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About the program

RACS, through the Foundation for Surgery, is one of the largest funders of surgical education and research world-wide. 

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 Program represents a significant philanthropic contribution to surgical research and training in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. 

Thanks to our generous donors and the many Fellows who commit their time and expertise, the program supports 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 are offered annually in two rounds – Research scholarships in March and Learning and Development grants in August.

  • Research scholarships

    Applications open in March 2022 for 2023 activity.

    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 Aotearoa New Zealand, are paid as a stipend via the institute on behalf of RACS and may include departmental maintenance.

    View research opportunities.

  • Learning and development grants

    Applications for 2022 activity are now closed. 

    Learning and development grants offer recipients the opportunity to pursue professional development, training or small research activities in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas.

    They are usually undertaken over weeks or some months and are paid directly to the recipient.

    View grants available for application in 2021.

  • 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).

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Applications

    Read about how to apply, who can apply, the selection and approval process and accepting an offer. 

  • RACS Unlock

    Applications are now online through the Scholarships and Grants online hub - RACS Unlock.

    The Apply Now link, visible on scholarship and grant webpages when an application round is open, will take you to the RACS Unlock registration web page.

    To give yourself time to gather any necessary evidence for your application, it is recommended you log-in to RACS Unlock and read through what is required early in the opening period. 

    Read more about RACS Unlock.

  • Podcasts and media

    Post Op podcast - Research round: 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. 

    Post Op podcast - Learning and Development round: Consultant colorectal surgeon Mr Ryash Vather discusses the benefits of a Learning and Development grant. 

    Surgical News Vol 1 2021 - Research scholarship focus (page 48)

    Surgical News Vol 2 2021 - Learning and Development grants focus (page 58)

  • Frequently asked questions

    To view a list of the most common questions about our scholarships and grants program, please click on the link below:

    Frequently asked questions

  • Contact us

    Scholarships and Grants Department

    Learning and Development grants enquiries:

    Telephone: +61 3 9249 1216
    Email: scholarships@surgeons.org

     

    Research scholarships enquiries:

    Telephone: +61 8 8219 0924
    Email: scholarships@surgeons.org

  • Glossary of terms

    To view the glossary of terms, please click on the link below:

    Glossary of terms