This scholarship honours the life and work of the late Japanangka errol West, an internationally recognised poet and scholar. Japanangka errol was a leading Tasmanian Aboriginal academic, known for his scholarship in the field of Indigenous methodologies and pedagogies.

Value and duration

This scholarship consists of a base living allowance stipend, co-funded by the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Excellence (OPVCIE), of $50,000 per annum and a top-up scholarship, funded by the OPVCIE, of $10,000 per annum for 3.5 years.

Closing date

01 October 2026

* For commencement in 2027.

Eligibility

The following eligibility criteria apply to this scholarship:

Applicants must:

• be eligible to enrol in a full-time master's or doctoral degree at the University of Tasmania in 2027;
• meet the Australian Government’s definition of Aboriginality, which requires that an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person:
  • is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
  • identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and,
  • is accepted as such by the community in which he or she lives or has lived
• provide a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage from a recognised ORIC corporation.

*These scholarships are subject to Exemption 13/09/033 that permits advertising for and awarding of the scholarships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates only.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the Academic Unit and the UTAS Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) committee.

Funding

The scholarship is funded by the University of Tasmania and the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP).

Application process

Applicants may:

• apply for an advertised HDR project listed on the Available Projects webpage; or,
• contact the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Excellence for assistance in seeking a Supervisor to develop your own project

In your application, please indicate under Scholarship Support that you wish to be considered for a UTAS merit-based scholarship for a living allowance, as well as Japanangka errol West Graduate Research Scholarship.

After submitting your application for candidature, please contact GraduateResearch.Partnerships@utas.edu.au with your name, application ID number and the name of the scholarship you have applied for.

More information

Please contact the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Excellence for further information regarding Higher Degrees by Research (HDR): pvc.indigenous.excellence@utas.edu.au