Mannu Kala came to Griffith from India with nothing but drive and a dream. Now, he’s a successful healthcare entrepreneur employing thousands across Australia. And he’s determined to help Queensland’s future doctors – by removing the financial barriers to a career in medicine that once stood in his own path.
Through the Mannu Kala Foundation, Mannu has made a transformative gift of more than $350,000 to support future medical students at Griffith University.
Over the next eight years, this major financial commitment will support a cohort of new medical talent—covering tuition fees for several final-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) students, and supporting others from the very start of their four-year degree. In total, nine students will benefit from the scholarship.
For Mannu, it’s about creating opportunity for those who need it most.
“The brightest young people who dream of becoming doctors deserve a fair chance, regardless of where they come from,” he says.
“This scholarship exists to make that dream possible.”
Griffith’s Pro Vice Chancellor of Health, Professor Analise O’Donovan, says the gift is more than generous—it’s visionary.
“We are deeply grateful to Mannu Kala and his Foundation for their support,” she says.
“This scholarship program reflects the values we hold dear at Griffith—equity, excellence, and a commitment to improving lives through education and healthcare.
“These scholarships will help shape the next generation of medical professionals—people who will care for our communities, lead innovation, and respond to the health challenges of tomorrow.
“It will make it possible for students who have the passion and talent to become outstanding doctors but may not have had the means.”
Mannu’s journey from student to entrepreneur is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity—and now, he’s making sure others get that same chance.
Learn more about the Mannu Kala Foundation MD Scholarship—a life-changing opportunity covering full tuition fees for medical students who have experienced educational disadvantage.
Image captions (top to bottom):
- Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans and Mannu Kala.
- Left to right, Annie Muller, Priya Daga, Mannu Kala, Dr Kuljit Singh, Raj Nanalal from the Mannu Kala Foundation.
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