Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarships

The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme 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. The Australian Government established the award as a tribute to the late Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter’s outstanding contribution to Indigenous Australians’ health.

Applications open

30 Aug 2021

Applications closed

11 Oct 2021

Application type

Application required
How to apply

Benefit type

General allowance
Full benefit details

Citizenship requirements

Australian / domestic student

Total value

$15,000 - $45,000

Applicable study areas

Medicine, dentistry, health and welfare

Number of scholarships awarded

At least 1

  • Eligibility & selection criteria

    Eligibility

    To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

    • ­Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
    • Be enrolled or intending to enrol in an entry level or graduate entry level health related course
    • Intend to study in the academic year that the scholarship is offered.

    Scholarship places are awarded to students undertaking an entry level course in one of the following health disciplines:

    • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners
    • Allied health (excluding pharmacy)
    • Dentistry/oral health (excluding dental assistants)
    • Medicine
    • Midwifery
    • Nursing (RN & EN)

    This scholarship is for entry level or graduate entry level courses only; certificate IV and above. Funding is not available for postgraduate study. Further information is available at the Australian College of Nursing website.

    Selection criteria

    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.
  • Application process

    Applications are submitted online via the Australian College of Nursing website. For enquiries, contact scholarships@acn.edu.au.

  • When will I know the outcome?

    All applicants will be notified the outcome of their applications late December 2021.

What are the benefits?

Full time scholarship awardees will receive up to $15,000 per year and part time recipients will receive up to $7,500 per year. Funding is provided for the normal duration of the course.

The funding is paid in 24 fortnightly instalments throughout the study period of each year.

The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Where we have listed information about jointly run scholarships programs, please also see our partners' websites. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.