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 are now open and will close on 19 June 2026. Apply here. 

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 FAQs 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

Purpose of the Scholarship 

The Naturopathic Medicine Indigenous Placement Scholarship supports students undertaking meaningful clinical placement experiences within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in regional and remote settings. 

The scholarship is designed to: 

  • Strengthen community-led health outcomes through culturally appropriate care
  • Support students to build cultural capability and respectful engagement practices
  • Enable students to undertake placements where they can contribute meaningfully to community priorities
  • Reduce financial barriers associated with travel, accommodation, and placement costs 

By supporting placements in underserved areas, the scholarship contributes to both student development and community impact, aligning with the mission of the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine to improve health outcomes through education and engagement.

Applicants must: 

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Be enrolled in:  
    • Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle), or
    • Master of Naturopathic Medicine at SCU
  • Be undertaking or planning a clinical placement in a regional or remote Indigenous community
  • Demonstrate an existing relationship and/or connection with the community in which the placement will occur
  • Be able to describe how the placement aligns with community needs and cultural engagement principles 

Applications will be assessed based on:  

  • Alignment of the placement with the scholarship’s purpose 
  • Evidence of an established relationship, partnership, or community invitation
  • Contribution to regional, remote or disadvantaged populations 
  • Demonstrated financial need and placement-related costs 
  • Strength and clarity of the application

Details on how to apply, including opening and closing dates, will be published on this page when applications open.  

Applicants must complete the scholarship application form and respond to the selection criteria. Please review the FAQs below for further information.  

Applicants may be required to provide evidence of placement-related expenses.    

  • Successful applicants will receive detailed information regarding scholarship payment arrangements and the associated terms and conditions once the scholarship has been awarded.  
  • Students must also grant Southern Cross University permission to use their placement story for promotional purposes and for reporting outcomes to the scholarship donor. 
  • On completion of their clinical placement, students will also be asked to complete a reflection template outlining the impact that their clinical placement had on their studies and future career.  

Frequently Asked Questions

This scholarship is particularly suited to students who: 

  • Are undertaking external clinical placements.
  • Have a genuine connection or established relationship with an Indigenous community in which the placement occurs.
  • Are motivated by service, equity and real-world impact.
  • Face additional financial barriers due to travel, relocation or placement demands.  

Students undertaking external placements outside SCU clinics, in regional or remote Indigenous communities, are eligible for support up to $2,500. 

Funding is intended to assist with costs directly related to your placement, including: 

  • Travel to and from the placement location.
  • Accommodation during placement.
  • Placement-related expenses (e.g. uniforms and other essential items). 

Start by carefully reviewing the “Before you apply student checklist” to ensure you understand all requirements and have gathered the necessary information.   

Apply via the SCU Scholarships Portal.  

You must:  

  • Respond to all selection criteria.
  • Provide clear, detailed answers with examples.
  • Ensure placement details and costs are accurate.  

 Incomplete applications or vague responses may not be considered.  

You will be asked to:  

  • Describe your placement (location, organisation, community served).
  • Confirm your existing connection and/or relationship with the community where you will undertake your placement.
  • Explain how you will use the funding. 
  • Describe the impact and learning outcomes.

You must be confirmed to or planning to undertake a placement and be able to provide a clear description of your confirmed or intended placement. 

You may also be asked to provide supporting documentation. 

This may include: 

  • Previous engagement with the community.
  • Established relationships with community organisations or leaders.
  • Placement opportunities that are community-supported rather than student-initiated, without consultation.

A minimum of one scholarship is awarded each year, based on the strength of applications and alignment with the scholarship’s purpose.   

Not necessarily. Funding is capped at $2,500 and may vary based on costs, placement details, and number of applicants. 

Strong applications clearly demonstrate: 

  • A genuine, respectful connection to the community.
  • A well-planned placement with defined outcomes.
  • A strong link between the placement and community benefit + professional growth. 

Yes. Recipients must:  

  • Complete a reflection on the impact of the scholarship. 
  • Agree to share their story for promotion and donor reporting.

Contact the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine for any queries. 

Contact the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

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