While the scholarship is named after Dr (Aunty) Mary Atkinson, it’ll have your name on it if you’re one of the top performing Aboriginal and/or Tor...
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme- Indigenous Health Scholarships
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS) is designed to encourage and assist undergraduate students in health-related disciplines to complete their studies and join the health workforce. The scheme provides scholarships for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people studying an entry level health course.
Funding is provided for the normal duration of the course. Full time scholarship awardees will receive up to $15,000 per year and part time recipients will receive up to $7,500 per year. The funding is paid in 24 fortnightly instalments throughout the study period of each year.
The Australian Government established the Scheme as a tribute to the late Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter’s outstanding contribution to Indigenous Australians’ health and his role and Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
Eligible Health Areas
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care
- Dentistry/oral health (excluding dental assistants)
- Mental health studies
- Nursing (RN & EN)
- Midwifery
- Medicine (includes Doctor of medicine)
- Allied health (excluding pharmacy)
Examples of eligible study areas.
Scholarship details
Application dates
Unknown - check with provider
How to apply
Externally managed. Apply at https://www.acn.edu.au/scholarships/indigenous-health-scholarships
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This scholarship is for:
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicantsAreas of study:
- Dentistry
- Health services and support
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social work
At Institution:
- ACT Universities
- NT Universities
- QLD Universities
- SA Universities
- TAS Universities
- VIC Universities
- WA Universities
Study level:
- Undergraduate
Study Load:
- Full Time
- Part Time
Location:
- QLD
- TAS
- VIC
- WA
- ACT
- NT
- SA
Eligibility Criteria
Applications will be considered from applicants who are:
- Of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Applicants must identify as and be able to confirm their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status:
- Enrolled or intending to enrol in an entry level or graduate entry level health related course;
- Courses must be provided by an Australian registered training organisation or university. Funding is not available for postgraduate study;
- Intending to study in the academic year that the scholarship is offered;
A significant number of applications are received each year; meeting the eligibility criteria will not guarantee applicants a scholarship offer.
Please note: You do not need to be currently enrolled in a course to complete a scholarship application, you simply need to be intending to enrol in semester one 2024, at any accredited course provider in Australia.
How to Apply
The Puggy Hunter Scholarship is currently being reviewed and handed over to a First Nations led organisation to administer, this process is still on-going.
Further Information
These are competitive scholarships and will be awarded on the recommendation of the independent selection committee whose assessment will be based on how applicants address the following questions:
- Describe what has been your driving influence/motivation in wanting to become a health professional in your chosen area;
- Discuss what you hope to accomplish as a health professional in the next 5-10 years;
- Discuss your commitment to study in your chosen course;
- Outline your involvement in community activities, including promoting the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
The scholarships are funded by the Australian Government, Department of Health and administered by the Australian College of Nursing. The scheme was established in recognition of Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter’s significant contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and his role as Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.