Aboriginal Student Support (Scholarship) Program

The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) provides a range of hospital, community, home-based, and virtual services across multiple sites in the northern and north-eastern Adelaide region. Our sites and services include Lyell McEwin Hospital, Modbury Hospital, Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Primary Health Care Service, mental health, primary health, sub-acute and transitional care services.

In June 2009, NALHN established an Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program which assisted up to 10 students. The program has expanded over time to provide financial assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people undertaking tertiary education in disciplines employed by NALHN, including nursing and midwifery, medicine, allied health, Aboriginal health, Aboriginal maternal infant care, hospitality, information and communication technology and administration.

Information and eligibility criteria

  • Financial assistance is provided to students up to the value of $10,000 per annum and is paid in equal fortnightly payments as a study allowance payment.
  • Students sign an agreement at the start of the program with NALHN.
  • Students must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and able to provide Confirmation of Aboriginality.
  • Must be enrolled or willing to enrol in full time study.

How to apply

  • Please send a one-page expression of interest cover letter and resume to the NALHN Aboriginal Workforce Project Officer (details below) by COB Friday 9 February 2024.
  • Your cover letter should include details of past and present study, work experience, personal development, career path and involvement in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
    You must also disclose receipt of any other scholarship or grant for the same course of study.
  • It is recommended to provide your Confirmation of Aboriginality at the time of application however this can be accepted at a later date for successful applicants. Please note a scholarship cannot be awarded prior to receipt of this documentation.

How the program can help you

The program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a fantastic opportunity to start, or further a career in the health sector. Recipients receive a fortnightly study allowance payment during a 12-month period while the student is studying.

Further opportunities will be provided to engage in study placements or clinical placements, register for paid employment via casual and employment pools, and participate in NALHN Aboriginal workforce initiatives and events.

Further information

For further information please contact Jarrad Benbolt-Agius, NALHN Aboriginal Workforce Project Officer on (08) 8182 9611 or via email Health.NALHNAboriginalHealthStrategy@sa.gov.au