South Australian entrepreneurs with a passion for growing the local space economy can now apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to travel abroad and learn from leading space organisations and agencies.

The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) is providing $100,000 worth of scholarships through the third round of Space Scholarship Program.

Since the establishment of the program in 2018, nine candidates have successfully received scholarships, enabling them to attend some of the world’s largest space conferences, study at leading universities and intern at prominent space agencies.

SASIC Chief Executive Richard Price said the scholarship program supports up and coming innovators and entrepreneurs acquire new knowledge and skills from international experiences to enhance South Australia’s space capabilities.

“South Australia is driving growth across the nation’s space sector, and with the space activity building at our innovation precinct Lot Fourteen, new and exciting opportunities are being created for our young people,” Price said.

“Growing the future space workforce and cultivating the next generation of leaders is imperative to the continued success of South Australia’s space industry.

“The Space Scholarship Program provides promising leaders in this industry with enriching overseas experiences that fuel passion and build their expertise to forge meaningful careers in South Australia’s space sector.”

Successful applicants will use the funding to develop their leadership skills, experience and knowledge in emerging areas of space law, space medicine, small satellites and space technology, through education, and/or training at space-related organisations.

Candidates eligible to apply must be:

  • an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident residing in South Australia 
  • a postgraduate with qualifications in science, technology, engineering, law, medicine, IT, economics business.

The program is part of the Space Innovation Fund and aims to invigorate South Australia’s space industry by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in South Australia.