These First Nations women in STEM want to make a difference for their community, for their Country, and leave a mark on where they work.

Mia Stevens, pursuing a career in software engineering, and Zoe Carroll, in her third year of Medicine, are the latest recipients of a scholarship supporting First Nations people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields offering $10,000 per year across three or four years of study.

Ms Carroll says, as a proud Indigenous woman, she views medicine through a cultural lens. This informs an understanding of existing healthcare access barriers and how First Peoples can view health differently to others.

"It is my responsibility to step into spaces that colonisation restricted us from, medicine and education, and break through barriers that continue to restrict Indigenous peoples' rights, access and equitable treatment," she said.

"I am passionate about supporting tangible change to make spaces better for the community who follow me through on this pursuit to medicine."

The Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership Scholarship is delivered in partnership with Sydney's Macquarie University.

Merck Healthcare is the Australian and New Zealand arm of the German-founded science and technology company.

The scholarship offers up to $40,000 per recipient over the duration of their studies.

It's described as an effort to foster the next generation of First Nations leaders in STEM.

For Ms Carroll, it will help her go further with self-elected placement in her fourth year of her Doctor of Medicine degree.

The support will also take away some financial pressures during study.

"I feel a cultural responsibility to leave places better than when we found them," Ms Carroll said. "My goal is to inspire and empower the coming generations of Indigenous graduates by showing that pursuing medicine and reaching our aspirations is entirely possible - because you can't be what you can't see."

For Ms Stevens, "technology is not just about innovation, but about making a meaningful difference".

She added the role technology plays in shaping the future is what led her to chasing a career in STEM.

"As an Indigenous Australian, I am inspired by the long-standing tradition of environmental stewardship and caring for Country," she said.

"I'm incredibly honoured to be awarded the Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership Scholarship. This opportunity will allow me to use technology as a tool not only to connect people, but also to protect and sustain the environment, blending ancient wisdom with modern solutions."

The Merck scholarship gives the opportunity for Indigenous students to make the decision on their direction towards their ambitions.

Sam Ricketts, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at Macquarie University, said "education is key to future success".

"The Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership Scholarships encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to study and work in STEM related fields.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Ricketts told Ms Carroll and Ms Stevens they "exemplify the best, through your curiosity, resilience, and in giving back to community".

A competitive group of applications were made for the scholarship, Merck Healthcare Managing Director Josie Downey explained, with the recipients sure to make a difference in STEM.

"We know this can be a life-changing opportunity for these impressive recipients- and an equally huge opportunity for the STEM sector, which will gain so much from these driven and talented individuals," Ms Downey said.

"We can't wait to see where the Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership Scholarships lead the recipients."