If you have any questions about this scholarship, please email our team or call +61 3 9244 6333.
Need more information? Download the Deakin Scholarships Guide (PDF, 685.9KB).
Damion Drapac Scholarship for Vocational Doctors
Applications open Monday 8 September 2025 and close 5pm Thursday 13 November 2025.
For students commencing the Doctor of Medicine who are from medically underserved populations, experiencing financial barriers and can demonstrate a genuine passion for community medicine.
Value
- Cash payments of up to $15,000 per year, to the maximum value of $60,000.
Duration
- Four years.
Am I eligible?
Ensure you meet all criteria before submitting an application. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be:
- an Australian citizen, commencing the Doctor of Medicine (H911) in Semester 1, 2026
- from a medically underserved community (note that the University takes a broad approach to this, including financial disadvantage, LGBTIQA+, refugee, rural, or other communities who are impacted by health inequities)
- able to demonstrate financial limitations due to personal barriers significantly impacting your ability to pursue a career in medicine
- able to demonstrate passion and commitment to community medicine and improving the health of communities
- willing to represent Deakin’s School of Medicine and the Drapac Centre publicly, and to uphold the values of the School and Centre.
Selection criteria
Preference will be given to students:
- with a commitment to community that includes a passion for community medicine, improving health outcomes and supporting marginalised groups through upholding and advocating for the principles of social justice
- who possess a professional and principled approach, ensuring the capability to succeed in medical training and pursue a successful career in medicine.
Multi-Mini Interview (MMI) results will form part of the selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
Deakin alumni discount
If you are successful in receiving an offer for this scholarship and you are eligible for the Deakin alumni discount, you can only hold one. You will be asked to nominate which arrangement you would like to hold. If you do not make a nomination, the Deakin alumni discount will automatically be withdrawn.
Maintaining this scholarship
As a scholarship recipient, you:
- will be required to write an introduction statement about your goals for study and what it means to receive the scholarship
- must provide a completion statement at the conclusion of your studies
- are expected to act as an ambassador by sharing and upholding the values of Deakin’s School of Medicine and the Damion Drapac Centre to the best of your ability
- must be open to participating in a reasonable level of publicity and in person engagement with the donor, therefore cannot remain anonymous
- cannot hold more than one Deakin administered scholarship concurrently.
About the donor
Mr Michael Drapac wishes to support the Deakin School of Medicine in their goal of diversifying Australia’s medical workforce. He wishes to do this in memory of his son, Dr Damion Drapac, who was a graduate of the Deakin School of Medicine.
Ready to apply?
Register and log in to Deakin's Scholarship Application Portal, then select 'Damion Drapac Scholarship for Vocational Doctors'. If you're successful, you'll be notified via email; usually within six weeks of the application closing date. Unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.
Numbers are limited; not all eligible applicants will receive one.
How to write a successful application
Applying for a scholarship isn't just about meeting the eligibility criteria. It’s your opportunity to stand out and be recognised for where you’ve come from and where you want to go.
Missed the application deadline?
The next offer period for this scholarship will be:
- Semester 1, 2027 (early September 2026 to early November 2026)
Application dates provided are indicative only. Please check closer to the application period for specific opening and closing dates.
