Naturopathic Medicine Indigenous Placement Scholarship

The Naturopathic Medicine Indigenous Placement Scholarship aims to support students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) and/or the Master of Naturopathic Medicine, who are completing their professional learning and placement in regional or remote Indigenous communities, and who can demonstrate a previously established connection.

By supporting placements in underserved areas, the scholarship is designed to strengthen community outcomes while helping students build real-world experience, develop cultural competency, and enhance their professional growth and future career opportunities.

Applications for this scholarship will close Friday, 13 February 2026. Apply now.

Health at Southern Cross University

At the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, our mission is to contribute meaningful solutions to healthcare through naturopathic education, research, and advocacy, in communities throughout Australia and worldwide.

Quick facts

Value

Up to $2,500 – see Eligibility Criteria for further information

Number available

Minimum of one student scholarship per year

Course of study

Enrolled in the

Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) or the Master of Naturopathic Medicine
Student practitioner with three Indigenous Australians

Scholarship details

Applicants must respond to the scholarship’s selection criteria as part of the application process.

Apply now

Applicants applying for this scholarship must:

  • Be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia. 
  • Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) or the Master of Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University.
  • Making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Have an existing relationship and/or connection with an Indigenous community.

Scholarship funding is to be used for student placement, travel and accommodation.

  • Students undertaking clinical placement in remote/regional areas, external to Southern Cross University clinics, can receive funding up to $2,500.

Selection will be based on:

  • Brief summary of the planned placement.
  • Demonstrated relationship and/or connection with the Indigenous community.
  • Costs planned and/or associated with the placement up to the value of $2,500.
  • The start and end date of the clinical placement activity (or planned dates).
  • Demonstrated capacity to make a valuable contribution/ impact to the university and the community.

On completion of their clinical placement, students will be asked to complete a reflection template outlining the impact that their clinical placement had on their studies and future career.

Students must also give Southern Cross University permission to use such impact story for its promotion, as well as to report against acquittal to donors.

 

Successful applicants will receive detailed information regarding scholarship payment arrangements and the associated terms and conditions once the scholarship has been awarded.

For any questions or further details, please contact the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at ncnm@scu.edu.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

This scholarship supports students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) or Master of Naturopathic Medicine who are completing their professional learning and placement in regional or remote Indigenous communities with which they have an established connection. It aims to strengthen community outcomes, build cultural competency, and enhance students’ professional growth and career opportunities. 

Applicants must: 

  • Be Australian citizens or permanent residents. 
  • Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) or Master of Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University. 
  • Have an existing relationship or connection with an Indigenous community. 

Funding of up to $2,500 is available to assist with costs related to student placement, including travel and accommodation. 

A minimum of one scholarship is offered annually. 

The scholarship can be used for: 

  • Travel and accommodation expenses. 
  • Other costs directly associated with the clinical placement in a regional or remote Indigenous community. 

Applicants must provide: 

  • A brief summary of the planned placement.
  • Evidence of a relationship/connection with the Indigenous community. 
  • Planned costs associated with the placement (up to $2,500). 
  • Start and end dates of the placement. 
  • Demonstrated capacity to make a valuable contribution to the university and the community. 

Yes. Recipients must: 

  • Complete a reflection template outlining the impact of the scholarship on their studies and career. 
  • Give permission for Southern Cross University to use their impact story for promotional purposes and donor reporting. 

Applications must be submitted online via the SCU Scholarships Portal. This is a competitive selection process, and applications will be assessed on the quality and detail of responses to the selection criteria. Applicants must: 

  • Respond to all selection criteria. 
  • Answer each question clearly and comprehensively, providing examples and evidence where relevant.
  • Ensure planned costs and placement details are accurate. 

Incomplete applications or vague responses may not be considered. See Application Tips & Expectations for further information. 

Contact the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine for any queries. 

  • Answer each question clearly and in detail. Use examples to demonstrate your connection to the community and the impact of your placement. 
  • Provide evidence of your relationship or connection with the Indigenous community (e.g., letters of support, prior engagement, cultural ties). 
  • Do not assume assessors know your background—provide full context. 
  • Avoid one-word answers or generic statements; these may result in your application not being considered. 
  • Double-check planned costs and placement details for accuracy. 
  • Remember: This is a competitive process. Strong, detailed responses improve your chances of success. 

Contact the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

ncnm@scu.edu.au +61 2 6626 9255