Opportunities for Aboriginal People
This section has been created as a reference point for scholarships and traineeships specifically for Aboriginal people. If you are interested in information for all applicants please see Scholarships, Traineeships or Training.
Scholarships
The scholarships listed here either specify a particular health professional stream or they are a general scholarship that can be utilised when undertaking studies to become a health professional.
If a particular scholarship is of interest to you, click on the title to visit the external website for more information on availability and eligibility criteria.
- Aboriginal Undergraduate Scholarships - Nursing & Midwifery
Scholarships up to $5,000 for full time study and $2,500 for part time and distance education study are available to Aboriginal students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery degree in NSW. - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries
These are available for Aboriginal students studying at the University of Sydney and offer general financial assistance. - Australian Dental Foundation Grant for Aboriginal Dental Students
Five grants awarded each year to a student studying Dental Science at an Australian university. Valued up to $2,000. - Ginninderra Scholarship for Nursing and Medicine
Offering up to $25,500 (Nursing) or up to $27,700 (Medicine) per annum for the length of the course. Available for Nursing students at the University of Canberra or Medical students in the Graduate Medical Program at the Canberra Clinical School of the University of Sydney. - Indigenous Australian Foundation Scholarship
These scholarships support undergraduate studies by Indigenous Australian students in the University of Wollongong, providing general financial support. - Jack Doherty Undergraduate Scholarship
Up to five scholarships are offered to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student enrolled fulltime in the 2nd or subsequent year of an undergraduate degree or diploma at the University of Newcastle. They provide up to $2,000 of assistance. - NSW Indigenous Health Scholarship
Offering $5,000 per annum or $15,000 over the course of 3 years this scholarship is to assist Indigenous students studying in a number of health professions. - University of Western Sydney Reconciliation Scholarship
The University of Western Sydney has five scholarships, available to Indigenous Australians enrolled in the second, Honours or postgraduate years of an undergraduate course. Each scholarship is valued up to $4,000 in total. - The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme
Funded through the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, this scholarship offers up to $15,000 per annum for Indigenous peoples wishing to undertake study in nursing, medicine, oral health/dentistry, Allied Health, Aboriginal health work or health management. - Victor & Adele Bear Undergraduate Scholarship
Several scholarships are offered valued at least $1000 to encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying in the second or subsequent years of a Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle. - Viertel Foundation Bursaries for Midwifery
The Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation will provide up to six Viertel Charitable Foundation bursaries each year Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registered nurses, to assist them to undertake post graduate studies in midwifery, anywhere in Australia. The value of the bursaries is in the range $5,000 to $30,000 for the total course.
Traineeships
NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program
The cadetship program provides an opportunity for Area Health Services to support Aboriginal students who are interested in combining undergraduate nursing education with employment in a health care facility. On successful completion of the nursing degree, the AHS will provide permanent employment for the new registered nurse.
For further information on availability and eligibility criteria contact the project manager, Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Strategy on 1800 330 933.
Trainee Enrolled Nurse Program
This program offers allowances for accommodation and travel as they relate to participation in the Trainee Enrolled Nurse (TEN) Course in NSW. Functioning in conjunction with the TEN program is the Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP) which provides structured and accredited training, support and employment for eligible Aboriginal applicants.
Trainee Enrolled Nurses (TENs) in NSW public hospitals are paid an award wage during the 12 months of training. The course is a full-time, employment based program that leads to the qualification of Certificate IV in Nursing (Enrolled Nurse). The Course is divided into theoretical and clinical components.
TENs complete a 12 month course consisting of a total of 15 weeks at TAFE and 37 weeks working in clinical areas in hospitals accredited as part of the course.
To view the TEN information pack and frequently asked questions, visit the website of the Nursing and Midwifery Office. For more information on STEP refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Office’s Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Strategy.
Health Management Training Program
The Australian College of Health Service Executives MTP provides an entry-level health management program to fast track your career. It offers an individual, structured and supportive workplace learning experience that enables you to learn how to manage as well as undertake theoretical learning about management practice.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander placements
The MTP also has a number of places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees. More information and eligibility criteria is available from the website of the Australian College of Health Service Executives.