Ida West Aboriginal Health Scholarships 2026

Ten Aboriginal healthcare students have been awarded the 2026 Ida West Aboriginal Health Scholarships.

The scholarship supports Aboriginal students to achieve their study goals when undertaking education in a health and human services-related field, including but not limited to medicine, allied health, nursing and midwifery.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Bridget Archer, said the scholarships pay tribute to the work and life of Aunty Ida, who passed away in September 2003.

“Aunty Ida West was one of Tasmania’s foremost Aboriginal elders and made significant contributions to social justice and reconciliation both in Tasmania and nationally,” Minister Archer said.

“I’m pleased to announce 10 scholarships have been awarded this year, with three new recipients and ongoing scholarship support to seven recipients who continue to demonstrate eligibility and academic success.”

The scholarships are awarded up to a maximum of $5,000 per recipient in each calendar year.

Recipients, their families and guests gathered at Piyura Kitina on 11 May 2026, to celebrate their achievements and the awarding of the 2026 Ida West Aboriginal Health Scholarships.

Since the scholarship’s inception in 2004, 46 students have been supported to study nursing and midwifery, medicine, paramedicine, allied health, Aboriginal health, and community services qualifications.

Over this period, a total of $448,750 has been provided in scholarship support.

Past scholarship recipients have found financial support to be critically important in allowing them to complete their studies. Recipients have described the scholarship as having a significant impact not only on their studies, but also on their passion to contribute to their communities after graduation.

Further information regarding the scholarships can be accessed from www.health.tas.gov.au/careers/student-opportunities/scholarships/ida-west-aboriginal-health-scholarship or by calling the Office of the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer on 03 6166 1570 during business hours.