General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Northern Territory Scholarships – designed to attract, support and retain general practitioners (GPs) and rural generalists (RGs) in training across the NT.

The scholarships reflect GPRA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the rural and remote workforce and ensuring communities across the Territory have access to high-quality, culturally responsive care.

Applications are now open for the following 2026 scholarships:

• Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP/RG Registrar of the Year Award
• Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarships
• Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarships
• Kanyini Scholarships (supporting GP/RG registrars training in, or who want to train, in rural and remote Northern Territory).

GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie said the scholarships represent more than financial support – they are an investment in the long-term health of Territory communities.

“The Northern Territory offers one of the most diverse and rewarding training experiences in Australia,” said Dr Dickie.

“These scholarships are about backing registrars who are prepared to step into that challenge – to serve communities where continuity of care, cultural understanding, and clinical breadth truly matter.”

Dr Dickie said GPRA remains deeply committed to addressing health workforce shortages in rural and remote areas.

“We know the NT faces ongoing workforce pressures, particularly in very remote communities,” he said.

“The Kanyini Scholarships, in particular, reflect our commitment to nurturing doctors who are ready to train and practise where they are needed most.

“By supporting registrars financially and professionally, we are helping build a sustainable pipeline of GPs and RGs who understand the Territory, who value its communities, and who are prepared to stay.”

The scholarships include:

Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP/RG Registrar of the Year Award
This prestigious $10,000 award commemorates the life and legacy of Dr Debbie Stach, who tragically passed away in 2004 shortly after completing her GP training in the NT. The award recognises a GP/RG registrar enrolled in the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program who demonstrates excellence in medicine, a commitment to improving Indigenous health outcomes, and outstanding professionalism.

Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarships
Named in honour of Ada Wilmadda Parry, a pioneering Cultural Educator in the NT, this scholarship supports up to two GP/RG registrars ($5,000 each) who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving Indigenous health outcomes and enhancing cultural competence.

Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarships
This scholarship honours the significant contributions of Professor Alan Walker to paediatrics in the NT. It supports up to three GP/RG registrars ($5,000 each) annually who are pursuing further education in paediatrics and demonstrate exemplary professional behaviour and dedication to paediatric care.

Kanyini Scholarships
Previously known as the GPRA Northern Territory Rural and Remote Scholarship, the Kanyini Scholarships support GP/RG registrars training, or who want to train,  in rural and remote Northern Territory.

‘Kanyini’ is a Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara term connected to care, responsibility, and nurturing. GPRA gratefully acknowledges that permission was granted by the Traditional Owners of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands to use this term for the Kanyini Scholarships.

“The name Kanyini speaks to care, responsibility and connection,” said Dr Dickie.

“It perfectly captures what general practice in the Northern Territory is about – building relationships, supporting communities, and taking responsibility for long-term health outcomes.”

The Kanyini Scholarships provide up to two scholarships of $20,000 each annually to registrars committed to training and practising in rural and very remote locations (MMM6–7) in the Northern Territory.

Applications for all scholarships are now open and will close on 24 April 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the GPRA website.

ENDS