The Australian Government has formally opened applications for the 2026 Indigenous Health Scholarship Program, marking a significant milestone in national efforts to strengthen the First Nations health workforce. Announced on 26 November 2025, the program underscores the government’s commitment to expanding access to health education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students while supporting long-term improvements in community health outcomes. With a renewed focus on cultural leadership and inclusive practice, the announcement reflects an important step in advancing shared national priorities.
Scholarship Benefits and Support Services
The 2026 scholarship round provides recipients with a financial grant of $5,000 designed to ease everyday academic expenses such as textbooks, stationery, uniforms and essential study materials. Beyond financial assistance, the program emphasizes culturally grounded mentorship delivered directly by IAHA, helping students navigate academic demands while benefiting from a support network that understands their lived experiences. This combination of financial support and tailored guidance aims to strengthen retention, improve graduation rates and ensure students are well-prepared to enter the health workforce.
Supported Programs and Language of Instruction
The Indigenous Health Scholarship Program supports a wide range of health-related qualifications, including undergraduate and postgraduate study across medicine, allied health, nursing, midwifery, paramedicine and other clinical and non-clinical disciplines relevant to community health. All training is delivered through accredited Australian institutions, with English as the primary language of instruction. The program’s broad coverage underscores the government’s priority to develop a diverse and highly skilled First Nations health workforce capable of contributing across multiple levels of care.
Application Period and Early Submission Reminder
Applications for the 2026 Indigenous Health Scholarship Program are open from 26 November 2025 until 15 February 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure adequate preparation time, avoid documentation delays and secure access to IAHA’s support services throughout the application window. Early submissions also help applicants strengthen their profiles by ensuring they meet all eligibility and institutional requirements well before the final deadline.