The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme

The Scheme was established in recognition of Dr Arnold ('Puggy') Hunter's significant contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and in his previous role as Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

The aim of the Scheme is to help address the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health professions and assist in increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with professional health qualifications.

The scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are undertaking study or are intending to undertake study at an undergraduate level in the areas of:

Aboriginal health worker
Alcohol and other drugs worker
Allied health (excluding pharmacy)
Dentistry/oral health
Health service management
Health promotion
Medicine
Mental health
Midwifery
Nursing

The Scheme offers students scholarships worth up to $15,000 per annum for full-time study and up to $7,500 per annum for part-time study for the usual term of the course.

Applicants must identify as and be able to prove their Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status.
To prove your status as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you must obtain a written Confirmation of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Decent document from an Indigenous Australian organisation within the community in which you live or have previously lived.

The Confirmation of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Descent document must include the signatures of two office holders. A Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent from an incorporated body related to an academic institution will not be accepted.

Scholarships will be awarded on the recommendation of a selection committee and will be based on the following criteria: 

Community involvement and leadership; commitment to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health; commitment to improving Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health in the future.

Application forms and further information can be obtained from the Royal College of Nursing Australia website.  Or free call on 1800 688 628 or email scholarships@rcna.org.au.

Applications for 2010 scholarships closed on August 2009.