Marie Olive Armstrong Scholarship for Indigenous Students
An undergraduate and postgraduate coursework scholarship
This scholarship provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking studies in the fields of music, visual art, performance, dance, creative writing or poetry at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Highlights
| Value | Eligibility | Open date | Close date |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8,000 p.a. (up to 5 years) |
|
26 August 2022 | 7 November 2022 |
How to apply
Apply here.
Benefits
This scholarship is valued at $8,000 per annum and is tenable for standard full-time duration of the degree.
Who's eligible
You must:
- be a domestic student
- identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person as per University of Sydney Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy 2015
- be enrolled in or have an unconditional offer of admission to undertake an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree on a full-time basis in the fields of music, performance, or dance at the Conservatorium of Music at University of Sydney or in the fields of vof visual art, creative writing, poetry or Theatre and Performance Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at University of Sydney.
Background
Marie Olive Armstrong was a passionate advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1986 for service to the community. Marie had a deep commitment to equality, particularly with regards Aboriginal Australians and this commitment developed across her long life (1928-2020).
Marie was one of the early readers of the poetry of Aunty Oodgeroo Noonuccal (1920 - 1993). She engaged with the Black Theatre and the work of Brian Syron, attending workshops and acting classes held at the Black Theatre Arts & Cultural Centre (1972-1977). She also engaged with the vocational educational and training activities of Tranby College.
For over 70 years Marie was an active member of the Sydney New Theatre and took on many roles in this community theatre including acting, directing, and general leadership. It was through this organisation that Marie’s awareness of social justice, Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal rights really developed.
Marie’s in-perpetuity scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander students for studies in music, visual art, theatre and performance, dance, creative writing or poetry seeks to make a better future by empowering Indigenous Australians
This Scholarship was established in 2021 to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking studies in the fields of music, visual art, performance, dance, creative writing or poetry or Theatre and Performance Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or Conservatorium of Music at University of Sydney.
1. Background
a. This Scholarship was established in 2021 to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking studies in the fields of music, visual art, performance, dance, creative writing or poetry at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or Conservatorium of Music at University of Sydney.
b. This Scholarship is a gift from the late Marie Olive Armstrong.
2. Eligibility
a. Applicants must be enrolled in or have an unconditional offer of admission to undertake an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree on a full-time basis
I. in the fields of music, performance, or dance at the Conservatorium of Music at University of Sydney or
II. in the fields of visual art, creative writing, poetry or Theatre and Performance Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at University of Sydney
b. Applicants must identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as defined in the University of Sydney’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015.”
3. Selection Criteria
a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of
i. received entry to eligible course at The University of Sydney
ii. personal statement describing how the scholarship will assist in their studies with a personal reflection on their academic journey and the Arts as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person,
iii. demonstrated financial disadvantage
b. Preference will be given to students who identify as females and belong to a rural, regional or remote geographical area as described by Australian Government.
c. The Scholarship will be awarded by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services)
4. Value
a. The Scholarship is valued at $8,000 per annum and is tenable for the full-time standard duration of the degree.
b. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the award will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the award.
c. The Scholarship annual value will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.
d. Deferral and suspension of the Scholarship is not permitted.
e. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.
f. No other amount is payable.
5. Ongoing eligibility
a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient are required to have achieved a Satisfied Requirements grade (SR) to receive their next payment.
6. Termination
a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:
I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,
II. commences part-time study,
III. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance,
IV. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application,
V. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VI. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.
b. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.
c. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or the Scholarship is terminated under any instance in the Termination Clause of these terms and conditions, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.
