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.
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).
Applications for the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme are now open and will close on Sunday 8 November 2020.
Eligible health areas
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health work & practice
- Medicine
- Allied health (all specialties except pharmacy)
- Midwifery
- Dentistry/oral health (excluding dental assistants)
- Nursing (EN & RN)
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 2021, at any accredited course provider in Australia.
Value of scholarship
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.
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.
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.
Important links
- Confirmation of Aboriginality form
- Information on how these scholarship payments may affect Centrelink payments
- Taxation implications of receiving a scholarship
- Indigenous cadetships
Links to Indigenous health professional associations
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association
- Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association of Australia
- Indigenous Allied Health Australia
- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM)
- The Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association
For more information
Further information, including how to apply, conditions and guidelines, can be found at the Australian College of Nursing Scholarships webpage, or by calling 1800 688 628 or by emailing scholarships@acn.edu.au
