First Peoples Leading is committed to growing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders through culturally grounded, community-centred leadership development. With a vision to strengthen careers, uplift communities, and reshape systems, the organisation offers scholarships to support First Nations peoples in accessing high-impact leadership programs.
These scholarships, delivered in partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of Mob stepping into their power and creating meaningful change. Applications are open all year, but the next assessment deadline is 30 April 2026.
What the First Peoples Leading Scholarships Support
The scholarships apply to First Peoples Leading’s three flagship leadership programs:
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Next Gen – Designed for emerging leaders.
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Impact – Ideal for team leaders and people managers.
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Changemakers – Created for senior leaders and executives.
If selected, applicants receive 85% fee coverage, paying only 15% of the total program cost:
| Program | Your Contribution (15%) |
|---|---|
| Next Gen | AUD $310 |
| Impact | AUD $870 |
| Changemakers | AUD $1,480 |
This co-contribution model ensures accessibility while fostering genuine commitment among participants.
Why These Scholarships Matter
First Peoples Leading recognises that leadership is not just about individual growth—it strengthens families, workplaces, and entire communities. By investing in culturally responsive leadership development, the scholarships contribute to long-term change, helping participants step into roles where they can influence policy, empower others, and promote Indigenous-led solutions.
The programs are created by Mob, for Mob, ensuring cultural integrity, relevance, and safety. Every participant is supported through immersive experiences that build confidence, strategic thinking, and leadership capability rooted in identity and community.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships are open to applicants who:
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Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and
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Are self-employed, a student, or employed by:
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An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
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A First Nations-led not-for-profit
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A First Nations-owned and operated business
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Applicants working for state or federal government agencies are not eligible.
You must also be at least 18 years old and able to commit fully to the program.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated on:
1. Program Alignment
Whether the program fits the applicant’s leadership aspirations and current stage of development.
2. Potential Impact
The meaningful contribution the applicant is likely to make in their community or workplace after completing the program.
3. Financial Need
The degree to which sponsorship is necessary, based on individual or organisational capacity.
4. Commitment
Willingness to attend all sessions and complete all learning requirements.
How to Apply
Applications are open year-round and take approximately five minutes. Before applying, you will need:
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Contact details of someone from your organisation or community who can support your application
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Short written responses (100 words each) addressing:
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Your leadership journey and aspirations
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The impact you hope to make
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Why financial support is vital for your participation
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Programs run multiple times throughout the year, giving applicants flexibility to choose dates that work for them.
Additional Information
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Face-to-face program sessions are typically held in Sydney CBD for Next Gen and Impact, while Changemakers takes place at Rydges Gold Coast Airport.
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Travel costs are not covered, and participants must arrange their own travel.
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All programs are delivered by experienced First Nations facilitators committed to empowering Mob with practical skills and cultural strength.
Deadline
Next application deadline: 30 April 2026 (11:59 PM AEST).
Application can be accessed from here.
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
