APPLY TODAY – OPEN 26 May, CLOSES 30 June 2025

About The Bursary Program

Now in its fifth year, the launch of the 2025 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursary Program on Monday, 26 May 2025, coincided with National Sorry Day (also known as National Healing Day) .

This day also leads into the commencement of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) – 27 May – 3 June, 2025

The theme for the #2025NRW is “Bridging Now to Next ” (see additional resources).

As part of our commitment to reconciliation and the Makarrata Commission, the bursaries are offered to encourage and empower female medical graduates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, to further their medical career and/or leadership aspirations.

With these bursaries, we aspire to advance the parity of representation of First Nations Peoples in the Australian medical workforce, and in its leadership.

In 2025, at least four (4) bursaries to the value of $1500 will be available for this purpose, with the awards to be announced in NAIDOC Week (7-13July 2025). You will notice that the Bursary amount has been increased again this year, in line with the cost of living increases, and with the support and generosity of the donors.

Thank you again to the wonderful supporters and sponsors who have made this possible.

The recipients will be women who identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, is a Medical Graduate or in their final year of medicine of an Australian medical degree or course.

These bursaries will provide the recipient with a financial contribution to assist their attendance and/or presentation at a national or international meeting that focuses on issues related to Indigenous Medicine and Education, Women in Medicine, Ethics, Leadership and/or Governance.

To Apply

Please apply by Monday 30 June 2025 using the on-line portal or by downloading the application form then emailing the completed form with personal statement to [email protected]

After they are announced during NAIDOC Week (7-13 July 2025), the Bursary recipients will be profiled in our AFMW eBulletin and on our website.

Previous Bursary Recipients

Read the inspiring stories of previous years’ recipients (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)

Thank You

We sincerely thank in particular, Louise Numina for the beautiful artwork associated with the bursaries, as well as Ochre Health, Ms Leann Wilson from Regional Economic Solutions, The Myuma Group, The Healing Foundation, Dr Mary Rita See and Pia du Pradal for their ongoing support for the Bursary Program.

Thanks too to the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association for their role in providing oversight, guidance and advice for the Program throughout the years.