The First Nations Australians Planning Program Scholarship has been developed by the Government of Western Australia through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) to embed caring for Country within the State's land use planning system. The scholarship is a DPLH initiative to support and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into land use planning roles within the Department. 

• Future Students

• Faculty of Humanities

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate coursework

• Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Students

• Australian Citizen

• Merit Based

The First Nations Australians Planning Program Scholarship will provide the following support for up to a maximum of four years (based on a full-time study load of 100 credits per semester). 

• A total value of up to $120,000, paid as a cash stipend of up to $15,000 per semester for the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning course

OR:

• A total value of up to $45,000, paid as a cash stipend of up to $15,000 per semester for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning course

The amount can be used at the recipient’s discretion to contribute towards education related expense

• Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
• Master of Urban and Regional Planning

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to be considered for the First Nations Australians Planning Program Scholarship:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Selected Curtin University as a preference through TISC or apply direct to Curtin by the scholarship's closing date to undertake an eligible degree in 2025
• Receive an eligible course offer and will enrol full or part time (minimum 25 credits per study period) at Curtin University in Semester 1, 2025
• Be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (i.e. domestic students) at Curtin University (only relevant for the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning).

Step 1: Access online application form

• Applications are to be submitted using the online application form. Access the form by clicking on the ‘Apply Online’ button on the top right-hand side of this page
• Please note that this link will direct you to the general "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program" application form. Once you submit your application, you will then be considered for all scholarships that you are eligible for in this round.

Step 2: Complete

• Complete the application form online
• Application form can be saved at any point of the process
• Tips on how to complete your application can be found under the Applying for scholarships link on the scholarships website
• For any assistance with the application process or your application, please contact us on 1300 222 888 or email us at scholarships@curtin.edu.au. Please note: appointments can be made to speak to an advisor in person.

Step 3: Submit

• Closing date is listed at the top of the page
• Incomplete applications will not be assessed
• Once submitted, application status will change to submitted.

Step 4: Receipt

• Application receipt will be sent to the email address provided when you created your Curtin account, once your application has been submitted.

Step 5: Assessment

Applications will be assessed by an assessment panel using the following criteria:

• Receipt of an offer of a place into the Bachelor or Master of Urban and Regional Planning at Curtin University in 2025
• Responses to questions in application form
• Statement of desire to work on Country in the planning industry and contribute to regional and remote communities
• Statement addressing passion for planning, and vision for career as a First Nations Australian planner.

Step 6: Outcome

• Outcome will be sent via the email address listed through TISC or your direct Curtin course application after main round course offers (all successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified).

Step 7: Acceptance

• Successful applicants (including those who wish to defer their studies) must return acceptance documents by the deadline specified in the terms and conditions
• Deferral of this scholarship is not permitted (details included in the scholarship terms and conditions).

Please note:

• Scholarship will be awarded if there are applicants of sufficient merit.

Recipients must meet all of the following:

• Maintain an enrolment of at least 25 credit points each study period at Curtin University
• Maintain a course weighted average (CWA) 50 each study period
• Remain enrolled in initial course of study
• Pass all attempted units.

Scholarships Office

E: scholarships@curtin.edu.au

T: 1300 222 888

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

For further information about applying for scholarships including important dates and tips for preparing your application, utilise the resources available on the Applying for Scholarships webpage.