Support & Scholarships

That’s why, together with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and the Melbourne Business School we have decided to establish and support the Bastas Academy for Health Leadership. The gift will support course scholarships for emerging leaders across the health sector so that they build the knowledge and know-how they need to make smarter systems and healthier people within them."

About Dennis Bastas

Dennis Bastas is one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, recognised globally for building and scaling high-performing healthcare enterprises.  As Chairman and Group CEO of DBG Health, an international group spanning pharmaceuticals, healthcare, consumer health and beauty, Dennis leads a growing portfolio of market-leading businesses with an expanding footprint across global markets.

A graduate of Monash University with a degree in Engineering and Industrial Design, he began his career in logistics, where he developed a deep understanding of supply chains, market dynamics and the vital importance of accessibility in healthcare. Identifying a critical gap in Australians’ access to affordable generic medicines, Dennis founded his first venture, Genepharm Australasia.  The company rapidly grew to become one of the country’s leading generic pharmaceutical suppliers, later listing on the ASX and ultimately being acquired by U.S. pharmaceutical company Watson.

In 2015, Dennis acquired Arrow Pharmaceuticals, which merged in 2019 with Apotex Australia to form Arrotex Pharmaceuticals. As Founder, Chairman and CEO of Arrotex, Dennis has overseen its rise to become Australia’s largest and most diversified pharmaceutical company, fulfilling one in every two prescriptions on the PBS.

Through DBG Health, Dennis has also expanded into consumer markets with the creation of VidaCorp, a rapidly growing consumer health, wellness and beauty care enterprise. VidaCorp is home to leading retail brands including MCoBeauty, Nude by Nature and Chemists’ Own, each built on the shared ambition of empowering consumers through accessible, high-quality products.

Dennis’s business ethos is based on a deep belief in doing good by driving positive impact across the communities he serves, improving health outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare and wellbeing in Australia and beyond.

Bastas Academy for Health Leadership Scholarships

We are committed to supporting bright and ambitious leaders to take part in Bastas Academy for Health Leadership courses.

Thanks to a generous gift from Dennis Bastas and the support of DBG Health, scholarships of up to 75% of course fees are available for successful applicants.

These scholarships aim to foster diversity, improve access and opportunity, and recognise talent across the Australian health sector. Preference is given to under-represented groups who may face barriers to accessing formal learning.

Please note: Scholarships are not available to employees of DBG Health or affiliated companies.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible you must:

• Be currently employed in the Australian health sector
• Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident
• Intend to complete a Bastas Academy for Health Leadership course and apply your learning to improve the health sector
• Commit to enrolling in and completing the course

*Subject to the scholarship application process.

How to Apply

Scholarships are applied for as part of the course application process.

To be considered:

• 1. Click the “Apply” button next to your chosen course.
• 2. Complete the application form.
• 3. When prompted, select “Yes” to indicate that you would like to be considered for a scholarship.

There is no separate scholarship application form.

Key Dates

• Scholarship applications are now open.
• Applications close four weeks prior to the course start date..