First published 14 October 2026
Arts students wanting to help shape the future at the intersection of technology, culture and society will have new support to pursue their ambitions at QUT in 2027, courtesy of the Bachelor of Arts Impact Scholarship.
The merit-based program, to be launched alongside the new Bachelor of Arts degree, aims to encourage the next generation of thinkers, creatives and social changemakers who will bring the critical human capabilities needed in the age of AI.
Scholars will receive $5000 for each year of their three-year degree, in addition to peer support, mentoring and leadership opportunities.
The program is designed to help talented students thrive through reducing practical pressures, giving students more room to focus on learning and to participate in university life.
Scholars will also join the QUT College of Excellence, an interdisciplinary community of high-achieving students from across the university. Membership provides access to mentoring and industry networks, along with funding for professional development and leadership opportunities - such as international conference attendance.
These connections will support students as they build the confidence and networks to take their next steps.
The program comes at a critical juncture for arts, humanities and social sciences in Australia.
As technology reshapes how people live and work, the ability to think critically, communicate clearly and to understand different perspectives remains essential, says Professor Lori Lockyer, Executive Dean of QUT’s Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice.
“What becomes more valuable as technology accelerates are the skills that are genuinely hard to replicate: critical thinking, ethical reasoning, cultural understanding, creative problem-solving and the ability to work across complex and ambiguous systems," Prof Lockyer said.
"The opportunity is not to choose between technology and arts. It is to understand how they shape each other and to be the kind of graduate who can work confidently at that intersection.
"We are directly addressing the top concerns raised by students and parents from career clarity and employability to real world relevance.”
The new Bachelor of Arts brings human skills together with digital capability and practical experience. Students will connect their learning with community issues and undertake work-integrated learning and internships, preparing for careers across fields including government, media, education, policy, technology and the creative industries.
Professor Gene Moyle, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Programs and Partnerships), has chosen to support BA Impact Scholars through the QUT Staff Giving program.
“I want talented students who are drawn to the arts and humanities to know that their aspirations matter," she said.
"At a time of rapid technological change and growing uncertainty about the future of work, I hope this scholarship sends a clear message: creativity, critical thinking and understanding what it means to be human remain essential to our future.”
Faculty seed funding will match early donor contributions dollar-for-dollar, doubling impact and accelerating support for the first BA Impact Scholars. Philanthropic contributions will help the program grow over time, with more Scholars growing the cohort each year.
For alumni and friends of QUT, this is an opportunity to support students at the beginning of their university journey and affirm the value of an arts education.
Gifts will help build a program that recognises talent and potential, encouraging students to pursue the challenges, ideas, and possibilities that inspire them. To find out more, email giving@qut.edu.au. Current staff at QUT may wish to consider making a regular payroll deduction through Staff Connect.
Learn more about Bachelor of Arts Scholars program here.
