Pacific Island & South East Asia Travel Grants

We are pleased to announce that the application process for the 2026 Pacific Island & South East Asian Travel Grants Program is now open. Each grant – valued at AUD $5,000 per grant – goes towards funding eligible surgeons and trainees from across the Pacific and South East Asia in attending the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting.

Application Process

APPLICATION FORM

Eligible surgeons and surgical trainees (refer to eligibility section before completing application) from the Pacific Islands and South East Asia are invited to apply for the Travel Grants program before the closing date of Friday 12 June 2026:

  1. As the first step, please complete and submit the application form:
  2. Once your application is received, you will be sent a request for the following:
    1. Letter including reasons for your application and the anticipated benefit of receiving a travel grant
    2. A brief Curriculum Vitae
    3. Two (2) written supporting professional references

Please note your application is not complete until all documentation has been submitted.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • A permanent resident or citizen of an eligible Pacific Island; or
  • A permanent resident or citizen of an eligible South East Asian nation
  • A surgeon practicing General Surgery
  • A doctor undergoing training in General Surgery

Please refer to the Pacific Island & South East Asian Travel Grant Policy for a list of eligible nations.

About the Grants

The Travel Grants Program was established to assist Pacific Island and South East Asian surgeons/surgical trainees in travelling to Australia to attend the ASM, offering education, training opportunities and vital surgical contacts as well as reciprocal knowledge and connections. We are pleased to have awarded over 55 grants to date.

We are committed in growing and supporting our connections with our Pacific Island and South East Asian surgical colleagues and look forward to welcoming new friends to the ASM this year.

Up to three (3) travel grants will be awarded this year, comprising the following:

  • Each grant is valued at a maximum of AUD $5,000
  • Grants are to be used towards attendance at the 2026 ASM which may include: meeting registration, economy return travel, accommodation, visa support

Terms & Conditions

  1. Please ensure you read the Pacific Island & South East Asian Travel Grant Policy in full before submitting your application. 
  2. Successful recipient(s) will be required to complete an evaluation form and to provide a written report at the conclusion of the ASM regarding their experience at the meeting.

Enquiries

E [email protected]

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We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples and Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waterways on which we live.

We honour and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

We recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their ongoing strength and resilience despite the past and present impacts of colonisation and dispossession. We acknowledge the important role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people play as leaders in their communities and across Victoria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent the world’s oldest living culture. We celebrate and respect this continuing culture and strive to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people as they draw on the strength of their community, families and culture to build a bright future.