Scholarships for First Nations health students
The Federal Government has announced applications for the 2026 Indigenous Health Scholarship Program (IHSP) have opened.
Delivered in partnership with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), the program provides financial and mentoring support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing a career in health.
The government is investing $1 million over two years to support up to 80 scholarships annually.
Each scholarship offers $5,000 to help cover everyday study costs such as books and stationery, making it easier for students to complete qualifications in medicine, nursing, allied health and other disciplines.
Helping to close the gap
For the first time, the scholarship program is now managed by a First Nations-led organisation.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the program was a practical investment in the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and the communities they serve.
“By supporting students with financial and cultural mentoring, we’re helping to close the gap in health outcomes and workforce representation,” he said.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the program was a practical investment in the future.
IAHA provides culturally safe and responsive support for students as well as mentoring to scholarship recipients, helping improve retention and graduation rates.
Transferring the program to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation aligns with Closing the Gap reforms 1 and 2, which focus on shared decision-making and strengthening the community-controlled sector.
Delivering financial support
The program also contributes to targets 5 and 6, which aim to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full learning potential.
“The Government is committed to growing the First Nations health workforce to deliver care in our communities,” Minister for Indigenous Australians senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
“I’m particularly pleased the First Nations-led IAHA is now managing this scholarship program, delivering financial support and mentoring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.”
The Indigenous Health Scholarship Program has supported students for more than 23 years, across medicine, nursing, midwifery, psychology, physiotherapy, paramedicine and biomedical science.
Applications close on 15 February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit https://iaha.com.au/ihsp/
