The Australian Government is proud to announce applications for the 2026 Indigenous Health Scholarship Program (IHSP) open today, 26 November 2025.
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 2 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.
For the first time, the scholarship program is now managed by a First Nations-led organisation.
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.
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 Indigenous Health Scholarship Program has supported students for more than 23 years, across medicine, nursing, midwifery, psychology, physiotherapy, paramedicine and biomedical science.
Applications open today, 26 November 2025 and close on 15 February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit Indigenous Health Scholarship Program - Indigenous Allied Health Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“This program is 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.”
Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy:
“The Albanese Government is committed to growing the First Nations health workforce to deliver care in our communities.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Rebecca White:
“IAHA’s leadership in delivering this program ensures students receive the support they need in a culturally safe environment.
“Growing the First Nations health workforce is essential to improving health outcomes and care in both community-controlled and mainstream services across the country.”