Doherty Ellis Undergraduate Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students

Applications open
Amount

$5,000

Number available

1

Closing date

08 February 2026

Scholarship details

Donor

This is a donor funded scholarship from the former Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group, Con & Athie Ellis, and community members.

Establishment

This scholarship was established to honour the memory of Jack Doherty, who founded the Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group in 1980. Jack saw tertiary education as a key factor in Aboriginal empowerment. The intention of the scholarship is to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete studies at the University of Newcastle. The scholarship was established with funds from the former Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group.

Funds have also been contributed in memory of Athie and Con Ellis, who migrated to Australia in the late 1940’s. As well-educated Greek migrants facing social and financial difficulties, they understood the value of education and had a unique perspective on the problems faced by others in the community. They had no children of their own and were dedicated to helping further the education of young people.

For more information on this scholarship, please review the full Terms and Conditions.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you will need to:

  • Be enrolled in any year of an undergraduate program with the University of Newcastle.
  • Be intending to study on a full-time basis (minimum 60 units per year).
  • Have completed at least 60 units in your current program
  • Demonstrate academic progress by the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent required for entry for commencing students, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 for continuing students (evidence not required for current UON students).
  • Establish your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status per the process outlined on the Wollotuka Institute's study with us page.
  • Not have previously completed a degree.
  • Not be the recipient of another University of Newcastle donor-funded or sponsored scholarship concurrently.

Required Documentation

Required documents will be listed on the ‘Your Documents’ page of your application. The application portal accepts PDF only. A maximum of 3 PDF smaller than 5 MB can be added per document type upload field.

  • A personal statement (approx. 1 A4 page) outlining your academic achievements, career aspirations in the relevant area of study, and how this scholarship would assist you. This statement will cover all scholarships you are submitting for.

A written statement (1-2 pages) illustrating pride in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian achievements and an understanding of the significance of the University education for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Benefit

This scholarship provides a total benefit of $5,000 paid as $2,500 in each semester.

Payments are typically received 2–3 weeks after the census date, or 2–3 weeks after you accept your offer if the census date has already passed.

Selection

Selection is a competitive process and will be based on assessment of the scholarship application and any

required supporting documents, with reference to the eligibility criteria.

Selection will be made by the Indigenous Selection Panel which will consist of a minimum of three members chosen by the Pro Vice-Chancellor - Indigenous Strategy and Leadership.

The Selection Panel will communicate the details of successful recipients to the Scholarships Office and all applicants will be notified of an outcome via email within 6 weeks of the application closing date.

College

Contact Details

Scholarships
Student and Academic Services
University of Newcastle
University Drive
CALLAGHAN NSW 2308

Phone: +61 2 4921 5000
Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au