National Nurse Re-entry Scheme

The Nurse Scholarship Program: National Nurse Re-entry Scheme is an Australian Government initiative and is available for Registered nurses and midwives and Enrolled VIC only - Division 2) nurses whose registration has lapsed and have not practiced for five years or more. Applicants must have been registered by a nurse registration body in an Australian State or Territory.

This is a national program and targets all nurses including rural and metropolitan applicants. Scholarships are worth up to $6,000 each for up to two years of study and are aimed at applicants intending to undertake, or are currently undertaking, an accredited or approved Australian nursing program or course that will enable them to re-enter the nursing/midwifery workforce in an Australian State or Territory. Childcare with a registered carer will also be considered for funding.

For clarification of your eligibility under this scheme please contact us by email: scholarships@rcna.org.au or on free call number 1800 11 22 40.

Applications will be considered from applicants who meet the following criteria:

Australian citizen or permanent resident;
Previously registered as a Registered nurse or midwife or Enrolled (VIC only - Division 2) nurse in an Australian State or Territory;
Registered nurses or midwives or Enrolled (VIC only - Division 2) nurses whose registration has lapsed and have not practiced for five years or more (For NSW only, nurses who have not practiced for five years or more but still hold a NSW registration are eligible to apply);
Undertaking a re-entry (NSW only – refresher) program which is approved by the nurse registration board in your State or Territory; and
Commencing program on or after August 2008.

Please contact the nurse registration board in your State or Territory regarding your nurse re-entry/refresher requirements.

This Scheme is now open. Applications must be received by Friday 10 October 2008.

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 10 October 2008 to:

National Nurse Re-entry Scheme
Royal College of Nursing, Australia
PO Box 219
DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600

Important Links

Click here for more information on returning to nursing or midwifery
Click here for information on how these scholarship payments may effect Centrelink payments
Click here for more information on the taxation implications
Click here for information and to download Statutory Declaration forms
Click here for information on the Nurse Mentor Program

National Nurse Re-entry Scheme Scholarship Survey

Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) has developed a survey to gain feedback from people who have been involved with the scheme. This survey is available for download from the link below and takes about ten (10) minutes to complete.

Click here to download the National Nurse Re-entry Scheme Scholarship Survey

Please send your completed survey to-

The Fund Administrator
National Nurse Re-entry Scheme
Royal College of Nursing, Australia
PO Box 219
DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600

RCNA would like to thank you for taking the time to complete and return this survey

CONTACTING RCNA

Further information about the above scholarship scheme can be obtained by contacting RCNA.

Email - scholarships@rcna.org.au
Freecall number - 1800 11 22 40

Staff on the free call number can offer guidance regarding who to contact to help you search for an available re-entry course. Courses in certain States/Territories may have limited availability. The freecall line is open from 9am til 5pm Monday to Friday AEST.