Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership – Public Sector Scholarship
Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation offers the Lowitja O’Donoghue Excellence in Leadership – Public Sector Scholarship as the prestigious inaugural initiative of its new Leadership program.
Delivered for the first time in 2026, the scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals with substantive Public Sector experience to deepen their leadership capacity, cultural authority and influence, strengthening capacity to drive reform and create positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
The scholarship carries forward Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s legacy of courageous, self-determined leadership. Guided by her example, it aims to empower through the continuation of her work of leading with, for, and through our communities.
The objective of this scholarship is to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership pipeline, and to contribute to a broader national reform initiative which creates genuine, long-term impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership across the Public Sector.
Watch the How to Apply video
Excellence in Leadership – Public Sector Scholarship
Value: Up to $50,000 per scholarship
Duration: 12 months
Details: Distinct from a traditional academic scholarship, this initiative provides funding for each successful recipient to co-design a personalised 12-month leadership pathway plan with the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation. This may include options such as mentoring, executive and governance training, and conference and exchange opportunities (refer to Guidelines).
The scholarship is open to applicants from across Australia, with up to three scholarships available. Applicants from remote and rural areas are welcomed.
To learn more about the scholarship, please review the Guidelines
Applications closed
For more information, please review the Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions, or contact [email protected]
