Scholarships

Funded by the OCHRe Network through the OWL Hub!

OWL Hub is pleased to invite you to apply for an interstate travel grant to attend the 2026 OCHRe Convocation.

The 2026 OCHRe Convocation will be held from 15-16 October 2026 in Naarm (Melbourne), Victoria. 

This grant includes: 

• Return domestic economy flights (booked by Lowitja Institute) 

• Three (3) nights’ accommodation (14–17 October 2026)

Applications close 20 August 2026, 5.00pm AEST.

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

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

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. 

INIHKD

International Network of Indigenous Health, Knowledge and Development.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands
NOVEMBER 9-12 2026

For more information contact Shawn:
maali-hub@unimelb.edu.au

4 Travel Grants for PhD Students (Selection will be through an application process.)

PhD Opportunity: Improving Perinatal Health Outcomes for Indigenous Families

Join the NHMRC Stillbirth CRE based at Mater Research as part of the Safer Baby SEEK initiative. This 3–3.5 year PhD project focuses on understanding help-seeking and care experiences of Indigenous parents during pregnancy to improve culturally safe maternity care and reduce stillbirth.

What’s involved?

• Co-designed research with Indigenous communities in SA, WA and QLD

• Development of tools and training for health professionals

• Publications, conference presentations, and integration into national education programs

Benefits:

• UQ scholarship living stipend

• Mentorship from experienced Indigenous midwifery researchers Deanna Stuart-Butler and Valerie Ah Chee

• Work within a collaborative research environment

Eligibility:
Open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates with backgrounds in public health, Indigenous health, midwifery, nursing, psychology, or related fields. 
Contact: Dr Christine Andrews – christine.andrews@mater.uq.edu.au

2026 Applications Now Open 

THE JILYA SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship offers eligible psychology students up to $50,000 per year to assist with study, living, and transport costs, providing crucial financial support at any stage of their undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Recipients also receive free mentorship and guidance from Dr. Tracy Westerman AM and other distinguished volunteer psychologists throughout their psychology degree.

ELIGIBILITY:

1. Students MUST be enrolled to study psychology.

2. Students must be enrolled in an AHPRA approved psychology program with an Australian University.

3. Students must provide proof of enrolment.

4. Students must provide academic transcripts as proof of good academic standing.

5. The scholarship preferences those who have remote and rural connections and/or who wish to work in remote and rural locations upon graduation.

6. Applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO APPLY?:

1. Proof of enrolment in an eligible psychology degree

2. Academic transcript (Not applicable to first year students)

3. Most recent Resume/Curriculum Vitae

4. Two reference letters, one academic, and one Aboriginal or cultural.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 1 SEPTEMBER 2026 

HDR Scholarship Opportunity

UQ are currently looking to recruit and mentor a motivated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander PhD or MPhil candidate to join their research team. The student will work on high-impact translational science that intersects directly with national biosecurity and agricultural sustainability.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarship offers a dedicated, highly competitive living stipend of $47,500 per annum (2026 rate), fully covered tuition fees, and a flexible, year-round application process. 

About this scholarship These scholarships include a living stipend to support you as you complete a research project for your Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy or a research-focused professional doctorate at UQ. 

Eligibility You’re eligible if you’re:

• an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

• studying full-time and onshore in Australia

• nominated by an enrolling school or institute at UQ

• assessed by the Graduate Research School as meeting all conditions for admission to the higher degree by research program.

Additionally, you must not:

• hold a qualification at the same or a higher level than the higher degree by research program you are undertaking

• be receiving a living allowance award, or scholarship providing a benefit greater than 75% of the RTP Scholarship living allowance rate to undertake the higher degree by research program

• be receiving a Commonwealth-funded tuition fee scholarship.