AFTRS announces new scholarships and recipients

Alongside two new scholarships to support aspiring film makers, The Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS) have also announced recipients of radio and podcasting scholarships for 2025.

The two newly established scholarships, in partnership with The HOYTS Group and the Dylan Alcott Foundation (DAF). will support students from under-represented groups, in the Australian film and broadcast sectors, to study at the School. Successful applicants for both scholarships will be selected based on creative excellence, and the impact that the scholarship would have on their education.

AFTRS has also announced the recipients of nine merit-based scholarships, the First Nations merit scholarship, supported by the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust, the ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship, the CRA Regional Radio Scholarship, the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship supported by NOVA Entertainment, the Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship supported by Ocean Capital Partners and GSL Media, the Craft Excellence Scholarship, the Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship, and the Women in Cinematography Scholarship sponsored by SONY.

Luke Hodge is a recipient of one of AFTRS’ First Nations Scholarships. He said:

“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honour that fuels my passion for storytelling and amplifies my voice as a First Nations Creative. It represents an opportunity to not only pursue my academic and professional goals but also to share the rich and powerful narratives of my community with the world. My aspirations are to continue growing as a producer, creating impactful multi-platform stories that resonate with diverse audiences. I am deeply grateful to the Kenneth Myer Fellowship Trust for believing in my potential and supporting the next generation of storytellers.”

CRA Regional Radio Scholarship recipient Jennifer Johnson said:

“The CRA Regional Radio Scholarship is an incredible help to me as I upskill and make my way back into the radio industry. From Alice, to Toowoomba, to Perth and many places in between, I have lived in the city, large regional towns and small towns. I love that I am able to live in a regional area and have started to work remotely. I am excited that I can now fulfil a desire to study with AFTRS and I’m grateful to receive this scholarship.”

Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship recipient Ella Carter said:

“I am filled with endless gratitude, exhilaration and pride! To receive the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship is such an honour and I could not be more excited to attend AFTRS in 2024. With the help of this Scholarship, I am able to take the leap from New Zealand to Australia and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a radio host. I hope to share stories, touch hearts and ignite smiles. I will forever be thankful to AFTRS and the team at Smooth FM for this incredible opportunity. Like Mr Daniel, I want to be kind, generous, humble and honest in my craft.”

Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship recipient Margaret (Maggie) Videan said:

“I am delighted to be the recipient of the Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation Scholarship. More than providing financial assistance, which is of course incredibly helpful, it has given me a heightened faith in myself and galvanised my aspirations as a broadcaster. It has validated the potential I may have in my voice, my narrative and my purpose. This Scholarship also opens up a myriad of opportunities, offering me access to unparalleled resources, mentorship and a community of like-minded creatives. Further, I see this as a unique platform to inspire other women to be aspirational, to be bold, to be tenacious and embrace change through the sharing of stories.”

ARN Radio and Podcasting Scholarship recipient Rachael Bourke said:

“Being awarded this Scholarship is a testament to the power of passion and determination. I am truly grateful to ARN and AFTRS for the opportunity to amplify my voice, create meaningful stories and inspire others. I look forward to finding my niche in this industry.”

 Sarah Whyte was the Craft Excellence Scholarship recipient, Tin Win Hlaing received the Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship and The Women in Cinematography Scholarship had two recipients, Melika Azimi and Keira D’Arcy.

Applications are open for the 2025 Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, which you can do full or part time, face to face and online, are open until October 29^th: https://www.aftrs.edu.au/award-course/graduate-diploma-in-radio-and-podcasting/

Scholarships and financial support options available here: https://www.aftrs.edu.au/students/future-students/scholarships-and-financial-support/

Pictured Scholarship Recipients (L R): Jennifer Johnson, Rachael Bourke, Melika Azimi, Kiera D’Arcy, Luke Hodge, Maggie Videan, Tin Win Hlaing, Ella Carter, Sarah Whyte