National science agency CSIRO has committed $1.5 million to fund a new higher education scholarship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Newcastle. The CSIRO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Energy Transition Scholarship is designed to expand Indigenous participation across science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and clean energy disciplines.
Under the partnership framework, two students per year will receive annual grants of $15,000 for up to five years, providing a total scholarship value of up to $75,000 per student. Over the program’s lifetime, 100 individual scholarships will be awarded to reduce financial barriers for Indigenous students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees connected to Australia’s energy transition.
The initiative aligns with the University of Newcastle’s Wollotuka Institute support framework and incorporates philanthropic principles outlined in the co-authored paper Philanthropy, Our Way, emphasising Indigenous-led education strategies and community partnerships.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership at the University of Newcastle, Loren Collyer stated that establishing targeted financial support helps build long-term capacity within Indigenous communities.
“These scholarships provide more than financial support for students, they send a powerful message that Indigenous students belong in STEM,” Loren 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.”
Director of CSIRO Energy, Dr Dietmar Tourbier noted that expanding access to technical qualifications supports broader industrial and clean energy workforce demands.
“CSIRO is delighted to partner with the University of Newcastle to support outcomes that continue future STEM opportunities for Indigenous students,” Dietmar 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.”
Applications for the CSIRO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Energy Transition STEM Scholarship are now open through the University of Newcastle, with the initial application window remaining open until March 2027.
IMAGE | L-R: Relationship Manager – Connor Brown, CSIRO Program Director – Dr John Ward, Stakeholder Manager – Lindsay Hardy, CSIRO Energy Director – Dr Dietmar Tourbier, PVC Indigenous Strategy and Leadership – Loren Collyer, DVC Engagement and Equity – Nathan Towney)
