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Bond University First Nations Medical Scholarship Program

Bond University is committed to fostering diversity and providing a culturally-inclusive environment with equitable educational opportunities for First Nations Australians.

The increasing presence of First Nations students and staff benefits the whole Bond community in learning about, and respecting, First Nations people and culture.

Bond University is proud to provide opportunities in tertiary education for First Nations Australians, including a First Nations pathway into its Medical Program*, which comprises a Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) and Doctor of Medicine (MD).

In 2027, 2028 and 2029, there will be two partial scholarships available for eligible Australian First Nations students applying for the admission into the Medical Program (one supported by Margaret Douglas and one supported by Bond University). 

2 x Bond University First Nations Medical Partial Scholarships

  • First Nations Australian currently applying for admission into the Bond University Medical Program
  • 50% tuition fee remission for the Bachelor of Medical Studies degree
  • A $5,500 living allowance provided for the first semester if the student is living away from home 
  • Applications open via QTAC on Tuesday, 5 January 2027
  • Applications close on Tuesday, 19 January 2027

If you are interested in applying and have any questions, please contact Assistant Professor Rani West: [email protected].

*The Medical Program is comprised of two sequential degrees - the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) (CRICOS 0101292) and the Doctor of Medicine (MD) (CRICOS 111520H). All students selected for entry into the Medical Program will have to complete both the BMedSt and MD to be eligible for registration as a medical practitioner in any state or territory in Australia or New Zealand.

First Nations Scholarship Recipient Dr Juliette Levinge: Kumai Karulbo 2026

Details

Am I eligible for this scholarship?

To be considered, applicants must:

  • identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person,
  • meet the Bond University Medical Program* prerequisites and eligibility requirements set by QTAC and the University,
  • apply through QTAC and meet all published application deadlines,
  • complete a Candidate Statement and be shortlisted by the University’s First Nations Health Lead or delegate,
  • attend a Community-Based interview,
  • demonstrate their motivation to be a doctor, ability to thrive as a medical student, and potential to be a leader for their community,
  • be offered a place in Bond’s Medical Program*.

Selection criteria

The First Nations Australian Pathway into the Medical Program* will be automatically initiated once you identify on your QTAC application form that you are of Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander descent. 

Determining which applicant(s) are offered a position into the Medical Program and the awarding of the scholarship(s) will be based on:

  • Academic ability
  • Psychometric testing
  • Interview
  • First Nations Australian Candidate Statement
  • First Nations Australian Community-Based Interview

The successful candidates will be awarded with a partial scholarship. The University reserves the right to withhold awarding the scholarship in 2027 if no suitable candidate is identified through the application process. 

How do I apply for this scholarship?

Your application for the Bond University First Nations Medical Scholarship will be initiated once you identify on your QTAC application form that you are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. There are two intakes for the Bond University Medical Program in May and September, via the QTAC application process.

Do I need to prepare anything for my application?

As part of Bond University Policy, Confirmation of Indigeneity is required to apply for the Bond University First Nations Medical Scholarship Program. 

Bond University's Office of Admissions will contact all eligible applicants to request Confirmation of Indigeneity and provision of a Candidate Statement via email (off the back of your QTAC application). Applicants need to submit this documentation within 14 working days from the initial request by the Office of Admissions.

The Confirmation of Indigeneity document must be a signed, written and stamped statement from an authorised officer, including but not limited to, a Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status from an incorporated community organisation. A statutory declaration accompanied by supporting materials may be considered. Original or certified copies must be provided.

The Candidate Statement will be used to shortlist applicants for the scholarship(s) by the University’s First Nations Health Lead or delegate.

For further assistance pertaining to these forms, please contact Assistant Professor Rani West: [email protected]. 

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

The Bond University First Nations Scholarship Program is the only scholarship available for Bond University’s Medical Program. 

When do applications open and close for this scholarship?

QTAC applications open on Tuesday, 5 January 2027 and close on Tuesday, 19 January 2027.

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