Eight scholarship slots have been announced for NT registrars to help support and retain GPs and RGs in the territory.
Amid GP shortages in the Northern Territory, General Practice Registrars Australia is looking to not only boost GP numbers but also retain them beyond their training.
The move comes in the form of a new 2026 Northern Territory Scholarship that will financially support incoming GPs and rural generalists that train and practice in the territory.
“The Northern Territory offers one of the most diverse and rewarding training experiences in Australia,” said GPRA president Dr Chris 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.”
This scholarship is more than just a financial support for trainees but also a long-term investment into the health of NT communities.
Eight total scholarships are on offer, ranging from $5000 to $20,000 per student annually.
The largest are the Kanyini Scholarships targeted at supporting GP/RG registrars either looking to or currently training in rural and remote areas in the territory.
“‘Kanyini’ is a Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara term connected to care, responsibility, and nurturing,” the GPRA said in its announcement.
“GPRA gratefully acknowledges that permission was granted by the Traditional Owners of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands to use this term for the Kanyini Scholarships.”
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A needed focus on rural/remote workforce retention was the reasoning behind the $20k per scholarship investment.
“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 Professor Alan Walker scholarships ($5000 annually each) are for three registrars who are pursuing training in paediatrics in honour of Professor Walker’s contributions to paediatrics in the NT.
Supporting Indigenous health is a key focus of the scholarships with the Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarships supporting two registrars.
Those registrars are chosen based on demonstration of a strong commitment to improving Indigenous health outcomes and enhancing cultural competence.
The final scholarship is the Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP/RG Registrar of the Year Award that will give one registrar $10,000 to support their training endeavours.
The award is named in memory of Dr Debbie Stach who died in 2004 soon after she completed her GP training in the Northern Territory.
