Roberta Sykes CEW Scholarship
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 select a short course delivered face-to-face or online through one of four partner institutions: Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School (Boston, USA), INSEAD (Singapore), or Saïd Business School (University of Oxford, UK). You must meet the eligibility criteria below, and demonstrate why you have chosen the course and how it will benefit you in your current and future roles.
Who should apply?
We are looking for middle and senior women managers across not-for-profit, government, and corporate sectors. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria.
Eligibility criteria
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Provide written confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council
- Hold a mid-level to senior management role (CEO, or no more than three levels below CEO)
- Demonstrate three or more years of leadership experience, including managing a team or team leaders
- Two or more years of general management experience covering P&L management, strategic planning, and people leadership
- Demonstrate ongoing connection and commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Inclusions and obligations
The maximum value of this scholarship is $21,000 AUD (inclusive of up to $3,000 AUD towards travel). Here's what's covered.
-
Course fees Scholar's choice of short course offered by Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD Singapore, or Saïd Business School (University of Oxford)
-
Travel allowance Up to $3,000 AUD towards travel expenses (any cost above $21,000 AUD total must be covered by the recipient)
-
CEW alumni community On completion, recipients join the CEW alumni community and the Aurora Education Foundation alumni network
-
Flexible delivery Courses available online or in-person across four world-leading institutions
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
Scholars on the experience
Hear from past recipients of the Roberta Sykes CEW Scholarship.
"This is an amazing opportunity to increase my networks and continue to advocate for the voice of First Nations within the digital technology space."
"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."
Get in touch
Questions about the scholarship, eligibility, or the application process? We're happy to help.
Email the scholarships teamWe aim to respond to all enquiries within two business days.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open now. Submit your application by 31 August 2026.
