University of Exeter welcomes new partnership with Aurora Education Foundation to support postgraduate study
The University of Exeter has announced a new partnership that will create opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.
The agreement will enable students supported by the Aurora Education Foundation to undertake postgraduate taught programmes at the University, strengthening international educational links while advancing Exeter’s commitment to creating a fairer and more inclusive future.
The Aurora Education Foundation is an Indigenous organisation that works to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education, professional development and leadership opportunities.
Through the new partnership, eligible Aurora students will be supported to continue their academic journeys at Exeter, gaining access to world-class teaching, research-led education and an international learning environment.
The collaboration reflects the ambitions set out in the University of Exeter’s Strategy 2030, particularly its commitment to becoming a more equitable institution through the “Fairer” strand of the strategy. This seeks to create opportunities for learners from all backgrounds to access education, thrive during their studies and contribute to positive change in society.
“We are delighted to establish this partnership with the Aurora Education Foundation,” said Professor Richard Follett, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement at Exeter. “It reflects our shared belief in the transformative power of education and our commitment to creating opportunities for talented students from diverse backgrounds to fulfil their potential.”
“This collaboration aligns closely with our Strategy 2030 vision and our commitment to working with organisations which share our values of inclusivity and in building fairer societies. We look forward to welcoming Aurora students to Exeter and to learning from the perspectives, experiences and knowledge they will bring to our academic community.”
The first Aurora-supported students are expected to join Exeter’s postgraduate community in the coming academic year, contributing to the University’s diverse and internationally connected learning environment.
Tamara Murdock, Deputy CEO at the Aurora Education Foundation, said: “Aurora is proud to welcome the University of Exeter as a partner. This agreement represents another important step in creating impact at multiple levels – supporting individuals, strengthening communities, building institutional relationships and fostering international collaboration. We are excited to begin what we hope is a long partnership that expands opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and supports our scholars to realise their aspirations through international study.”
As Exeter continues to expand its global partnerships, the agreement with the Aurora Education Foundation demonstrates the University’s commitment to ensuring that internationalisation and educational excellence go hand in hand with inclusion and social impact.
By welcoming students through the Aurora programme pathway, Exeter is also proud to build on its broader commitment to working with organisations that share its values around educational opportunity, social mobility and inclusion, and fostering greater cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United Kingdom and Australia.
