Nursing Scholarship Grants 2024-27
Australia’s aged care industry stands as the backbone of compassionate care for our older population, providing dignity and support during life’s later stages. Yet, attracting and retaining skilled nurses remains a challenge. Addressing this head-on, the Australian Government’s Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Program is set to transform career pathways in the sector. With $21.571 million allocated over three years (2024-25 to 2026-27), this initiative is a game-changer for aged care professionals and the future of aged care in Australia.
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Why the Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Program Matters
The aged care sector is more than an industry—it’s a community of dedicated professionals delivering vital services. However, as demand for aged care continues to grow, so does the need for skilled, passionate workers.
The Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Program addresses two critical challenges:
- Upskilling the Workforce: Many aged care professionals want to grow in their roles but face barriers like the cost of education. This program removes those barriers, offering scholarships to help workers enhance their skills and qualifications.
- Improving Workforce Retention: By investing in career development, the program motivates aged care workers to stay in the industry, ensuring stability and continuity in care.
Key Features of the Program
The program is designed to empower aged care workers by funding 1,050 scholarships over three years. These scholarships support a wide range of education pathways, from Certificate-level courses to Postgraduate qualifications, ensuring accessibility for workers at every career stage.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships are open to professionals currently working in aged care, including:
- Registered and Enrolled Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Assistants in Nursing
- Personal Care Workers
By supporting this diverse group, the program fosters a skilled workforce ready to meet the unique needs of aged care residents.
How Scholarships Help
Recipients can pursue specialized courses that deepen their understanding of aged care, ranging from clinical skills to leadership training. With education tailored to sector needs, these scholarships directly enhance the quality of care provided to older Australians.
What Organisations Need to Know
The grant funding doesn’t just support individual scholarships—it also seeks organizations to deliver the program effectively.
Eligible entities include:
- Indigenous Corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
- Companies
- Cooperatives
- Incorporated Associations
To qualify, organisations must:
- Be based in Australia
- Be GST-registered
- Hold a financial institution account
Funding applications are managed through GrantConnect, the government’s grants portal.
A Sector-Wide Impact
This program aligns with broader efforts to professionalize the aged care workforce and ensure long-term sustainability. A skilled workforce doesn’t just benefit aged care residents—it boosts morale, fosters innovation, and enhances the sector’s reputation as a rewarding career choice.
Looking Forward: Aged Care as a Career of Choice
The Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Program sends a powerful message: aged care is a sector worth investing in. By creating career pathways, the initiative builds a resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges of an aging population.
For aged care professionals, this is an invitation to dream bigger. For organisations, it’s an opportunity to shape the future of aged care.
Stay informed on this initiative and more by exploring the latest industry insights on the HCPA blog. Let’s work together to elevate aged care for all Australians.
HCPA is an all-in-one solution for Aged Care providers, supporting them with registration, growth and consulting. Contact us here or call 03 9084 7472 to learn how we can help you succeed.
SOURCES | Australian Government ‘Current Grant Opportunity View – GO7228‘ |
