The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) has welcomed a record intake of students into its 2026 scholarship program.

A total of 2422 new Year 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students were introduced across four formal ceremonies, alongside additional celebrations held in schools across Queensland.

The events also recognised 256 current student leaders within the program, including 39 School Captains and 14 Vice-Captains.

Celebrations were led by QATSIF student emcees and featured performances by school dance troupes, as well as displays of artwork, music and poetry created by Indigenous students.

Elders were also acknowledged and paid tribute during the celebrations, recognising their ongoing presence and support within the program.

Across the program in 2026, a total of 4824 students from 454 Queensland state, independent and Catholic schools will each receive up to $2,000.

The scholarships are designed to assist with the costs associated with senior schooling, including uniforms, books, equipment, excursions and other education-related expenses during Years 11 and 12.

Over the past 17 years, more than 24,300 First Nations students have been awarded a QATSIF scholarship.

This figure represents the equivalent of around 10 per cent of all Indigenous people in Queensland.

QATSIF chair, Kurt Schulte-Schrepping, said the foundation's work continues to connect past and future generations through education.

"We know that when opportunity meets potential, the world is changed, both for an individual, for the community and for our nation," Mr Schulte-Schrepping said.

"I was filled with pride to see the faces of our new recipients and student leaders, ready to conquer whatever comes their way, supported by funding from our Elders.

"We look forward to continuing to support all these incredible students to the end of year 12 and beyond as they begin their career journeys. We welcome them all to the QATSIF family."

Williams, Aunty Di Price, and Uncle Dennis Bobongie. (Image: Papillon Studio Photography)

QATSIF exists to honour the stories and legacy of those affected by the injustice of Stolen Wages, while creating positive outcomes for new generations of Indigenous Queenslanders.

The foundation's original capital was formed from undistributed funds from the Indigenous Wages and Savings Reparations Scheme, along with money held in the Aborigines Welfare Fund.

This capital is held in a charitable trust administered and invested by the Queensland Public Trustee.

QATSIF's role is to ensure that the investment income generated from this trust directly supports the education of First Nations students in Years 11 and 12 across Queensland.