The Rural Health West Indigenous Scholarship (Scholarship) has been developed to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students from rural Western Australia in financial need, entering the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway. The recipient will receive financial support for the duration of their degree, helping to reduce barriers to education and enabling them to focus on their goal of becoming a doctor. 

Rural Health West is committed to strengthening the rural health workforce and improving healthcare access across Western Australia. The Scholarship aims to increase the number of Indigenous doctors serving rural communities providing access to high-quality, culturally informed healthcare. 

• Future Students

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Undergraduate

• Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Students
• Students from regional or remote areas

• Australian Citizen

• Need Based
• Merit Based

The Scholarship will provide the following support for up to a maximum of 5 years (based on a full-time study load of 200 credits per year):

• A total value of up to $25,000 paid as a cash stipend of $2,500 per semester.

The amount can be used at the recipient's discretion to contribute towards educational related expenses.

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for the Scholarship:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent
• Entering Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway
• Receive an eligible course offer and will enrol full-time (100 credits per study period) into the eligible course at Curtin University in Semester 1, 2026
• Relocating from a regional and/or remote area of WA to commence study
• Low socio-economic background and/or experiencing financial hardship

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway

• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants must apply for the course via the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway by completing the application form and submitting to CMSfuturestudents@curtin.edu.au.
• For more information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway and the application form, please refer to Application Requirements.

Key Dates for Course Admission

• 31 July 2025 - Last date to apply for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway - please note that this form must be submitted to Curtin Medical School directly, for further information, please refer to the following: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway.

Step 1: Access online application form

• Applications are to be submitted using the online application form. Access the form by clicking on the ‘Apply Online’ button on the top right-hand side of this page
• Please note that this link will direct you to the general "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program" application form. Once you submit your application, you will then be considered for all scholarships that you are eligible for in this round.

Step 2: Complete

• Complete the application form online
• Application form can be saved at any point of the process
• Tips on how to complete your application can be found under the Applying for scholarships link on the scholarships website
• For any assistance with the application process or your application, please contact us on 1300 222 888 or email us at scholarships@curtin.edu.au. Please note: appointments can be made to speak to an advisor in person.

Step 3: Submit

• Closing date is listed at the top of the page
• Incomplete applications will not be assessed
• Once submitted, application status will change to submitted

Step 4: Receipt

• Application receipt will be sent to the email address provided when you created your Curtin account, once your application has been submitted

Step 5: Assessment

• Applications will be assessed by an assessment panel using the following criteria:
  • Receipt of an offer of a place into an eligible undergraduate degree at Curtin University in 2026
  • Responses to questions in application form
  • Demonstrated academic potential
  • Financial hardship and socioeconomic status
  • Relocation from a rural or remote area of WA to commence study
• Preference will be given to students who receive a first round offer.

Step 6: Outcome

• Outcome will be sent via the email address listed through TISC or your direct Curtin course application after main round course offers (all successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified)
• Students cannot receive more than one offer of a scholarship if they are from the same funding source or for the same purpose.

Step 7: Acceptance

• Successful applicants must return acceptance documents by the deadline stipulated in the terms and conditions
• Deferral of this scholarship is not permitted

Please note:

• Scholarship will be awarded if there are applicants of sufficient need
• Scholarship is not transferable to another university

Recipients must meet all of the following:

• Remain enrolled in initial course of study 
• Maintain a full-time study load of at least 200 credit points each year at Curtin University
• Pass all units attempted each study period

Scholarships Office

E: scholarships@curtin.edu.au

T: 1300 222 888

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

For further information about applying for scholarships including important dates and tips for preparing your application, utilise the resources available on the Applying for Scholarships webpage.