Are you passionate about aged care and ready to take your nursing career to the next level? The Australian Government, in partnership with the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), has officially launched the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program 2026, a time-sensitive opportunity for current and aspiring nurses across Australia. Whether you’re just starting in healthcare or already serving in aged care, this scholarship offers generous funding, career development, and cultural competency training to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce that supports the elderly especially First Nations communities.
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.
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 recognized qualifications and take part in leadership training to progress their careers and contribute to better health and well-being 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. 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.
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