Charles Darwin University and the Order of Australia Association Foundation invite Faculty of Health students to apply for the Order of Australia Association Foundation scholarship. The donor of this scholarship is Mr Nicholas Paspaley AC. The objective of the Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship is to support the next generation of leaders by helping promising young Australians to achieve their potential for the benefit of future generations of Australians. The Foundation has so far awarded 66 Scholarships to undergraduates across all States and Territories.
The successful recipient of the scholarship will receive a $45,000 scholarship, to be paid in equal tranches over two years, and also have the opportunity to collaborate with a mentor who has received an Award in The Order of Australia and who is eminent in the Awardee’s chosen field of study.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be:
- enrolled in a CDU Faculty of Health course- with a focus on Indigenous Health
- in their first University course, i.e. have not completed a prior University degree
- studying full-time (30 credit points or more) every semester
- enrolled in the second year of the degree
- an Australian citizen
- over 18 or in their 20s. In exceptional circumstances, students in their early 30’s may be considered.
First Nations students are encouraged to apply.
The successful applicant must provide a commitment that, in the years to come, and subject to their availability, they would be willing to engage with fellow Alumni, as well as the activities of the Foundation and the Order of Australia Association.
How to Apply
- Complete the application form provided below
- Collect evidence as requested in the application form
- Email the form with the documents to scholarships@cdu.edu.au with the subject line: 'Order of Australia Scholarship Application'
Applications will close on 31 August 2026.
Additional Information
- Applications will be shortlisted based on meeting the eligibility criteria and academic performance.
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in an in-person interview at the CDU Darwin campus
- Outcome is expected to be released in early October 2026.
A Round Table Conference will be held at either Government House, “Yarralumla”, in Canberra, or at “Admiralty House” in Sydney with all Awardees, with press coverage organised. This is likely to be held in October 2026.
Awardees are presented with their Certificate by the Governor-General or her representative at a gala Awards Ceremony associated with the Order of Australia Association’s Annual Conference Dinner. The Awardee’s immediate family, the Scholarship Donor, the Mentor, and a University representative are also invited to the Awards Ceremony. The Gala Awards Ceremony and Dinner will be held in Adelaide on Saturday, 15 May, 2027.
Further information
For further information or to confirm your eligibility for the Scholarship, please contact CDU Scholarships.