New scholarships back Aboriginal language teachers and researchers in NSW

Aboriginal people studying and researching language in NSW can now apply for a new round of Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarships worth up to $50,000 a year.

The Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT) – an Aboriginal‑led NSW Government agency established under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 – runs the program as part of its broader Aboriginal Languages Community Investment Program. The program was first established in October 2023 to support Aboriginal individuals undertaking training, education and research in Aboriginal languages for the benefit of their communities and languages across NSW.

For 2025–26, a total of $300,000 is available through three scholarship tiers:

• Tier 1 Community and NSW TAFE study scholarships from $1,000 to $9,999.
• Tier 2 undergraduate, graduate certificate and master’s scholarships from $10,000 to $24,999 per year for up to two years.
• Tier 3 research scholarships from $25,000 to $50,000 per year for up to two years.

Applications open at 9am on Monday 15 December 2025 and close at 5pm on Friday 23 January 2026, with outcomes due in February 2026. Projects funded under Tier 1 must be completed within 12 months (by 30 June 2027), while Tier 2 and 3 projects can run for up to two years, with final completion by 30 June 2028.

The guidelines state that the program’s objectives are to grow the number of Aboriginal language speakers, educators and teachers across NSW communities, and to support research that strengthens language use while valuing Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing and ensuring community control over research outcomes.

Tier 1 funding can cover tuition fees, books, supplies, travel, housing and other study costs for community‑level or TAFE Aboriginal language courses. Tiers 2 and 3 can support university‑level study and research, including stipends for living costs, research travel, access to data, technology and publication costs, as long as the work directly advances Aboriginal languages in NSW.

The program is open, non‑competitive and conducted over a single grant round, with individuals able to apply once per round. Eligible applicants must be Aboriginal people recognised by their community, NSW residents, and enrolled in recognised Aboriginal language study or research that benefits NSW language groups.

Applications are submitted through the SmartyGrants portal after applicants read the guidelines and FAQs, with the ALT’s Community Investment Team available by phone and email to support people, including those in remote communities or with limited internet access.

The scholarship program sits alongside other ALT initiatives, including NSW Aboriginal Languages Week grants and language revival and sector‑development programs, and is promoted through the Trust’s website, social media and email updates such as a December 2025 message to community partners.