• First Nations students can apply for the Birrang Enterprise Development Company Ltd Aboriginal Scholarship through Charles Sturt University
• The scholarship will provide a First Nations student with $45,000 to assist with tertiary education costs
• Charles Sturt is offering a total of $11 million in scholarships and grants in 2025  

Charles Sturt University is helping First Nations students achieve their tertiary education dreams for the third year running with five $45,000 scholarships on offer.

The Birrang Enterprise Development Company Ltd Aboriginal Scholarship is part of Charles Sturt’s suite of scholarships and grants worth $11 million, with $675,000 being offered by the Birrang Scholarships over the past three years.

The scholarship will assist a First Nations student with financial support for relocation, accommodation and other educational expenses.

Spread across three years of study, the $45,000 is available to commencing First Nations students studying via any mode (on campus, online or mixed mode) at Charles Sturt in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.

Birrang Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Mr Tim Smith highlighted the board of directors’ unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for First Nations peoples.

“From employment pathways to educational opportunities, fostering these prospects has been a cornerstone of Birrang’s strategic direction since our inception in 2003,” Mr Smith said.

“It remains the driving force behind everything we do, evidenced by our many services such as the Driver Licence Access Program where we travel to communities all over NSW to assist Aboriginal and disadvantaged people in getting licenced.”

Mr Smith added that just like getting your driver’s licence, accessing tertiary education is often taken for granted.

“This scholarship program will give First Nations students the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their careers, opening a world of opportunity for them,” he said.

“Scholarships like this don’t just change the lives of recipients, they change the mindset of those around them by helping friends and family see the impact of further education.”

Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management student Ms Billie O’Bryan received the Birrang scholarship in 2023 and said it brought her lifelong dream of attending university to life.

“I honestly don’t think I would’ve been able to go to university and achieve what I have so far if it wasn’t for Birrang,” she said.

“Coming from a rural area, I knew that I wouldn’t feel seen, heard or supported at a metro university; a regional university was for me.

“I’ve wanted to study since I was a little girl, so don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams, especially if it’s a university education.”

Charles Sturt Manager of Development Mr Justin Williams welcomed the scholarships for prospective First Nations students.

“Birrang’s massive commitment to positive outcomes for First Nations students in our communities is most appreciated,” Mr Williams said.

“So far, the forward-thinking organisation has made the extraordinary commitment of well over half a million dollars in support of our students.

“This support helps our students with common financial barriers such as relocation costs, accommodation, textbooks and equipment, transforming what was an impossibility for many First Nations students into the achievable.”

With one of the highest First Nations enrolment rates in the country, Charles Sturt is uniquely positioned for maximum positive impact on educational outcomes for First Nations people.

Each campus has a First Nations Student Centre, giving students support in navigating the challenges of university via the First Nations connect program.

Applications for the Birrang Enterprise Development Company Ltd Aboriginal Scholarship are now open, and close at 9am Monday 13 January 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit the website.

Charles Sturt University has more than 3,000 scholarships and grants on offer for 2025 and applications are open for those who are eligible and would appreciate this financial assistance.

Explore the Charles Sturt scholarships page to view the extensive list of scholarships available for other areas of study or student background, with a video explaining how to find the right scholarship for you.