Netflix and AFTRS Launch First Nations Scholarships to Support the Next Generation of Australian Storytellers

Netflix and the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) have partnered to introduce two new scholarships aimed at supporting First Nations Australians pursuing careers in the screen industry.

Valued at $50,000 each, the Netflix First Nations Pathways Scholarships will enable two recipients to undertake full time study at AFTRS' Sydney campus from the 2027 academic year. The scholarships are open to graduates of the On Country Pathways Program, an AFTRS initiative that delivers film, audio and storytelling workshops in remote, regional and rural communities across Australia.

Since its launch, the program has engaged more than 120 emerging First Nations creatives through workshops held in locations including Warmun and Bidyadanga in Western Australia, Cairns in Queensland, and Eden and Gadigal Country in New South Wales. The new scholarships provide a pathway for participants to continue their education and further develop their creative practice.

Beyond financial support, recipients will also gain access to AFTRS short courses and tailored mentorship opportunities, helping them build industry connections and strengthen their skills as they progress into professional careers.

The initiative builds on an established partnership between Netflix and AFTRS, which has previously delivered scholarships for Indigenous students and leadership development programs for Australia's screen workforce. Together, these collaborations reflect a shared commitment to broadening access to training and creating opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive screen industry.

Applications for the Netflix First Nations Pathways Scholarships will open on 17 June, with successful recipients commencing their studies in 2027.

Source: TV Tonight

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