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. 

Important eligibility requirement 

This scholarship is not intended to support students to identify or establish a new placement or community relationship. Applicants must already have an established, active relationship with an Indigenous community and placement organisation prior to applying. 

The purpose of this scholarship is to support existing, community-endorsed placements, not to facilitate initial introductions or exploratory engagement.

Applications for this scholarship are now closed. The next round of scholarship applications will open from the 8 October to the 13 November 2026.  

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 

Supports students undertaking clinical placements in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in regional and remote settings. 

The scholarship is designed to: 

  • Strengthen community-led health outcomes
  • Support cultural capability development
  • Enable meaningful contribution to community priorities
  • Reduce financial barriers 

Applicants must already have an established, active relationship with an Indigenous community and placement organisation prior to applying. 

To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that they have: 

  • An established, direct, confirmed, and ongoing relationship with the placement organisation and community 
  • Secured a confirmed placement, endorsed by the host organisation and/or community representatives 
  • Actively engaged with the community prior to application, with evidence of genuine and respectful relationship development; and 
  • Enrolment in an eligible course 

Note: Applications will not be considered where the placement is proposed but not yet confirmed, or where community connections are still being explored.  

Applications will be assessed on:  

  • Alignment with the scholarship’s purpose 
  • Evidence of relationship or community invitation
  • Contribution to disadvantaged populations 
  • Financial need 

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

The following information is required to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria. 

Applicants must: 

  • Provide written confirmation of placement, including formal support from the host organisation and/or community representatives 
    • Clearly outline the nature of their existing relationship with the community, including: 
    • Communication and engagement to date 
    • How the placement has been co-developed with the community (e.g. agreed priorities, scope of work, or activities developed in consultation with community representatives) 
    • Agreed scope of work 
    • Demonstrated cultural awareness and considerations 
  • Submit supporting documentation evidencing the relationship and preparedness, such as: 
    • Emails or letters of support 
    • Placement agreements 
    • Records of engagement or planning discussions 

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 an established, genuine 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.  

This scholarship is not for: 

  • Identifying or approaching communities for the first time 
  • Developing new or speculative placement opportunities 
  • Travel to explore potential partnerships without confirmed community support  

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 Scholarship Application form.  

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 relationship with the community where you will undertake your placement 
  • Explain how you will use the funding 
  • Describe the expected impact and learning outcomes 

As part of your application, you must: 

  • Provide written confirmation of your placement 
  • Clearly outline your existing relationship with the community 
  • Submit supporting documentation such as letters of support, agreements, and records of engagement 

Applicants should provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate that the placement is confirmed, community-supported, and appropriately planned.  

Yes. Applications will not be considered where the placement is proposed but not yet confirmed, or where community connections are still being explored.  

An “existing connection” refers to a demonstrated, ongoing relationship that reflects genuine, respectful engagement with the community over time. 

This may include: 

  • Previous engagement with the community.
  • Established relationships with community organisations or leaders.
  • Placement opportunities that are community-supported and developed in consultation with the community.

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. 

Applications are assessed competitively, so clear, well-evidenced responses are essential. 

Strong applications clearly demonstrate: 

  • A clearly established and ongoing relationship with the Indigenous community and placement organisation 
  • Evidence of genuine, respectful engagement, including how the relationship has been developed over time 
  • A well-defined placement plan, including agreed scope, activities, and intended outcomes 
  • A clear connection between the placement, community benefit, and your professional learning and development 
  • Appropriate supporting documentation, such as letters of support, placement agreements, and evidence of prior engagement 

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