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The Naturopathic Medicine Indigenous Placement Scholarship is designed for students undertaking an eligible external clinical placement in a regional or remote Indigenous community where they already have an established relationship with the community. 

This scholarship is best suited to students who: 

• Are undertaking an external clinical placement outside ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½-operated clinics 
• Have a genuine, ongoing relationship with the Indigenous community where the placement will occur 
• Are committed to community service, health equity, and meaningful engagement 
• Face financial barriers associated with travel, accommodation, relocation, or placement requirements 

This scholarship is intended to support existing, community-endorsed placements. It is not intended for: 

• Identifying or approaching Indigenous communities for the first time 
• Exploring potential placement opportunities that have not yet been established 
• Travelling to develop new partnerships without confirmed community support 

Eligible students can apply for funding of up to $2,500. 

The scholarship supports students undertaking confirmed external clinical placements in regional or remote Indigenous communities that are outside ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ clinics.

The scholarship can help cover reasonable costs directly related to completing your placement. 

Eligible expenses may include: 

• Travel to and from the placement location 
• Accommodation during the placement 
• Essential placement expenses, such as uniforms, equipment, or required materials 

You should clearly explain how the requested funding will support your participation in the placement.

Applications must be submitted through the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine Scholarship Application Form when a scholarship round is open. 

Before applying, review the Before you apply - student checklist to make sure you understand the eligibility requirements and have gathered all required information and supporting documents. 

Your application should: 

• Address all selection criteria 
• Include clear and detailed responses 
• Provide examples where appropriate 
• Accurately describe your placement and associated costs 

Incomplete applications or applications that lack sufficient detail may not be considered.

You will be asked to provide information about your placement, your connection with the community, your funding needs, and the anticipated benefits of the experience. 

This includes: 

• The placement location, organisation, and community served 
• Details of your existing relationship with the Indigenous community 
• How you intend to use the scholarship funding 
• The expected learning outcomes and community impact of the placement 

You must also provide supporting evidence, including: 

• Written confirmation of the placement 
• Documentation demonstrating your existing relationship with the community 
• Relevant supporting materials, such as letters of support, placement agreements, or records of previous engagement 

Applications should include sufficient evidence to show that the placement is confirmed, community-supported, and appropriately planned. 

Yes. You must have a confirmed placement before applying for the scholarship. 

Applications will not be considered if the placement has not yet been confirmed or if community relationships are still being established. 

An existing connection is an ongoing relationship with an Indigenous community that demonstrates genuine, respectful engagement over time. 

Examples may include: 

• Previous involvement with the community 
• Established relationships with community organisations, Elders, or leaders 
• Placement opportunities that have been developed with community input and support 

Applicants should be able to demonstrate how the relationship has been built and maintained prior to applying for the scholarship. 

• The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis. 
• A minimum of one scholarship is awarded each year, subject to the quality of applications received and their alignment with the purpose of the scholarship. 
• Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Not necessarily. The maximum scholarship value is $2,500, but the amount awarded may be less. 

Funding decisions are based on: 

• Demonstrated placement costs 
• The nature of the placement 
• Assessed need 
• The number and quality of applications received 

A strong application provides clear evidence that the placement is community-supported, well planned, and aligned with the purpose of the scholarship. 

Competitive applications typically demonstrate: 

• An established and ongoing relationship with the Indigenous community and placement organisation 
• Genuine, respectful engagement that has developed over time 
• A clearly defined placement plan, including objectives, activities, and expected outcomes 
• Strong links between the placement, community benefit, and your professional development 
• Appropriate supporting documentation, such as letters of support, placement agreements, and evidence of previous engagement 

Detailed, evidence-based applications are generally more competitive than applications that rely on broad or unsupported statements. 

Yes. Scholarship recipients are required to complete post-placement reporting activities. 

Recipients must: 

• Submit a reflection on the impact of the placement and scholarship support 
• Agree to share their experience for promotional, donor engagement, and reporting purposes 

For questions about the Naturopathic Medicine Indigenous Student Scholarship, contact the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine. 

• Email: ncnm@scu.edu.au
• Phone: +61 2 6626 9255 

The National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine can assist with enquiries about eligibility, applications, scholarship requirements, and assessment processes.