Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads First Nations Law Scholarship

Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads are committed to advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.

Ashurst has a proud history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at QUT. This is evidenced by many QUT students completing the Ashurst work experience program and transitioning into the firm's graduate program - the firm being the principal sponsor of Project Imba (a program that aims to build future pathways for the young people of Cunnamulla) that was founded by two QUT alumni and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mooting Competition.

Ashurst recognises the critical role played in the success of First Nations law students at QUT and wishes for QUT to play a driving force in the scholarship.

The recipient will be required to meet the following contract conditions for the duration of their contract:

• remain admitted as a full-time student at QUT, and
• remain actively enrolled in an undergraduate single or double-law degree, and
• achieve academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 4. 0 or above each semester of the scholarship period.

To be eligible for consideration, you must:

• be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident; and
• identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• be able to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent as outlined in the Evidence Guidelines (below)
• be currently admitted to QUT as a domestic full-time (36-48 credit points per semester) student
• have an active enrolment in an undergraduate single or double Law degree
• possess a track record of academic achievement aspiring for excellence with a GPA of 4.0 or above
• have completed at least 96 credit points of study at time of application (NB 96cp may be achieved across law and non-law disciplines)
• be able to explain how this scholarship will help your financial circumstance
• possess a previous or ongoing track record of active Indigenous community involvement; and
• aspire to work as a legal professional.

Applicants must also be willing to undertake a paid internship for 6 weeks during your scholarship tenure period, at Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads. This is a separate arrangement outside the terms of the scholarship contract.

The Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads First Nations Law Scholarship is principally for educational purposes. It is intended that the scholarship funds be used to pay student expenses such as textbooks, transport, technology, and rent.

The recipient will receive $10,000, paid directly into their nominated bank account, paid in semester instalments of $5,000.

• The first instalment will be paid after Census in Semester 2, 2022.
• The second instalment will be paid after Census in Semester 1, 2023.
• Eligibility for payment is contingent on the recipient satisfying the conditions of their scholarship contract.