The Humanities Rob Riley Memorial Scholarship (Scholarship) honours the memory of Rob Riley by supporting and encouraging Indigenous students in postgraduate course studies within the Faculty of Humanities.

Rob Riley was a prominent Aboriginal activist and community leader who tirelessly advocated for social justice for Aboriginal people in Australia. Over his life, Rob held many influential roles such as CEO of the WA Aboriginal Legal Service, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Council and was a senior advisor to the Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

Rob Riley established Curtin's Centre for Aboriginal Studies and was awarded the Human Rights Medal in 1996.

• Future Students

• Faculty of Humanities

• Postgraduate coursework

• Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Students

• Australian Citizen

• Merit Based

The Scholarship will provide the following support for the expected duration of the postgraduate degree for up to a maximum of 2 years (based on a full-time study load of 100 credits per semester):

• A cash stipend of $5,000 per semester. 

The amount can be used to contribute towards education-related expenses

All Masters degrees in the below Faculty:

• Faculty of Humanities 

Course must have a research training component that is equivalent to Honours as per the AQF.

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Scholarship:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent
• Apply direct to Curtin by the scholarship's closing date to undertake an eligible degree
• Receive an eligible course offer at Curtin University for Semester 1, 2026
• Accept the course offer by the course offer lapse date
• Will enrol in at least 25 credits per study period
• Not be in receipt of another scholarship from the same funding source or for the same purpose

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 an eligible degree at Curtin University in 2026
• Responses to questions in application form
  • Non-Academic Achievements
  • Passion for course / Vision for career

Step 6: Outcome

• Outcome will be sent via the email address listed through 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 offer email
• Deferral of this scholarship is permitted (details included in scholarship terms and conditions)

Please note:

• Scholarship will commence from first semester of study
• Scholarship will be awarded if there are applicants of sufficient merit

Recipients must meet all of the following:

• Remain enrolled in initial course of study
• Maintain a course weighted average (CWA) of at least 50 each study period
• Maintain a minimum enrolment of at least 25 credits per study period

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.