Julie Evans Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Students

Being in a position where I am able to support some philanthropic causes, I have decided to make a donation to an area in which I have an interest. As I live in Western Sydney, I wanted to support a cause in this area and chose the University. I strongly believe in the power of education to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged people.

Through my work in social welfare, I have taken an interest in the history of Aboriginal people, the reasons for their disadvantage and the struggle by Aboriginal people for equality. That health outcomes for Aboriginal people are significantly below those of the Australian population is well documented. One significant way to reduce this gap is through the education of Aboriginal doctors to work with their people. It is my wish that the scholarship goes to a student who is committed to working, once qualified, in a rural or remote area for an extended period of time.

The training of Aboriginal doctors will allow a culturally appropriate treatment of patients with further improvement in health outcomes. I trust that the scholarship will assist a student to enter the medical degree course and allow them to concentrate on their studies.

Areas of study: Medicine

At Institution: Western Sydney University

Study level:

• Undergraduate
• Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma

Study Load: Full Time

Location: NSW

Value: $10,000 per year for duration of degree* *full-time, or part-time equivalent

Application and Selection Process Applicants must provide a statement supporting their application indicating how they believe receiving the scholarship will assist them with their studies and future careers. This statement should give a sufficient explanation of the applicant's background and current circumstances to enable the University to judge their eligibility, need and merit.

Successful applicants will be selected based on their written application, academic potential, ability to meet the criteria, and, where appropriate, performance in an interview before a selection panel.

Further information and how to apply can be found on our Indigenous Scholarships page.

Applicants must:

• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents;
• Be commencing full-time study in the Doctor of Medicine
• identify as Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander;
• Demonstrate a strong intention of working with Aboriginal people in a rural area.