Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship 2026 Open

The South Australian Department for Education has officially announced the opening of applications for the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship 2026, a prestigious award dedicated to empowering Aboriginal students completing their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

About the Scholarship

First established in 1993, the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship has become a respected program within South Australian communities, providing crucial financial support to Aboriginal students during their senior secondary years. The initiative is designed to encourage excellence, persistence, and leadership among students while reducing financial barriers to education.

Successful applicants will receive $2,000 in total, disbursed in four payments of $500 across Years 11 and 12. To remain eligible for each installment, students must demonstrate continuous enrolment and active participation in their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

The 2026 round of scholarships is open to Aboriginal students currently enrolled in South Australian Department for Education schools. Applications are specifically targeted at Year 10 students in 2025 who will progress to Year 11 in 2026 and Year 12 in 2027.

Selection is based on multiple indicators, including:

• Academic achievement and consistency – student’s capacity to complete SACE, attendance, and improvement in skills.
• School and community involvement – leadership, role modelling, committee participation, and commitment to Aboriginal communities.
• Career aspirations – clarity of goals, initiative, and communication skills.
• Impact of the scholarship – demonstrated need and the usefulness of the support provided.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a completed form alongside documentation that reflects both their academic performance and community engagement. Required materials include:

• A staff statement from a teacher, counsellor, principal, or Aboriginal education support staff.
• Copies of Year 10 reports (terms 1, 2, and 3).
• A referee statement highlighting contributions to school, state, or Aboriginal community activities.
• Additional supporting evidence such as certificates, letters, or photographs.
• A personal statement outlining career goals and how the scholarship would support them.
• Copies of awards or recognition received.

Applications must be developed in collaboration with school staff, including Aboriginal education teachers, ASETOs, counsellors, tutors, or principals.

Key Dates

Applications for the Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship 2026 session will officially open in Term 4 of 2025. Year 10 students considering applying are encouraged to begin preparing their documents early to strengthen their applications.