Two Griffith Business School students have been named recipients of the Student Investment Fund Scholarship, an award unlike any other, funded not by a corporate donor or government grant, but by the investment returns generated by students themselves.
Julia Chambers and Aditya Singh are the latest recipients of the Griffith Business School Student Investment Fund (SIF) Scholarship, each receiving $5,000 to support their studies and help them realise their ambitions in finance.
The scholarship, open to undergraduate Griffith Business School students, is funded entirely through the SIF, Australia’s largest ESG-focused, student-managed investment fund. Launched in 2018 with $250,000 in seed capital from Griffith Business School and bolstered by more than $100,000 in donor contributions, the fund has now exceeded $600,000 in value and has delivered an average return of 7% per cent per annum. All profits flow directly back into student scholarships.
It is a model that Associate Professor John Fan, from the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics and Director of the SIF program, describes as genuinely circular.
“The SIF Scholarship sits at the heart of what we’re trying to build with the fund,” he said. “It is a model where strong investment performance is directly reinvested into creating opportunity. It goes beyond financial support by recognising talent, backing potential and hard work, and giving students who may not otherwise have the same access a genuine pathway to excel.”
“What makes this particularly meaningful is that the scholarships are student-powered, generated through the work of our SIF students themselves. It brings the whole model full circle, where student effort translates directly into opportunity for others.”
Associate Professor John Fan
For Julia Chambers, the scholarship carries a significance that goes well beyond the financial.
A regional student balancing study, work and the challenges of life outside a major city, Julia has navigated her university journey against a backdrop that includes the disruption of flooding in her community.
“The Griffith Business School Student Investment Fund Scholarship means more than just financial support to me,” Julia said. “It is also a recognition of the resilience and commitment that have shaped my university journey as a regional student.”
“Balancing study, life, and casual work while navigating challenges like the recent flooding in my community has not always been easy, however, this award gives me the stability and confidence to keep moving forward.”
For Aditya Singh, the scholarship arrives at a pivotal point in his professional development. Alongside his studies, Aditya has been actively building his profile in finance through leadership roles, case competitions and industry engagement.
“I’m very grateful to have been awarded the Scholarship,” Aditya said. “To me, it is both meaningful recognition and practical support at an important stage of my development.”
“Receiving this scholarship is encouraging and gives me greater capacity to keep pushing forward. It will help me continue making the most of the opportunities available at Griffith while building the skills and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to in the industry.”
The Student Investment Fund is far more than a source of scholarship revenue. Students analyse, evaluate and invest real capital in socially responsible ASX-listed companies, using live market data in Griffith’s Trading Room. The fund’s investment decisions are guided by a committee of industry professionals and expert staff who mentor students throughout the program.
Since its launch, the SIF has trained more than 300 student analysts and awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships.
Find out more about the Student Investment Fund, or visit the course descriptions for 3217AFE (undergraduate) or 7261AFE (postgraduate).
