NAB Invests in Higher Education Scholarships to Empower First Nations Talent

New Undergraduate Scholarships to Support First Nations Students at Top Australian Universities

The NAB Foundation is introducing a new Student Scholarship program that will support First Nations students who want to have careers in finance and business. The initiative, the First Nations Futures Scholarship, will commence in 2026 and will provide ten Undergraduate Scholarships for Students of Business at five of Australia's top-ranked Universities. In addition to Financial Assistance for Students, NAB will also offer mentoring, internships, and Career Development opportunities to enable recipients to become Future Generation Business Leaders. The program is part of NAB's overall commitment to First Nations economic empowerment and is consistent with its Reconciliation Action Plan, which enables the self-determined aspirations of First Nations communities.

NAB First Nations Affairs Head Sam Webster said the program is an investment in First Nations students' futures and their families' future, as well as the broader Australian economy. Webster said First Nations people are built on a foundation of resilience and vision, and that the Higher Education Scholarship will enable students to access university, secure Jobs for Students, and play a long-term role in building communities.

The scholarships will be administered by the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, the University of Newcastle, QUT, and Curtin University. Each of these institutions will coordinate the Scholarship Application process and provide specific assistance through their Indigenous student services. University of Melbourne Dean of Business and Economics Professor Paul Kofman stated that the grant would break down barriers for Aboriginal students, particularly those from remote communities. He said that the program would make it easier for students to attend university and ensure they have hands-on assistance to pursue their studies and Business.

Apart from the ten university scholarships, the NAB Foundation will also sponsor seven Higher Education Scholarships under Yalari, a First Nations-led not-for-profit organisation supporting students from regional and remote communities to make the transition to university life. The announcement was made during Indigenous Business Month, which honours First Nations business and enterprise excellence. The scholarship program is one of several measures that NAB is making to encourage Indigenous involvement in the economy and advance longer-term prospects for First Nations students.

Editor’s Note:

The NAB Foundation’s new Student Scholarship program marks a welcome and practical step towards improving access to higher education for First Nations students. By offering financial support, mentoring, and career development, the initiative goes beyond traditional scholarships; it invests in long-term outcomes. These Undergraduate Scholarships are not only about helping students study business; they are about building future leaders who can shape Australia’s economy and strengthen their communities. Central to this program's value is its emphasis on self-determination and support that is tailored to individual needs. Many First Nations students face numerous barriers in accessing university, especially those from regional and remote areas. By working with top Australian universities and Indigenous student services, NAB is working to remove barriers and create real pathways into higher education. Yalari scholarships add further outreach to ensure that students from all walks of life get a fair chance to succeed. This is a classic case of how partnerships between corporations and educational entities create genuine impact. The program demonstrates NAB's commitment to reconciliation and economic empowerment and serves as a strong blueprint for others to follow. 

Skoobuzz argues that the support of Students Studying Business is about much more than an individual's success; it lifts families, creates jobs, and builds a better future. A month that commemorates Indigenous business merit is an excellent opportunity to celebrate this endeavour as a well-considered and strategic investment.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the NAB First Nations scholarship?

The NAB First Nations Futures Scholarship is open to First Nations students who plan to begin an undergraduate degree in business or finance at one of the selected Australian universities in 2026. Applicants should demonstrate commitment to their studies and aspirations for business leadership.

2. How can students apply for the NAB scholarship?

Students can apply through the Indigenous student support services at one of the five participating universities. Each university will manage the application process and guide eligible students throughout.

3. What does the NAB scholarship cover for business students?

The scholarship includes financial support to assist with study costs, as well as access to mentoring, internships, and career development opportunities. These benefits are designed to help students succeed in their studies and prepare for future roles in business.

4. Which universities are included in the scholarship program?

The program is delivered in partnership with five leading Australian universities: the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, the University of Newcastle, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Curtin University.

5. Why is NAB investing in future First Nations business leaders?

NAB is committed to supporting First Nations economic empowerment and believes that investing in education creates long-term benefits. By helping students access higher education and career opportunities, NAB aims to strengthen communities, improve household incomes, and build future leadership in the Australian economy.