Acting Minister for Veterans
Media Release Finocchiaro CLP Government supporting veterans and families through Operation Thrive scholarships
6 July 2026
Operation Thrive scholarships are helping members of the veteran community pursue qualifications in health, psychology, occupational therapy and the arts.
The Northern Territory Government is investing $81,000 to continue the program in 2026 through five new scholarships at Charles Darwin University.
Applications for the 2026 round of scholarships are now open and close on 24 July 2026.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is investing $81,000 to continue Operation Thrive in 2026, funding five new scholarships for current and former Australian Defence Force members, veterans, spouses, widows and dependants undertaking study at Charles Darwin University.
The scholarships form part of Operation Thrive initiative to support veterans and their families through the pillars of Transition, Education and Employment; Health and Wellbeing; and Respect and Recognition.
Acting Minister for Veterans Marie-Clare Boothby said the scholarships recognise the valuable contribution veterans and their families make to the Territory.
"The Territory has a proud and strong veteran community, and these scholarships help make higher education more accessible for those balancing military service, family commitments or the transition to civilian life," Minister Boothby said.
"It is encouraging to see recipients pursuing careers in health, psychology, occupational therapy and the arts, and I encourage more veterans and their families to take advantage of the opportunities available through Operation Thrive."
A 2025 Scholarship recipient Samantha Parker said the support had a significant impact on her studies.
"As a member of an ADF family, adapting to change and constantly building transferable skills is a necessity," Ms Parker said.
"When I set out to complete my Bachelor of Psychological Science, receiving the Operation Thrive scholarship was a game-changer. It didn't just invest in my future; it actively alleviated the financial and mental burden of studying, allowing me to focus on turning those adaptable skills into a meaningful career."
Veteran and scholarship recipient Christopher Brown said the scholarship was helping him transition from military service into a new career.
"I am extremely grateful to be one of the recipients of the Operation Thrive scholarships, supporting me in studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Charles Darwin University here in Darwin," Mr Brown said.
"I cannot overstate how much it means to me to have this support to change my career after seven years in the Australian Army to paramedicine, where I can continue to serve and have a positive impact on the Northern Territory."
Applications for the 2026 scholarships are now open for full-time and part-time study commencing in Semester 2, 2026 at Charles Darwin University.
Successful applicants will receive a one-off payment of $1,200 to assist with study costs and $2,500 per semester for up to three years.
Applications close on 24 July 2026 and can be submitted through the CDU Scholarship Finder portal at: here
