The purpose of the Rob Riley Memorial MBA Scholarship (Scholarship) is to honour the memory of Rob Riley by supporting and encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in business studies.

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 Business and Law

• Postgraduate coursework

• Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Students

• Australian Citizen

• Merit Based

The Scholarship will provide the following support for the normal expected duration of the postgraduate course (based on a full-time study load of 75 credits per trimester):

• Total cost of student tuition fees (excluding SSAF)

Fees will be paid directly to the student fee account prior to the census date relevant to each study period.

The scholarship does not cover the Student Services & Amenities Fees (SSAF) and Ancillary or incidental fees

• Graduate Certificate in Business 
• Graduate Diploma in Business 
• Master of Business Administration

For students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, the scholarship may be extended to cover the MBA upon completion of their current program.

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

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Apply direct to Curtin by the scholarship's closing date to undertake an eligible degree
• Receive an eligible course offer for Trimester 1, 2026 and accept by the lapse date 
• Will enrol in at least 25 credits per study period
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships, fee discounts or sponsorships that are from the same funding source and/or for the same purpose

Step 1: Access 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 on 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 eligible course offer at Curtin University in Trimester 1, 2026
• Responses to questions in application form
  • Non-Academic Achievements
  • Passion for course / Vision for career
• Reference letter

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 must return acceptance documents by the deadline specified in the offer email
• Deferral of this scholarship is not permitted

Please note:

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

Recipients must meet all of the following:

• Remain enrolled in an eligible course of study
• Maintain a minimum enrolment of at least 25 credits per trimester
• Maintain a course weighted average (CWA) of at least 65 each trimester
• Not in receipt of any other scholarships, fee discounts or sponsorships that are from the same funding source and/or for the same purpose

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.