About this scholarship
Established in 2016 by ACU Vice Chancellor, this scholarship honours Francis Xavier Conaci, a young Aboriginal scholar who joined the Benedictines and travelled to Rome for his education. This scholarship will assist Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students to undertake study at the University's Rome campus.
Scholarship type
Merit
Value
- This scholarship is valued at $4,000.
- ACU will use the scholarship funds to cover the scholarship recipient’s travel to Rome, accommodation, and the Justice and Change in a Global World (UNCC300) unit tuition fee.
- There are up to two scholarships available.
Student type
Current Students
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to applicants who meet all of the following criteria:
- Commenced current ACU course in 2025 or prior
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required)
- Course: Enrolled in the Justice and Change in a Global World (UNCC300) unit in Semester 1, 2026
Application process
Applicants will be required to provide the following as part of the application:
- A written statement* of approximately 400 words outlining how attending the Justice and Change in a Global World (UNCC300) unit in Rome matters to your education, and how it connects to your background, goals, culture and community.
- Upload Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status (for more information on this requirement, please visit COA)
*Statements are assessed on content, not language skills. If you access assistance from advisors, tutors or AI technology to complete your personal statement, please ensure that your submission accurately reflects your personal situation with regards to the criteria.
If you would like assistance with completing your application, please contact your local Indigenous Higher Education Unit.
Selection criteria
Applications are assessed on the strength of the written statement.
Selection process
Applicants will be shortlisted by the Scholarships Office, and the recipient will be selected by a committee comprised of the Director, First Peoples Directorate, PVC Global, and an Aboriginal Elder or Indigenous Academic as nominated by the Director of First Peoples Directorate.
Other
- Recipients will be requested to submit an Impact Statement for the donor explaining how the scholarship has assisted them. This should be submitted to the ACU Scholarships Office no later than 1 October in the year the scholarship is awarded.
- Students may be required to participate in a program managed by the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, including visits to key destinations associated with Francis Xavier Conaci and participation in an award ceremony.
- Students may be required to engage with media and news organisations to support the promotion of the scholarship. ACU will support students with these arrangements.
Francis Xavier Conaci Scholarship
About this scholarship
Established in 2016 by ACU Vice Chancellor, this scholarship honours Francis Xavier Conaci, a young Aboriginal scholar who joined the Benedictines and travelled to Rome for his education. This scholarship will assist Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students to undertake study at the University's Rome campus.
Scholarship type
Merit
Value
- This scholarship is valued at $4,000.
- ACU will use the scholarship funds to cover the scholarship recipient’s travel to Rome, accommodation, and the Justice and Change in a Global World (UNCC300) unit tuition fee.
- There are up to two scholarships available.
Student type
Current Students
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to applicants who meet all of the following criteria:
- Commenced current ACU course in 2025 or prior
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required)
- Course: Enrolled in the Justice and Change in a Global World (UNCC300) unit in Semester 1, 2026
Application process
Applicants will be required to provide the following as part of the application:
- A written statement* of approximately 400 words outlining how attending the Justice and Change in a Global World (UNCC300) unit in Rome matters to your education, and how it connects to your background, goals, culture and community.
- Upload Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status (for more information on this requirement, please visit COA)
*Statements are assessed on content, not language skills. If you access assistance from advisors, tutors or AI technology to complete your personal statement, please ensure that your submission accurately reflects your personal situation with regards to the criteria.
If you would like assistance with completing your application, please contact your local Indigenous Higher Education Unit.
Selection criteria
Applications are assessed on the strength of the written statement.
Selection process
Applicants will be shortlisted by the Scholarships Office, and the recipient will be selected by a committee comprised of the Director, First Peoples Directorate, PVC Global, and an Aboriginal Elder or Indigenous Academic as nominated by the Director of First Peoples Directorate.
Other
- Recipients will be requested to submit an Impact Statement for the donor explaining how the scholarship has assisted them. This should be submitted to the ACU Scholarships Office no later than 1 October in the year the scholarship is awarded.
- Students may be required to participate in a program managed by the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, including visits to key destinations associated with Francis Xavier Conaci and participation in an award ceremony.
- Students may be required to engage with media and news organisations to support the promotion of the scholarship. ACU will support students with these arrangements.