AGED CARE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME: POSTGRADUATE - CONTINUING EDUCATION

"To me education is empowerment and I always have a thirst to learn more. The scholarship helps to pay my university fees, travel and accommodation costs."1st year student, Graduate Diploma in Gerontology

The Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme is an Australian Government initiative aimed at encouraging more people to enter aged care nursing and increasing the skills of nurses working in the aged care sector particularly in rural and regional Australia.

The Postgraduate - Continuing Education scholarships are aimed at increasing the skills of registered/division 1 nurses working in aged care facilities. Preference will be given to those applicants currently employed in aged care facilities in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia although applicants living in metropolitan areas who are employed in aged care facilities will be considered.

The Scheme provides financial assistance in the form of a scholarship worth up to a total of $10,000 per applicant. The study that the applicant intends undertaking must be directly relevant to nursing employment in aged care.

Scholarships are available to registered/division 1 nurses working in aged care facilities who have a current practicing certificate (or its equivalent) issued by a nurse registration body in an Australian State or Territory who wish to undertake further study in aged care. Registered/division 1 nurses who do not have a current practicing certificate may also apply if they intend undertaking a re-entry course or they can demonstrate that they are eligible to re-register.

To be eligible to accept a contribution towards your fees under this scheme you are required to be a full fee paying student. This means you will not be receiving any of the following:

University Commonwealth Supported Place
HECS, FEE-HELP/PELS or
Any other Commonwealth Assistance

Funding will be considered for, although not limited to:

Honours level nursing study;
Postgraduate courses in the higher education sector;
TAFE programs, vocational education and training courses;
Skills refresher / re-entry courses;
Conference attendance (either as a delegate or a presenter); and
Short courses.

**Funding will not be considered for:**

Overseas study;
Enrolled nurse to registered nurse conversion course;
Individual clinical placements not included in a course/study program;

For clarification of your eligibility under this scheme please contact us by email: scholarships@rcna.org.au or on free call number 1800 11 66 96.

This scheme is now open. Applications must be received by Friday 19 September 2008.

Please click here to download the Application Form

Print application, complete form in black or blue pen, sign and attach the relevant documents then post to Royal College of Nursing, Australia (address below).

Remember to print or save a copy of the application form for your own records.

Applications are in pdf format. If you are having difficulties downloading the application form, please click on the Adobe image to download an updated version of Adobe reader.

Mail completed and signed application form by Friday 19 September 2008 to:

Fund Administrator
Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme: Postgraduate - Continuing Education
Royal College of Nursing, Australia
PO Box 219
DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600

Important Links

AGED CARE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

The Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme also offers various support measures for scholarship holders. These measures include a mentor program, regular electronic bulletins and a website dedicated to assist people undertaking study in Nursing. Follow the links to find more information on what the Aged Care Support Sytems has to offer.

CONTACTING RCNA

Further information about the above scholarships can be obtained by contacting Royal College of Nursing, Australia.

Email - scholarships@rcna.org.au

Free call number - 1800 11 66 96