The ARA Women in Rail Professional Development Scholarships 2024-2025 

As part of our Women in Rail Strategy 2023-2026, the ARA provides scholarship opportunities for women in the rail industry to undertake professional and leadership development courses.  

For 2024-2025, the ARA will sponsor: 

• Twelve women to participate in the Women Rising program (online) 

• One executive-level woman to participate in the Chief Executive Women Leaders Program (in person) 

The courses support women across a range of professional levels and industry experience, including senior and emerging leaders.    

Women Rising Program 

Women Rising is a leadership development program for women at any career stage. The program is designed to improve confidence, resilience and leadership skills, as well as enhance long-term career progression and provide networking opportunities for participants.  

The four-month Women Rising program is conducted online, making it a valuable opportunity, particularly for those based in regional areas. The time commitment is approximately one to two hours per week for the 16-week duration. The course is valued at $1399.  

Find out more about the Women in Rising Program.

Who should apply: 

This program is an opportunity for women who are looking to: 

• Improve confidence in work and in life 
• Take charge and thrive in their career 
• Unlock their leadership potential 
• Battle imposter syndrome 
• Build influence and presence in the workplace  

Scholarship criteria: 

• Participants must be available to complete the program during the scheduled timeframe (31 March 2025 – 18 July 2025) 
• Applicants must have endorsement from their employer in order to apply 
• Applications are open employees of ARA member organisations
• Applicants cannot be a previous ARA Women in Rail scholarship recipient  
• Applicants must have five years’ work experience, with at least two years in the rail industry 
• Selection criteria: In no more than 300 words, please write how you would utilise the leadership skills gained through this program to positively influence the rail industry. Consider both your current role and your career aspirations.  

Apply for the ARA Women Rising Program Scholarship.

Key dates: 

• Scholarship applications close: 15 November 
• Recipients notified: 13 December 
• Program commencement – 31 March 2025 

Chief Executive Women Leaders Program 

The Chief Executive Women Leaders Program is designed to amplify each woman’s individual leadership strengths in order to fully develop the participant’s potential as a leader. Participants will be prepared for executive readiness, via a program that provides a platform for women leaders to connect, collaborate and inspire each other.  

The program is held across two non-consecutive three-day blocks (six days total). The course is valued at $9240.  

Find out more about the Chief Executive Women Leaders Program.

Who should apply: 

This scholarship is an opportunity for a senior-level woman looking to accelerate her career development and expand her leadership skills and capacity.  

Scholarship criteria: 

• Participants must be available to complete the program during the scheduled timeframe, and attend the required in-person components in their nominated city. The participant must fund their own travel and accommodation costs. 

• Sydney: 1-3 April and 27-29 May 2025 

• Melbourne: 11-13 Feb and 4-6 March 2025 

• Brisbane: 20-22 May and 24-26 June 2025 

• Perth: 25-27 Feb and 8-10 April 2025 

• Applicants must have endorsement from their employer in order to apply 

• Applications are open employees of ARA member organisations

• Applicants must already hold an executive or senior management level position 

• Applicants must have 15 years’ work experience, with at least five years in the rail industry 

• Selection criteria: In no more than 300 words, please write how you would utilise your position as a leader to affect positive change for the rail industry. In 200 words, describe why you are applying for this scholarship. 

Apply for the Chief Executive Women Leaders Program.

Key dates: 

• Scholarship applications close: 15 November 
• Recipients notified: 13 December 
• Program commencement – location dependent