Scholarships

Round 2 of the NEXGEN Hub’s KPI Outcomes Project Boost is now open to OCHRe Investigators and their networks

We’re excited to launch Round 2 of the NEXGEN Hub’s KPI Outcomes Project Boost Grants of up to $30,000 each are available to support projects that helps deliver one or more of our 2024–2026 KPIs specified below.

1. Supporting school leavers enrolled in VET Certificate course with an annual scholarship to enhance their research experience.

2. Supporting Community-based researchers completing a VET Certificate courses at Level II or above and Diploma / Graduate Diploma courses with an annual scholarship to enhance their research experience.

3. Providing Training & Development sessions.

We will award up 10 grants to this round.

This is your opportunity to make a real impact - to strengthen the next generation of First Nations health researchers, and help build capacity, capability, and connections across the OCHRe Network.

Your project might involve:

• Supporting students or community-based researchers

• Delivering innovative training and development opportunities

• Expanding our network and strengthening collaborations, or

• Enhancing access to knowledge and research resources.

Exclusively to OCHRe Investigators (CIs and AIs) named on the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research application (APP 2005944) and their networks.

Continuous Open Round. Funds will be available throughout the year until 11:59 pm on 30 October, or until fully allocated, whichever comes first.

Download the Applicaiton Guidelines here: KPI Outcomes Guidelines

NEXGEN are delighted to announce the launch of our Community Based Researcher (CBR) Grant Program as part of our OCHRe NEXGEN Hub. This grant program has been created to support and strengthen the development pathways of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CBRs.

The two tier funding structure is designed to help CBRs grow their skills, broaden their research experience, and deepen their impact within their Communities. This program offers Investigators a meaningful opportunity to champion CBRs  and actively contribute to their professional growth.

Thank you to all Investigators for your continued dedication to nurturing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. Your support plays a vital role in shaping strong and sustainable research futures across OCHRe and the NEXGEN Hub.

The offer will be offered exclusively to OCHRe Investigators (CIs and AIs) named on the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research application (APP 2005944). ‍ ‍‍ ‍

This is a continuous Open Round which opens on 6 February 2026. Funds will be available throughout the year until 11:59 pm on 30 October, or until fully allocated, whichever comes first.

If you are interested in more information and/or applying for a CBR Grant 2026, please follow the links below.

CBR Grant Guidelines 2026        

NEXGEN are pleased to announce the launch of Health Research Experience Scholarships Program (Round 3) 2026 as part of our OCHRe NEXGEN Hub.

For this round, NEXGEN Hub will offer 12 Health Research Experience ScholarshipsProgram (Scholarships) valued at $10,000 each. These Scholarships will provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders enrolled in an undergraduate degree (including Honours) or a postgraduate coursework program, to gain or enhance their research experience and skills.

The offer will be offered exclusively to Investigators (CIs and AIs) named on the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research application (APP 2005944: OCHRe).

This is a continuous Open Round which opens on 6 February 2026  and closes on 30 October 2026 or when all Scholarships have been awarded, whichever is the sooner.

Thank you for your interest in our program, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

If you are interested in more information and/or applying for a Health Research Experience Scholarships 2026, please follow the links below.

Health Research Experience Scholarships

Program Guidelines 2026 Scholarship

Joint PhD Fellowships Now Open

We are excited to announce that we have been awarded the University of Melbourne & KU Leuven PhD Fellowships and are now seeking two outstanding PhD candidates to join the Orygen Digital XR Innovation Lab.

PhD 1: Primarily based at the University of Melbourne with a minimum 12-month stay at KU Leuven

https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/opportunity/1733-adaptive-ai-driven-virtual-reality-and-mobile-…

We strongly encourage First Nations and Indigenous Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

PhD 2: Primarily based at KU Leuven with a minimum 12-month stay at the University of Melbourne

https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/opportunity/1734-treating-social-stress-in-real-time--integrati…

 These exciting PhD projects will focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and smartphone-based interventions to investigate and improve social stress and social functioning in young people.

 This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the intersection of digital mental health, emerging technologies, and innovative clinical research within a collaborative international research environment.

Tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners, students and early career researchers, this fully funded program provides a culturally safe, supportive environment led by Indigenous academics.

For more information please email Magenta magentastaar.highfield@unimelb.edu.au 

First Nations Research Scholarship launched

La Trobe University, in partnership with Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA), is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural First Nations Research Scholarship.

The scholarship is aimed at supporting Indigenous Australians pursuing research in areas critical to Australia’s resilience and disaster preparedness.

The scholarship is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking PhD, Masters, Graduate Diploma, or Honours programs. It is designed to foster Indigenous-led research aligned with NHRA’s mission to enhance natural hazard resilience and reduce disaster risk across the country.

Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion (SEWB) 

A unique opportunity to receive a postgraduate degree from The University of Sydney School of Public Health.

Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker with an interest in social and emotional wellbeing or mental health? Do you want to take your career to the next level? This course may be for you. SEWB describes the holistic understanding of health that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have. It includes cultural, spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing of the individual, family and wider community. It also considers a variety of factors that contribute to health such as policy and the environment. Promoting SEWB over mental health is a more effective and all-encompassing way to address the myriad factors that contribute to health and wellbeing. Apply now and be on the path to joining our cohort of graduates, many of whom have fulfilling careers in a variety of sectors including community, health, government and education.

Aurora Indigenous Pathways Portal

The Internship Program continues to focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander* students and graduates via internships as pathways to jobs in Indigenous organisations and other organisations working in the Indigenous sector. 
We are also able to place Indigenous interns at a wide range of organisations, outside of the sector, so long as the placements are relevant to candidates’ study and career aspirations.
The Commonwealth's Culture and Capability Programme will provide financial support via Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interns under the Program.  

If you’re unsure or have questions, the Aurora team is here to help.