Applications open for 2024 Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarships Scheme
Applications open this week for the 2024 Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarships Scheme.
The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarships Scheme (PHMSS) encourages and assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students in health-related disciplines to complete their studies and join the health workforce.
The Australian Government established the PHMSS as a tribute to the late Dr Arnold 'Puggy' Hunter and his outstanding contribution to First Nations Australians' health and his role as Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
Australian College of Nursing (ACN) CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward, said today that Puggy Hunter was an inspirational leader in promoting improvements in Indigenous health and the scholarships are a fitting annual reminder of his outstanding legacy.
"ACN has proudly administered the Puggy Hunter Scholarships since 2002," Adjunct Professor Ward said.
"During this time, the scholarships have supported 1400 students complete their studies.
"That means more First Nations nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists, and allied health workers in the health system and directly helping patients in their own local communities in many cases.
"The scholarships are deservedly very popular and prestigious. Over the years, we have received more than 7500 applications.
"We look forward to being deluged with applications for the 2024 scholarships."
Applications for the 2024 Puggy Hunter Scholarships open on Wednesday 30 August 2023 and close on Tuesday 10 October 2023. There will be up to 300 scholarships. More details are available at https://www.acn.edu.au/scholarships/first-nations-health-scholarships
This is the final year that ACN will administer the scholarships on behalf of the Australian Government and the Department of Health and Aged Care.