SBS Radio focused on developing Australian radio talent with new scholarship

In an initiative to expand and enrich AFTRS’ student community, SBS Radio has partnered with the Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS) to offer a Graduate Diploma in Radio 2018 scholarship.

Selected on the basis of merit from eligible students across several language groups, in addition to being awarded a scholarship to the AFTRS’ Graduate Diploma in Radio the successful applicant will also be offered a one day per week 12-month placement with SBS Radio.

According to SBS Director of Audio and Language Content Mandi Wicks, the partnership offers a unique opportunity to select recognise a multilingual student.

“With early 50% of Australians either being born overseas, or with at least one parent who was born overseas, we are hoping to find plenty of potential bilingual radio talent,” she said.

AFTRS Program Leader for Radio Lisa Sweeney added: “Taking this scholarship to study with AFTRS is an amazing educational opportunity, as our Graduate Diploma in Radio is the best broadcasting course in Australia and leads to excellent employment prospects upon graduation.

“With the internship at SBS Radio included in the year’s study, the chance to learn within the industry and to connect with a network of professionals means a fantastic head start for the student. AFTRS is so grateful to SBS for providing this scholarship.”

The following language groups are qualified to apply for the scholarship: Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Kurdish, Mandarin, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Shortlisted students will be required to undertake a language test facilitated by SBS Radio.

Applications for the AFTRS Graduate Diploma of Radio 2018 are open until October 16 via the website.