Scholarships

The Leah Armstrong
Scholarship Program

Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through education in economics, finance, business and community governance — driving intergenerational change for First Peoples.

Apply Now Scholarship Guidelines Contact Us

Applications are currently closed.

Leah Armstrong
$20,000 Per Year
3 Years Maximum Duration
$60,000 Total Value
First Nations Led Selection
About the Scholarship

A Powerful Initiative for First Peoples

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship provides scholarships worth up to $20,000 per year for three years to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women studying or looking to study at a tertiary level in a wide range of areas including economics, finance, business or community governance.

This scholarship is a powerful initiative led by First Nations Economics, with the support of a growing network of purpose partners. Together, we are dedicated to driving social, cultural and economic prosperity for First Peoples.

The scholarship was established in honour of Leah Armstrong, a trailblazing Torres Strait Islander woman who worked to empower First Nations economies by supporting the education of women and girls in industries that will drive intergenerational change.

Applications are currently closed. Contact scholarships@firstnationseconomics.com with any questions.

How can the funds be used?

Tuition fees and course costs
Textbooks, equipment and study materials
Travel to and from your place of study
Accommodation and rent
Childcare and other living costs that support your studies
May be held alongside other scholarships, including Commonwealth-supported
Scholarship Highlights

Hear From Our Community

Learn more about the Leah Armstrong Scholarship and what it means for First Nations women in Australia.

Leah Armstrong
In Her Honour

Leah Armstrong

Proud Torres Strait Islander Woman

Leah Armstrong is a senior professional with over 30 years of experience in business and the not-for-profit sector. Formerly the Chair of First Australians Capital, she remains at the forefront of driving innovation in how Indigenous enterprises access tailored capital and support, including an ambitious Indigenous-led and managed impact investment fund.

Leah serves on several committees, including as a member of the First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group, Australian co-representative of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Co-operation Arrangement (IPETCA) Partnership Council, the Creative Australia Impact Investment Advisory Committee, and the Philanthropy Australia First Nations Governance Committee. She is also Chair of the First Nation Funders Network and Executive Member of the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.

Key Roles & Appointments

CEO, Reconciliation Australia
Director, Indigenous Business Australia
Director of Indigenous Engagement and Advancement, University of Newcastle
Member, Business Council of Australia's Indigenous Taskforce
Member, Prime Minister's Indigenous Advisory Council
Fellow, University of Sydney Senate
Chairperson, Supply Nation & Aboriginal Housing Office NSW
Co-founder & Managing Director, Yarnteen Ltd
Celebrated as a "True Leader" by the AFR Boss Magazine and named among the inaugural AFR/Westpac 100 Influential Women Awards.
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

The scholarship is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and are studying, or planning to study, an eligible course at an Australian university or tertiary education institution.
Applicants must be studying in areas related to economics, finance, business or community governance. This includes undergraduate, postgraduate and other eligible tertiary-level qualifications.
Each scholarship provides up to $20,000 per year for up to three years, with a total value of up to $60,000.
Scholarship funds can be used for education-related expenses such as tuition, textbooks, equipment and travel, as well as living costs that support your studies, including accommodation, rent and childcare.
Yes. The scholarship is open to both commencing and continuing students, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Yes. In many cases, recipients may hold this scholarship alongside other scholarships or financial assistance, including Commonwealth-supported scholarships.
Applications are assessed by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Selection Committee. The committee considers community leadership, commitment to First Nations communities, passion for the chosen field of study, life experience, motivation and future aspirations.
Applicants are required to complete an online application form and provide supporting documentation, including evidence of enrolment or application, academic records and a personal statement (written or video).
Yes. Applicants may submit either a written statement or a video explaining their background, goals and how the scholarship would support their studies and future career aspirations.
Applicants are encouraged to provide confirmation from a registered Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. If this is not possible, alternative documentation may be accepted, including a statutory declaration outlining your heritage and community connections.
We understand that every person's journey is different. Applicants who may not meet every criterion are still encouraged to apply and explain their individual circumstances. Flexibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome approximately two weeks after applications close.
For any questions about the scholarship or application process, please contact scholarships@firstnationseconomics.com
The Leah Armstrong Scholarship was established to help build a pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women leaders who will shape businesses, organisations, communities and economies for future generations. By increasing participation in these fields, we can strengthen economic empowerment and create lasting intergenerational impact.
Our Network

Purpose Partners

Ready to Apply?

Download the scholarship guidelines and submit your application. We look forward to hearing your story.

Apply Now Scholarship Guidelines Become a Partner
Enquiries scholarships@firstnationseconomics.com

Gurminder Saro

Interim Chair

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer, and economic specialist. He leads First Nations Economics as Managing Director of Strategy and Foundation and serves as Associate Dean of First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney.

With over 15 years of experience spanning government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, Rick is deeply committed to advancing the economic development of First Peoples. As the former Director of First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes at NSW Treasury, he spearheaded the state’s inaugural Indigenous expenditure reporting processes and established the groundbreaking First Nations budget process in 2021/22. Previously, Rick held an executive role at the Westpac Group, overseeing First Nations affairs, and has a rich history in government, monitoring, evaluation, and negotiation, with senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney, and Standards Australia.

Rick is a published author with Oxford University Press, a member of the First Nations Advisory Board of Siemens Australia, and a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barnardos Australia.