Territory health scholarships applications now open

General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) has opened applications for its 2026 Northern Territory scholarships, aiming to attract, support and retain general practitioners (GPs) and rural generalists (RGs) in training across the Northern Territory.

The initiative, which includes the Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarships, emphasises high-quality, culturally responsive care for rural and remote communities.

GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie said the scholarships are more than financial support, positioning them as an investment in long-term health outcomes for Territorians. He noted ongoing pressures in very remote communities and highlighted targeted support for those ready to train and practise where they are needed most.

We know the NT faces ongoing workforce pressures, particularly in very remote communities”

“The Northern Territory offers one of the most diverse and rewarding training experiences in Australia,” Dr Dickie said.

“These scholarships are about backing registrars who are prepared to step into that challenge – to serve communities where continuity of care, cultural understanding, and clinical breadth truly matter.”

Dr Dickie said GPRA remains deeply committed to addressing health workforce shortages in rural and remote areas.

“We know the NT faces ongoing workforce pressures, particularly in very remote communities,” he said.

“The Kanyini Scholarships, in particular, reflect our commitment to nurturing doctors who are ready to train and practise where they are needed most.

“By supporting registrars financially and professionally, we are helping build a sustainable pipeline of GPs and RGs who understand the Territory, who value its communities, and who are prepared to stay.”

Objectives

The 2026 Northern Territory Scholarships reflect commitment to strengthening the rural and remote workforce and ensuring Territory communities have access to consistent, culturally safe services.

The program is designed to back registrars committed to the NT’s clinical breadth and community needs, with a focus on continuity of care and cultural understanding.

Applications are now open for the following 2026 scholarships:

• Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP/RG Registrar of the Year Award
• Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarships
• Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarships
• Kanyini Scholarships

Scholarships criteria

GPRA outlined four scholarships, each with distinct recognition and support elements tied to NT training and service priorities:

Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP/RG Registrar of the Year Award

This $10,000 award commemorates the life and legacy of Dr Debbie Stach, who tragically passed away in 2004 shortly after completing her GP training in the NT. It recognises a GP/RG registrar enrolled in the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program who demonstrates excellence in medicine, a commitment to improving Indigenous health outcomes, and outstanding professionalism.

• Value: $10,000
• Eligibility: GP/RG registrar in the AGPT Program
• Focus: Excellence in medicine, Indigenous health outcomes, professionalism

Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarships

Named in honour of Ada Wilmadda Parry, a pioneering Cultural Educator in the NT, this scholarship supports up to two GP/RG registrars ($5,000 each) who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving Indigenous health outcomes and enhancing cultural competence.

• Value: Up to two scholarships, $5,000 each
• Focus: Indigenous health outcomes and cultural competence

Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarships

This scholarship honours the significant contributions of Professor Alan Walker to paediatrics in the NT. It supports up to three GP/RG registrars ($5,000 each) annually who are pursuing further education in paediatrics and demonstrate exemplary professional behaviour and dedication to paediatric care.

• Value: Up to three scholarships, $5,000 each (annually)
• Focus: Further education in paediatrics; exemplary professional behaviour

Kanyini Scholarships

Previously known as the GPRA Northern Territory Rural and Remote Scholarship, the Kanyini Scholarships support GP/RG registrars training, or who want to train, in rural and remote Northern Territory. GPRA noted that ‘Kanyini’ is a Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara term connected to care, responsibility, and nurturing, and that permission was granted by the Traditional Owners of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands to use this term for the scholarships.

The Kanyini Scholarships provide up to two scholarships of $20,000 each annually to registrars committed to training and practising in rural and very remote locations (MMM6– 7) in the Northern Territory.

• Value: Up to two scholarships, $20,000 each (annually)
• Eligibility: Registrars training or intending to train in rural and very remote NT (MMM6– 7)
• Purpose: Support training and practice in underserved locations

Applications and key dates

Applications for all scholarships are now open and will close on 24 April 2026. GPRA directs prospective applicants to its website for detailed information and application processes. The organisation states the scholarships combine financial and professional support to help registrars build sustainable careers across the NT.

• Applications open now
• Applications close: 24 April 2026
• How to apply: Visit the GPRA website

About GPRA

General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) describes itself as the independent voice for future GPs/RGs in Australia (www.gpra.org.au). The organisation has framed the 2026 Northern Territory Scholarships as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the rural and remote medical workforce and ensure communities receive culturally responsive care.

• Picture:  (left to right): Dr Alex Tyler (Alice Springs),  Dr Fraser Tankel (Nhulunbuy), Dr Viplove Sharma (Katherine), Dr Natalie Gracia (Alice Springs), Dr Jennifer Evans (Darwin), Dr Maddison Hall (Yirrkala), Dr Karlie James (Darwin/Tennant Creek), Dr Rosemary (Rosie) Murphy (Nhulunbuy).