First Nations Economics in partnership with First Nations Foundation has announced a new round of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship program for 2025.

Named in honour of trailblazing Torres Strait Islander woman and chair of First Australians Capital, Leah Armstrong, the scholarship program supports First Nations women pursuing higher education in finance and business.

The scholarship offers up to $20,000 per year for up to three years for First Nations women pursuing full-time tertiary studies at an Australian tertiary education provider.

First Nations Economics managing director, Associate Professor Rick Macourt, reaffirmed the scholarship's commitment to driving sustainable transformation:

"Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to excel in critical fields like finance, governance, and economics is essential for community-driven solutions," Professor Macourt said.

"Our inaugural year demonstrated the incredible potential of these scholars to lead transformative change that benefits not just themselves, but their entire communities.

"As an organisation, we are proud to invest in the self-determination of First Nations women."

First Nations Foundation chief executive, Phil Usher, said the Scholarship is about creating long-term economic and social value for First Nations people."

"Education is key to self-determination. By equipping First Nations women with the tools to lead, we empower communities to take control of their futures," Mr Usher said,

Desire Kilduff, an inaugural recipient of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, said for them the scholarship was "life changing".

"It has allowed me to focus on my studies and pursue my dreams without financial burden," Ms Kilduff said.

"I encourage all eligible First Nations women to apply."

Scholarship patron Leah Armstrong emphasised the importance of the scholarship program.

"We must remove barriers for First Nations women in their pursuit of higher education," Ms Armstrong said.

"This scholarship program is an investment in the future of our people and our communities."

Applications for the Leah Armstrong Scholarship are now open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women studying or intending to study at an Australian university or tertiary education institution.

The program welcomes applicants from various disciplines, including economics, finance, business, and community governance.

Applications open Monday December 16, closing Friday January 31, 2025.

More information about the Scholarship and the application process is available via the First Nation Economics website.