About the program
Scholarships and grants benefit not only the individuals who receive them but also contribute to the development of research, surgical practice and leadership in our local and global surgical communities.
Our scholarships and grants are offered in two rounds – research scholarships in March and learning and development grants in August.
On this page
RACS scholarships and grants program support surgeons, Trainees, academics and other professionals in their endeavours to inform, educate, facilitate change and improve the quality of surgical care and practice.
Our scholarships and grants program represents a significant philanthropic contribution to surgical research and training in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. Thanks to our generous donors and the many Fellows who commit their time and expertise to the program, we are now poised to be an international leader in the provision of scholarships for the surgical community.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
We encourage applications from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori and female applicants as we support RACS’ focus on:
- removing barriers to the participation of women in surgery
- recognising that people can experience disadvantage
- continuing and enhancing initiatives designed to increase the participation of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori doctors in the practice of surgery.
To support RACS goal of improving gender equity in the surgical profession, the Scholarships and grants program aims to achieve gender balance in the awarding of scholarships, grants and Fellowships.
Find out more about RACS Diversity and Inclusion Plan (PDF 4.12MB).
Research scholarships
Applications for 2022 activity are closed. Outcomes will be advised in August 2021.
Research scholarships offer recipients the opportunity to pursue a major research project over a period ranging from one to three years. They are usually undertaken through an approved research institute in Australia or New Zealand, are paid as a stipend via the institute on behalf of RACS and may include departmental maintenance.
View research opportunities (offered in 2022).
Listen to a RACS podcast on the benefits of scholarship as past recipients Professor Greg O’Grady and Dr Deborah Wright share their experiences and discuss the benefits that scholarships have provided to each of them in their fields of research and their careers.
Learning and development grants
Learning and development grants for 2022 activity will open in August 2021.
Learning and development grants offer recipients the opportunity to pursue professional development, training or small research activities in Australia, New Zealand or overseas.
They are usually undertaken over weeks or some months and are paid directly to the recipient.
Applications
Applications for the Learning and Development 2022 round will be available through our new online platform in August 2021.
Read about how to apply, who can apply, the selection and approval process and accepting an offer.
Obligations
In accepting an offer for a scholarship or grant, successful applicants must agree to both the program and individual scholarship or grant conditions. It is important to read through these conditions before applying to the program.
Benefits and value
The prestige of being awarded a RACS scholarship or grant is well recognised within the surgical community.
The benefits of research scholarships may include:
- mentorship and networking opportunities (where available)
- a payment to be administered in partnership with the administering institution
- departmental maintenance
- publishing and presentation opportunities resulting from the completion of a research project.
The benefits of learning and development grants may include:
- conference/scientific meeting attendance
- presentation opportunities
- mentorship, leadership and networking opportunities
- training and experience
- professional development
- small research projects.
Recipients of scholarships and grants are also given the opportunity to input into the future of the RACS Scholarships and grants program.
Value
The value for scholarships and grants is listed on the respective opportunity webpage in $AUD exclusive of GST.
Contact us
Scholarships and Grants Department
Telephone: +61 8 8219 0924
Email: scholarships@surgeons.org