ASC Travel Grants

Applications for the 2026 ASC travel grants will open late 2025.  Stay tuned for updates on this page.

Global Health international travel grants provide grantees attendance to the Annual Scientific Congress (ASC).  The travel grant consists of ASC registration, accommodation, and contributes towards economy travel costs.

ASC Travel Grant:  up to two travel grants are open to surgeons from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and the Pacific Island countries including Cook Islands, Federal States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. 

Simon Siu International Travel Grant:  one travel grant is open to a general surgeon who is a Chinese national.

Applicants are encouraged to review the below eligibility requirements before applying.  Applications must be submitted via the RACS Unlock platform (link will be available when EoIs open) to be considered.  One application per applicant only; duplicate submissions will be deemed ineligible.

The objective of the Global health international travel grants are to provide opportunities for surgeons from China and the Indo-Pacific region to broaden their professional networks and develop their leadership skills, as well as attendance at workshops, talks and meetings with peers from around the world at the ASC.

The program aims to establish and nurture linkages, increase interactions between Australian, Aotearoa New Zealand and Asia health personnel, and promote regional collaboration at the levels of leadership, health structure, administration, surgical practice and research.

Successful surgeons will be required to supply a report on their experience at the conclusion of the ASC.

The grants are offered annually and will cover visa application fees, reasonable return trip travel expenses, plus registration, meals and accommodation related to the ASC.

ASC Travel Grant eligibility:

• This travel grant is available to non-private practice surgeons from target countries who are not Fellows of the College;
• Surgeons must have proof of endorsement from their Ministry of Health or Head of Department at a government hospital or University; and
• Surgeons practising in all fields of surgery are eligible - however, favourable consideration will be given to surgeons whose specialty is represented in the ASC surgical program.

Simon Siu Travel Grant eligibility:

• This travel grant is open to practicing general surgeons who are Chinese nationals and are not Fellows of the College;
• General surgeons practicing in all specialties are eligible to apply - however, favourable consideration will be given to surgeons whose specialty is represented in the ASC surgical program; and
• Favourable consideration will be given to the Chinese general surgeons who are contributing to the conference and who are involved in discussions focused on international relations and development (such as a speaker or panel member).

Only online applications through the application portal will be accepted.  The portal link will be available when the EoI (expressions of interest) period is open.

Global Health Scholarships Coordinator
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
250-290 Spring Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002 Australia

Email:  [email protected]