Disclaimer Information - This scholarship is offered and administered by external organisation, Aurora Education Foundation. The information and timeline may be updated in accordance with their updates / advice.

The First Nations Cancer Scholarship Program is funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia. Established by the Aurora Education Foundation and Cancer Australia, the First Nations Cancer Scholarship (Scholarship) will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate students, health professionals, and early-career researchers (ECRs) to undertake full-time postgraduate study (graduate certificate, masters or PhD) or research in a cancer-related field. The purpose of the Scholarship is to support Scholars in building the skills and knowledge required to inform strategies to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous communities and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in cancer-related fields.

This Scholarship is a powerful opportunity to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and researchers who are committed to improving cancer outcomes for Indigenous communities. It aims to grow the next generation of leaders in cancer-related fields by building skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity.

• Current Students

• Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

• Postgraduate coursework
• Higher Degree by Research
• Staff/Post-doctoral

• Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Students

• Australian Citizen

• Merit Based

Up to four scholarships will be awarded annually between 2024 and 2026. Successful applicants will receive:

• Up to $120,000 AUD per year, for up to three years
• Up to $5,000 AUD per year in tailored academic and wellbeing support
• Aurora will facilitate community and network-building opportunities for individuals and the scholarship cohort
• Ongoing funding – no need to reapply each year 

The program is administered by Aurora, in partnership with Cancer Australia, and funded by the Australian Government. 

• Early Career Research
• Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
• Postgraduate coursework
• Postdoctoral
• Postgraduate research 

Areas of study include:

• Allied Health
• Creative arts
• Health services and support
• Nursing
• Nutrition and dietetics
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Public Policy
• Rehabilitation
• Science and mathematics
• Social and Emotional Wellbeing
• Social work

Must be undertaking full-time graduate study or research in a cancer-related field in health, research and policy. Visit the website for more information. 

Applicants must be:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• A health professional, graduate student, or early-career researcher
• Enrolled in full-time postgraduate study or research in a cancer-related field (Please note: Postgraduate medical students are not eligible in 2025)
• Undertaking study or research that contributes to improved cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

To apply visit, Aurora’s Indigenous Pathways Portal: 2025 First Nations Cancer Scholarship Application

Applications must be submitted by Friday 12 September 2025.

T: +61 (02) 9310 8400 
E: info@aurorafoundation.com.au 

Additional informational and eligibility criteria can be found here - 2025 First Nations Cancer Scholarship