Scholarships for Australian Indigenous Students
The Oakleigh Foundation gives Indigenous Australians an opportunity to continue the education journey from school, to university and into the professions.
Ultimately, we would like to see more Indigenous Australians appointed to leadership roles in business, government and the community.
Since 2017, 22 Oakleigh scholars have graduated from leading Australian universities and are pursuing careers in law, medicine, health, engineering, science, technology and business.
More than 95% of our scholars complete their degrees.
Since 2011, the Foundation has supported over 30 scholars throughout Australia.
The 2026 Oakleigh Foundation Gathering
Highlights from the 2026 Oakleigh Foundation Gathering, held in North Sydney on 14 March 2026.
How we help
Over the last 14 years our guiding philosophies, the work with our university partners, and our mentoring of the students has allowed us to build, road-test and evolve a framework that we think maximises each student’s chance of progressing through and completing university.
Selection
It is important that we select students who have what it takes to get through demanding courses at university.
Support
Like all university students looking to do well in demanding courses, our scholars require targeted support at university. But for Indigenous students it is important to ensure they have sufficient financial, academic and family support.
Mentoring
Our scholars truly value the mentorship of our program. The Oakleigh Foundation’s mentors provide encouragement, advice and guidance for each scholar according to his or her particular needs. The relationship is one of mutual respect.
Our ambassadors
Our Ambassadors were instrumental in establishing the Oakleigh Foundation and continue to champion its scholars and values.
Prof N Martin Nakata, AM, PhD
Sandy Hollway, AO
Simon Balderstone, AM
Gary EllaOur partners
The Oakleigh Foundation works closely with a range of partners to help support our scholars. These include university Indigenous support units and residential colleges.
