AOA AORA ASM Bursary Program 

AORA has created an ASM bursary for AOA trainee members to encourage and facilitate attendance at the 2026 AORA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). 

The 2026 AORA ASM will take place at the Cairns Convention Centre from 9–10 October 2026.

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One AORA ASM bursary will provide full registration (two days) to the AORA ASM, including the social cocktail function, open to all current and on interruption AOA trainees.

Eleven bursaries are available for AOA trainees in each of the following:

  • SA/NT: Two bursaries available
  • Northside: One bursary available
  • Southside: One bursary available
  • Newcastle: One bursary available
  • VIC: Two bursaries available
  • WA: One bursary available
  • QLD: One bursary available
  • TAS: One bursary available

What's included?

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to attend:

  • the 2026 AORA ASM, over two days in Cairns.
  • keynote and paper presentations.
  • the AORA president's cocktail reception.

What's covered?

The bursary will cover the full cost of the conference registration including the social function. Successful candidates will need to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

Eligibility criteria

  • Applicants who are employed at part-time or full-time capacity, or maybe on parental leave. 
  • Applicants who are financial members of AOA.
  • Applicants who may be on interruption from their training. 
  • Applicants who have not received any other AOA bursaries or prizes in the last two years.
  • Applicants are asked to provide brief supporting detail on their interest in the AORA ASM and how their attendance will benefit their training, practice, or career. 

Application and selection

Applications open 29 May and should be submitted via the online form below by 30 June 2026.

Blue Button Example

Allocation of bursaries will be undertaken by a conference bursary panel which may include representatives of the AORA Executive, AOA head office allocated staff, state branch chairs, and regional managers. The bursary panel will review: 

  • eligibility criteria
  • application response/input.

Applicants are advised to discuss their attendance at the conference with their relevant employers and supervisors.

It is not possible to provide feedback on applications, and no correspondence regarding decisions on applications will be entered into.

Timing

The proposed timing is set as follows: 

  • Bursary applications open 29 May 2026.
  • Bursary applications close 30 June 2026.

A decision will be made and successful recipients will be notified by 31 July 2026.

It is not possible to provide feedback on applications, and no correspondence regarding decisions on applications will be entered into.

If you have any questions, please contact Membership Engagement Manager Susie Obeid via susie.obeid@aoa.org.au