The Australian Government, in collaboration with the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, has officially opened applications for the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program 2026. This initiative is designed to strengthen Australia’s aged care workforce by supporting education, training, and leadership development for current and aspiring aged care nurses.
A Program to Strengthen Aged Care
The scholarship program aims to ensure high-quality, person-centered care for older Australians while also encouraging more workers to pursue formal qualifications in aged care nursing. A special focus is placed on increasing workforce capacity to support First Nations communities, ensuring culturally safe and inclusive care.
Through the program, aged care workers are encouraged to complete recognised qualifications and take part in leadership training to progress their careers and contribute to better health and wellbeing outcomes for older people.
Benefits and Funding
A total of 1,050 scholarships will be awarded between now and June 2027, with a guaranteed allocation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. Scholarships will be reimbursed upon successful completion of study units, with financial support available for a wide range of courses, from Certificate III to Master’s programs.
The funding ranges include:
- Certificate III in Individual Support – up to $6,000
- Certificate IV in Aged Care – up to $6,000
- Diploma of Nursing – up to $20,000
- Advanced Diploma in Nursing – up to $6,000
- Bachelor of Nursing – up to $30,000
- Graduate Certificate – up to $7,500
- Graduate Diploma – up to $15,000
- Master’s Degree – up to $30,000
Beyond financial aid, scholars will also gain access to professional memberships, mentorship opportunities, subscriptions to clinical resources, and cultural safety training.
Additional Support
Recipients will enjoy complimentary membership with the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, access to the Ausmed learning platform with more than 1,200 clinical resources, and participation in the Murra Mullangari: Introduction to Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility course offered in partnership with CATSINaM. These resources aim to ensure that graduates are not only highly skilled but also culturally responsive practitioners.
Application Process
Applications for the first round of scholarships are now open and will close on 30 September 2025. Interested applicants must provide key documents, including:
- Proof of course enrolment (if available)
- Employer confirmation of current aged care employment
- A copy of their CV
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration (if applicable)
Eligible candidates can submit applications through the official online portal.
A Step Toward a Stronger Workforce
The Australian Government has highlighted this program as a significant step toward improving aged care services nationwide. By investing in education and leadership, the scholarships aim to create a more skilled, compassionate, and culturally safe workforce equipped to meet the growing demands of an ageing population.