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    Roberta Sykes CEW Scholarship | CEW

    Roberta Sykes CEW Scholarship

    Applications closed for 2026

    About this scholarship

    In partnership with the Aurora Education Foundation, CEW offers three scholarships to rising and mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women leaders across not-for-profit, government, and corporate sectors.

    Applicants are requested to select a course, delivered either face-to-face or online, offered by Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD Singapore, or Saïd Business School (University of Oxford). You must meet the eligibility requirements below, and demonstrate how your chosen course will benefit your career and your community.

    An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman leader

    Inclusions and obligations

    The maximum value of this scholarship is $21,000. Here's what's covered:

    • Course fees Course fees to attend your choice of eligible short courses (see below), up to $21,000
    • Travel allowance Up to $3,000 towards travel expenses, so long as the scholarship total doesn't exceed $21,000
    • CEW alumni community On completion, you'll join the CEW alumni community, CEW Connect Women, and the Aurora Education Foundation alumni network

    Your commitments

    • Select and enrol in a course from Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD Singapore, or Saïd Business School (University of Oxford)
    • Complete the course within 12 months of receiving the scholarship
    • Write a report on your scholarship experience
    • Be available to speak at CEW and Aurora Education Foundation events if requested
    • Join the CEW and Aurora Education Foundation alumni communities on completion

    Eligible programs

    Choose a short course or executive education program that best meets your professional development goals. Any course offered by the following institutions is eligible:

    Scholars on the experience

    "This is an amazing opportunity to increase my networks and continue to advocate for the voice of First Nations within the digital technology space."

    Nattlie Smith
    2023 Scholar

    "The opportunity to study at a prestigious institution like Harvard Kennedy School seemed like an unattainable dream for me in the past. However, witnessing the extraordinary strength and resilience of the women I work with, particularly on the Women's Business 2nd Chance Program, motivated me to take a leap of faith and give it a go."

    Christianna Cartwright
    2023 Scholar

    "Being awarded the Roberta Sykes Scholarship through Chief Executive Women and the Aurora Education Foundation was both a profound honour and a deeply affirming moment in my career. It enabled me to study at the Harvard Kennedy School in Boston, where I completed Using Evidence to Assess Effectiveness - a program that sharpened my ability to critically analyse programs and systems through an evidence-based lens, while remaining grounded in values of equity, accountability and impact. Being a proud Gomeroi woman, walking into a space like Harvard carried weight, responsibility and an immense feeling of pride."

    Carrie Sailor
    2025 Scholar

    Get in touch

    Have a question about the scholarship, eligibility, or the application process? We are happy to help. Contact the scholarships team at scholarships@cew.org.au. We aim to respond within two business days.

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    Acknowledgement of Country

    We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. CEW celebrates the diversity of First Nations people and their continuing connection to land, water, and community, and acknowledges the strength of First Nations women leading their communities. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of the CEW community.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.