research, PhD, Doctorate) or research projects on behalf of an ALT-recognised Aboriginal Community Language Organisation , focused on strengthening Aboriginal Languages within NSW Communities. 

See Example of Eligible Projects section for further detail.

Tier 1 is a single-year program. Projects should adhere to the following timelines:

• Study must be completed within 12 months from the start date of the course. The latest possible end date is 30 June 2027.

Tier 2 and Tier 3 are 2-year multi-year programs. Projects should adhere to the following timelines:

• Study/research must be completed within two years from the start date of the course/research project, or from the date the grant funds are received. The latest possible end date for the project is 30 June 2028.

All projects should start no later than 1 July 2026 to meet the completion deadlines above.

The project must be completed by 30 June 2028.

Tier 1 Community and TAFE Study Scholarship

• More Aboriginal Language speakers in local Communities.
• Increased Knowledge, practice and interest in the study of Aboriginal Language and Culture in Community.
• Improvements to resilience and strengthening Aboriginal Languages Capacity and Capability.
• Community members have the time, access and resources necessary to participate in Aboriginal Languages studies.

Tier 2 Undergraduate, Post-Graduate and Master’s Level Study Scholarship

• Improvements to the number, qualifications, experience and practice of Aboriginal Language experts in Community.
• Aboriginal Language practitioners have education and qualification pathways to continue to develop, strengthen and grow the practice and Knowledge of Aboriginal Languages.

Tier 3 Research Scholarship 

• Enable Community to develop, deliver, govern and own their own Language development, research, teaching and Knowledge sharing.
• Enable Community to determine the best way to grow Aboriginal Language capacity and Knowledge in Community by funding their research projects.
• Enable individuals to demonstrate and promote the wider / deeper impacts of their studies, beyond their own Communities.
• Increase the number and strength of Aboriginal Languages actively used across NSW.
• Actively decolonise academia and value Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.
• Promote Indigenous Data Sovereignty.

Funding can be used for study and research that meet the aims and objectives of Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarship Program. The following are examples of the types of activities that may be funded (including, but not limited to, the following):

Tier 1 – Community and NSW TAFE study scholarship

• Tuition Fees: covering the cost of courses.
• Books and supplies: purchasing textbooks, electronic books and resources, study equipment, and other necessary materials.
• On-campus: assistance with on-campus housing and parking costs.
• Transportation: transportation to attend a course.
• Course materials: software, technology, or specific tools required for a program.

Tier 2 and 3 Undergraduate, Graduate Certificate, Master’s level study and Community / PhD / Doctorate level research scholarship (ALT recognises that research degrees and projects take significant time and effort including giving up working hours and accessing information and resources)

• Tuition Fees: covering the cost of the PhD or Doctorate Fee to the University.
• Stipends: providing living expenses for researchers who cannot work due to full-time research commitments.
• Stipends: for lost work hours for those doing Master’s level studies and research whilst working (such as teachers).
• Research travel: costs associated with conducting research and gathering data.
• Access to research data: costs associated with accessing and acquiring data (electronically or in hard copy) to inform your research.
• Professional memberships and certifications: costs associated with accessing and maintaining professional membership and Certifications associated with Aboriginal Languages.
• Books and supplies: purchasing textbooks, electronic books and resources, study equipment, and other necessary materials.
• Housing: assisting with on-campus accommodation costs.
• Transport: transport to and from PhD or Doctorate University for academic reporting purposes.
• Research materials: software, technology, or specific tools required for a program.
• Publication costs: costs associated with publication of research outcomes for the Aboriginal Languages Community
• Workshops and training: funding participation in seminars, workshops, or training relevant to the research field.

You are not eligible to apply if you:

• are a School, University, TAFE, or Adult Community Education Organisation;
• have already completed the course (the grant cannot be used to backpay completed studies); and/or
• have already completed the course/research (the grant cannot be used to backpay completed studies/research); and/or
• have been found to have provided false or misleading information in applying for previous grants through the ALT.

For all three tiers, funding cannot be used for:

• Previous study: costs associated with previous courses already completed.
• Personal expenses: costs unrelated to the study or research, such as personal bills or discretionary spending.
• Indirect costs: overhead costs or administrative expenses that are not directly related to the study or research.
• Non-research or study related activities: Funding for activities that do not contribute to the specific study or research and its objectives.
• Debt repayment: paying off student, government, private and personal loans or debts.
• General living expenses: unless specified, everyday living costs that are not associated with the study or research.

Projects where the course or research has already been completed (the grant cannot be used to backpay completed studies/research).

Tier 1: Community and TAFE Study Scholarship - $1,000 - $9,999

Example of eligible application:Johnny is an Aboriginal person who lives in NSW. He is enrolled to undertake the Certificate I Aboriginal Languages for Everyday Use (Wiradjuri) 11258NAT-06 at TAFE NSW in 2025. Johnny is seeking $5,000 to assist with the cost of books, study materials, technology to support his online learning, and public transport costs for face to face classes and has provided a breakdown of his estimated costs.

Tier 2: Undergraduate, Graduate Certificate, and Master’s Level Study Scholarship - $10,000 - $24,999 per year (up to 2 years)

Example of eligible application: Lowana is an Aboriginal person who lives in NSW. She is enrolled to undertake a Master’s in Indigenous Languages Education MAINLAED-01 at the University of Sydney. This one-year full time program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers seeking to develop their skills in Indigenous Language teaching. The program provides students with the Knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement the NSW Aboriginal Languages Syllabus from Kindergarten to Year 12. Lowana has applied for a scholarship of $30,000 to assist with course materials, fees, transport, attendance at school placements, and books and supplies. As Lowana has also had to reduce her work hours as a teacher to undertake this study, she has applied for a stipend for lost income so she can access and complete the course.

Tier 3: Research Scholarship - $25,000 - $50,000 per year (up to 2 years)

Example of eligible application:Jinny has been accepted by the University of NSW to undertake a 4-year PhD to answer an approved research question – Aboriginal Communities can strengthen and revitalise the use and practice of Aboriginal Languages across NSW through improvements to curriculum and changes to teaching methods to focus on Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing. Jinny has asked for $58,000 per year including expenses associated with the collection of and access to research data, research tools (including a laptop and printer) and a Stipend to support them undertaking the research full-time. The Community recognising the importance of the research are also providing Jinny with a small grant to further supplement their income, which Jinny declared as part of their grant application. Jinny has agreed that the research outcomes, artefacts and recommendations be made publicly available on their website, ensuring these are accessible and free for Community to access and use.  Jinny will also publish a book at the end of the PhD providing teaching aids, methods and approaches for Aboriginal Language Teachers.