First Nations Cancer Scholarship

A new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in cancer.

The First Nations Cancer Scholarship Program is funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia. Established by the Aurora Education Foundation and Cancer Australia, the First Nations Cancer Scholarship (Scholarship) will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate students, health professionals, and early-career researchers (ECRs) to undertake full-time postgraduate study (graduate certificate, masters or PhD) or research in a cancer-related field. The purpose of the Scholarship is to support Scholars in building the skills and knowledge required to inform strategies to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous communities and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in cancer-related fields.

The Scholarship provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate students, ECRs and professionals access to funds to support their full-time studies or research at recognised universities or institutes in Australia, the US or UK.

Up to four scholarships will be awarded yearly from 2024 to 2026. Administered by Aurora, each scholarship is valued at up to $120, 000 AUD per year, for up to three years. Recipients will also have assess to up to $5,000 AUD per year in tailored academic and wellbeing support. In addition, Aurora will facilitate community and network-building opportunities for individuals and the scholarship cohort.

Please note that if awarded the Scholarship, you will not need to re-apply each year.

Value: $120,000 approx. total

Duration: 3 Years

Availability: 4 scholarships offered

Closed

Open: 17/08/2024
Close: 27/09/2024

How to apply

Internally managed. Fill our online form at https://aurorafoundation.com.au/our-work/indigenous-pathways-portal/scholarships/first-nations-cancer-scholarship/

This scholarship is for:

Areas of study:

Allied Health
Creative arts
Health services and support
Medicine
Nursing
Nutrition and dietetics
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Psychology
Public Policy
Rehabilitation
Science and mathematics
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Social work

At Institution:

Any in Australia

Study level:

Early Career Research
Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
Postgraduate coursework
Postdoctoral
Postgraduate research

Study Load:

Full Time

Location:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, an applicant must:

– Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;

– Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted as such by the community in which they live or have lived;

– Provide written confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council;

– Provide written confirmation of full-time enrolment in a postgraduate course (graduate certificate, masters or PhD) at a recognised university in Australia, the US or the UK OR provide written confirmation from a recognised research institute;

– Must be undertaking full-time graduate study or research in a cancer-related field in health, research and policy. A list of applicable fields is provided under Further Information;

– Provide a budget outlining how the Scholarship funds will be used. The budget must also outline all additional funding and income;

– Be able to demonstrate how the graduate study or research will impact Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in improving cancer-related outcomes and;

– Be able to demonstrate an aspiration towards employment or continued employment in a cancer-related field.

Examples of potential eligible study situations:

Jennifer is interested in completing a Master of Health Promotion at Monash University. She is committed to working for her local AMS to lead smoking cessation initiatives in schools and communities;
TJ is a registered nurse who wants to develop their skills to better support those impacted by cancer. TJ would like to complete a Graduate Diploma in Cancer and Hematology Nursing at the University of Sydney;
Natalie is an early career researcher who requires funding to support her while exploring targeted therapies for paediatric brain cancer at a leading research institute.
Ben is a PhD student developing a community-centered model of care for mob who need to travel to remote communities to receive cancer treatment. Ben requires support to undertake additional field trips and attend conferences.
Liz wants to complete a Master of Creative Arts Therapy at Murdoch University. Liz is committed to expanding her skills to work effectively with adults, youth and families impacted by cancer.

If you would like more information or are uncertain if your course is eligible, please contact the Scholarships team at scholarships@aurorafoundation.com.au.

How to Apply

Please ensure you submit an application with all required documents. Your application will not be considered complete or pass the shortlisting process if all required documents are not submitted by the Scholarship closing date.

The required documents include:

A personal statement of no more than two pages, outlining:
- How you identify with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community(ies) in which you live, have lived or have ancestral connection to, and the contributions you have made within the community;
- A description of the graduate course or research including key focus areas;
- How undertaking the study or research will impact Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in improving cancer-related outcomes;
- The skills and/or knowledge you will develop by completing the study or research and;
- Your aspiration to pursue and/or continue a career in a cancer-related field.
Written confirmation of full-time enrolment from the relevant university and/or institution. Alternatively, written confirmation of application and/or research proposal submitted to the relevant university and/or institution;
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV);
A high-resolution corporate headshot in jpeg format;
A copy of your most up-to-date official academic transcript;
A budget outlining how Scholarship funds will be used (there is a downloadable template within the application form);
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity through a signed statement from an incorporated Indigenous organisation or Land Council;
One written reference from an Elder or a senior member of your community to highlight your connection to community and;
If undertaking graduate study or research, either:
- Two written academic references highlighting your capabilities and the benefits of completing the study or research; OR;
- One academic and one professional written reference highlighting your capabilities and the benefits of completing the study or research.

Ensure all references are emailed by the referee directly to scholarships@aurorafoundation.com.au

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First Nations Cancer Scholarship

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This scholarship is for:

Areas of study:

At Institution:

Study level:

Study Load:

Location:

Eligibility Criteria

How to Apply

Further Information

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Other scholarships you might be interested in

AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship

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Indigenous Master of Psychology Scholarship

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black&write! Writing Fellowships

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