Key facts
About this scholarship
Number offered:
Subject to funding
Description:
The Oorala Aboriginal Centre, in collaboration with UNE’s Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office, developed the Oorala Wellbeing Scholarship with a shared commitment to improving access, participation and success in higher education, regardless of a student’s background or personal circumstances.
The Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office supports students experiencing a range of circumstances that may impact their educational journey, including living with a disability or health condition, those with caring responsibilities, elite athletes, ADF and SES personnel, living remotely, incarcerated students, and those without reliable access to internet services and online technology.
In alignment with UNE’s commitment to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples TO, IN and THROUGH education, the scholarship provides financial support to sustain access and participation in higher education (TO education), recognises academic achievement and progression in culturally affirming learning environments (IN education), and supports students to pursue their aspirations, exercise self-determination and make a positive contribution to their communities (THROUGH education).
How will the scholarship be paid?
Bank account (100%)
Scholarship Special Conditions:
- Students may only submit one application per calendar year.
- By applying for this scholarship, the applicant confirms that they have a registered Student Access Plan (SAP) with the UNE Accessibility and Wellbeing Office and gives permission for this to be confirmed with the Accessibility and Wellbeing Office by the Student Scholarships office.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to utilise the services and programs offered by the Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Services and programs may include but are not limited to: Yinga Kara Pre-Orientation Program, Targeted Tutorial Assistance (TTA), Oorala on the road and other academic services, Oorala Cultural Workshops and Events.
Payment Conditions:
- The student shall receive $500 per academic year.
- This is a one-off payment for your first trimester after an approved application.
- The scholarship is payable into the recipient’s bank account.
- The Scholarship will be paid in one instalment within 30 days following the relevant Trimester census date.
- Payment will be made provided there is a minimum enrolment across the academic year in the nominated course:
- The minimum part-time enrolment for this scholarship is defined as 24 credit points (or equivalent) in the academic year.
- The minimum enrolment for full-time is defined at UNE as an enrolment of 48 credit points (or equivalent) in the academic year.
- Enrolment is required for Trimester 1 and 2 study periods, with Trimester 3 optional.
General Conditions:
- The scholarship is intended for the nominated course and may not be deferred or transferred. If you wish to make any significant changes to your enrolment (e.g. change of degree, study mode and/or load) you must notify Student Scholarships prior to doing so. If you no longer satisfy the criteria and conditions of the scholarship, you may not retain it.
- Any request to vary the terms and/or conditions of the scholarship must be made via an appeal to the scholarships committee and will be determined at the discretion of the University (in consultation with the donor or other relevant committee).
- If at any time during the scholarship term the student is found to have committed behavioural misconduct in accordance with the University’s Student Conduct Rule , the scholarship will be withdrawn and any outstanding payments will not be paid. You may also be required to repay any instalment already received. Students who are residential college residents are also subject to the Residential Accommodation Handbook and Accommodation Agreement.
- The applicant permits the University to give some personal details to the relevant Donor/Trustee/Committee/School, who may not be UNE staff. All information gathered will be treated with discretion.
- Some scholarships may affect other government payments. It is the recipient’s responsibility to seek advice from the relevant government agency.
- Minor changes may be required to the administrative conditions of this scholarship. If this occurs, recipients will be given advance notice in writing. Donors will also be consulted where appropriate.
- Failure to meet the requirements of these Terms and Conditions may lead to the termination of the scholarship. Students may be required to repay any instalment already received.
Note: If you are struggling to meet the requirements of your scholarship, it is important that you contact the Student Scholarships team at scholarships@une.edu.au to discuss your circumstances and they will provide advice and support.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following core and scholarship specific eligibility requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident: The applicant must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident as defined by the Commonwealth |
| New or Continuing | New and Continuing Students |
| Study Mode | On-campus or online |
| Study Load | Full-time (48 credit points per academic year) or part-time (minimum 24 credit points per academic year) |
| Course type | TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program Foundation Program Undergraduate courses Honours Postgraduate (Coursework) Note: Cross Institutional, Open Universities Australia and Non-Award students are not eligible to receive this scholarship |
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander | The applicant must identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and provide documentation according to the UNE Confirmation of Aboriginality and Torres Strait Islander Identity Rule |
| Other | The applicant must have a registered Study Access Plan with the UNE Accessibility and Wellbeing Office. |
Selection:
- The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of (in order):
- applicants with a current Student Access Plan; THEN
- applicants who are from regional/remote locations as defined by the Government Remoteness Tool.
- Preference may be given to applicants who are not in receipt of another scholarship.
- Preference may be given to applicants who can demonstrate financial need. Refer to supporting documentation section below for details.
- The scholarship shall be awarded on the recommendation of the Indigenous Scholarships Committee.
- The scholarship will be administered by the University of New England.
- The Selection Committee’s decision is final.
Before you apply
Before you apply for this scholarship, please ensure you have read and understood the below important information:
- Complete the application form which includes the following questions:
- Why are you studying your chosen course and what are your career aspirations?
- What challenges, such as financial, geographic, or cultural, have you encountered and how have you navigated them?
- Tell us about your personal strengths and community activities you are involved in. How have you used them to make a difference in the lives of others?
- Complete the Financial Need Details section on the application form.
The documents listed below are acceptable forms of evidence for each of the following criteria:
1. Indigenous identified scholarship:
The applicant must identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and provide documentation according to the UNE Confirmation of Aboriginality and Torres Strait Islander Identity Rule.
2. The applicant has a registered Student Access Plan with the UNE Accessibility and Wellbeing Office.
3. Financial disadvantage (optional)
Note: If you are awarded a scholarship you will be required to supply evidence of your financial situation as described in your application. Evidence of income can include:
- Income Tax Returns*
- Regular payslips
- Centrelink Statement/s
- A letter from an authorised person (e.g. community leader, school principal, minister of religion, accountant) that comments on your financial circumstances
* If the most recent financial year income information is not available, previous financial year income information may be used and must be accompanied by a letter from an accountant that comments on the estimated similarity/differences.
4. Geographic requirement evidence (optional):
Evidence to demonstrate that you have resided for at least 5 years consecutively or 10 years cumulatively in a rural and/or remote location (Regions defined as RA2-5) as defined by the Government Remoteness Tool. Documentation can include bills or official correspondence to your address, schools you were enrolled at, or a signed statement from a rural community leader (e.g. previous employer, doctor, school principal) validating the location and period of your residence.
5. Other supporting documents:
Disclosure of any other scholarships or awards.
