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The Perera Foundation Indigenous Scholarship is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Western Sydney University with up to $45,000 in course fee assistance, helping reduce financial barriers and create pathways to professional careers in accounting, finance, business, law, commerce, and property.
New opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Western Sydney University have been created to pursue higher education and build meaningful professional careers.
The Perera Foundation Indigenous Scholarship, launched through a partnership between the Perera Foundation and Castle Group, provides up to $15,000 per year towards course fees for up to three years, supporting students studying undergraduate accounting, finance, business, law, commerce, or property.
Established by Castle Group founder and group CEO Ritchie Perera in 2014, the Perera Foundation has a strong history of investing in communities and creating opportunities that improve people’s lives.
The scholarship reflects this commitment by reducing financial barriers to education and helping Indigenous students achieve their academic and career ambitions.
With Western Sydney University recently reaching 1,000 Indigenous students, the initiative represents an important investment in Indigenous participation, leadership and long-term professional opportunities across Western Sydney and beyond.
Talking to Lawyers Weekly, a Western Sydney University professor noted the initiative relieves financial pressure for Indigenous students.
“The scholarship helps create genuine equality of opportunity by reducing the financial pressures that can affect a student’s ability to continue and succeed at university, giving recipients greater capacity to focus on their studies, aspirations, and future careers,” the spokesperson said.
“This support sits within Western Sydney University’s distinctive, Indigenous-led approach to student success.
“Through the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, students have access to a culturally safe, strengths-based model of support spanning aspiration and entry through to graduation and early career, including academic guidance, cultural mentoring, financial assistance, and leadership and career development.”
The professor highlighted how the comprehensive framework of support is already yielding significant results across the university community.
“This approach is delivering meaningful impact; Western Sydney Uni is the first Sydney-based university to enrol 1,000 Indigenous students, reflecting increased access, participation, achievement and success,” they said.
“It directly supports the university’s Indigenous Strategy 2026–2030 commitment to fostering belonging and inclusion and empowering Indigenous retention and student success.”
Looking ahead, it was noted that the scholarship’s long-term benefits extend beyond immediate financial relief to lasting career outcomes.
“The scholarship’s long-term impact will be reflected in the opportunities and pathways it helps create for recipients, including completing their degrees, developing confidence and leadership capabilities, connecting with industry, and progressing into meaningful professional careers,” the spokesperson said.
“Western’s experience demonstrates how culturally responsive support can translate into lasting outcomes.
“Since 2022, the university has celebrated 617 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student completions, with graduates progressing into professional careers, further study and community leadership roles.”
In addition to academic achievement, the scholarship emphasises mixing students with practical industry experience to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.
“By combining financial support with the university’s focus on cadetships, internships, leadership opportunities, and broader industry engagement, the scholarship can help strengthen Indigenous participation in business, law, commerce, finance, accounting, and property,” the spokesperson said.
“The lasting benefit will extend beyond individual recipients, contributing Indigenous talent, perspectives and leadership to industries and communities across Western Sydney and beyond.”
