The gamadji nanggit Scholarship

Gamadji nanggit means ‘emerging leader’ in Woi Wurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people. This scholarship supports the leadership development of the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychiatrists.

The scholarship was established in 2021 through the generosity and vision of Dr Alagappa Arumugam AM FRANZCP and Dr Banu Arumugam.

Value

The scholarship is to join the AMA Victoria Emerging Leader Professional Development Program. The program supports early career doctors to develop practical leadership skills for their everyday work and future leadership roles. The program can be completed individually or as part of a group and includes one-on-one coaching.

Eligibility

PGY1: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Year 1 doctors or higher, who are current or new members of the Psychiatry Interest Forum. Fellows or trainees of other specialties are ineligible to apply.

RANZCP members: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander RANZCP trainees and Fellows who are in their first five years post Fellowship.

Cultural Safety

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Nations and the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters now known as Australia, and Māori as tangata whenua in Aotearoa, also known as New Zealand.

The RANZCP Foundation is committed to supporting a culturally safe, respectful and inclusive application process.

Key dates

Applications open 1 July and close 31 August 2026.

How to apply 

Applicants are encouraged to read the scholarship Terms of Reference.

Applicants should submit:

a cover letter of no more than one page
a curriculum vitae.

The cover letter should set out your motivation for applying and how participation in this course will benefit your career and medical leadership aspirations.

Please send all applications or queries to foundation@ranzcp.org.

Scholarship recipients

Read about past recipients in the RANZCP Foundation 2025 and 2024 Impact Reports.