In This Article
- Are nursing scholarships available to postgraduate students?
- Who offers postgraduate nursing scholarships?
- University nursing scholarships for postgraduate students
- External nursing scholarships for postgraduate students
- How to apply for a nursing scholarship
- Why postgraduate nursing students should apply for a scholarship
- Take your next career step with a nursing scholarship
Expanding your nursing knowledge with advanced or specialised skills can help progress your career. However, if you’ve considered taking on postgraduate study, you may be wondering about the costs involved.
For many nurses, managing the increased cost of living and balancing study with work commitments can sometimes make pursuing postgraduate study a financial challenge. However, there are nursing postgraduate scholarships available in 2026 to help reduce this burden. Finding the right scholarship can help reduce your study-related costs, providing the financial support you need to upskill and take the next important step in your nursing career.
We explore the various types of postgraduate nursing scholarships available in 2026, including the organisations and educational institutions currently offering them. We also cover some tips on how to get a nursing scholarship, as well as some of the benefits you’ll gain from applying and receiving one.
Are nursing scholarships available to postgraduate students?
Yes, nursing scholarships are available to postgraduate nursing students throughout Australia. While many people associate higher education scholarships with undergraduate degrees, a wide range of nursing scholarships in Australia cater to registered nurses and midwives pursuing postgraduate qualifications.
Postgraduate nursing scholarships can help cover various costs associated with returning to study. Some scholarships partially or fully cover tuition costs. Some can be used for study materials, equipment, travel or living expenses. Other scholarships may cover a mix of both, helping you take on further study with confidence and without the additional financial strain.
The eligibility criteria will vary across different scholarships. However, in general, you need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, be a registered nurse or midwife with current NMBA registration and be enrolled in a relevant postgraduate degree. Some scholarships are specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare professionals and may apply to nurses working in a specialised practice area or a rural health setting.
Who offers postgraduate nursing scholarships?
Postgraduate nursing scholarships in Australia come from a diverse range of sources, each with its own eligibility criteria, area of focus and application processes. Here is an overview of where nurses can seek support with exploring a postgraduate scholarship:
Universities
Many Australian universities offer postgraduate nursing scholarships to support nursing expertise across various sectors. These may include equity scholarships, research grants or other scholarship types aimed at specific areas such as mental health, midwifery or rural and remote nursing. Eligibility can take into account academic performance, financial need or commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
Federal and state government departments
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and state-based health departments also offer various scholarships for nursing students. These initiatives can be connected to national health priorities, such as boosting the number of nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives or supporting the aged care nursing or Indigenous health workforce.
Professional nursing organisations
Nursing organisations and professional bodies, such as the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) and the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre (ANMC), offer scholarships to support their members' professional growth and advancement of the nursing profession. These scholarships support midwives, registered nurses and nurse practitioners looking to expand their skills in many high-demand fields, including aged care, intensive care and palliative care.
University nursing scholarships for postgraduate students
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | Who is eligible? | What can the scholarship be used for? | Application close date in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Trobe University | Victorian Maternal and Child Health Nursing Scholarship (in partnership with the Victorian State Health Department) | $35,000 | Victorian nursing students looking to gain a PhD in maternal and child health nurse research | Paid as a fortnightly stipend to help offset the costs associated with engaging in full-time research | 27 February 2026 |
| University of Sydney | Susan Wakil Scholarships – Postgraduate Rural and Regional Australia | Up to $21,625 | Students from areas of Australia outside of Greater Sydney who are undertaking postgraduate study at the Sydney Nursing School | One-off payment of $500 in the first semester for study-related costs. $220.05 per credit point per semester paid towards tuition fees for four semesters | 30 January 2026 |
| Queensland University of Technology | Ron Macnamara Rural Nursing Scholarship | $15,000 | Female nurses entering the Master of Nursing or Master of Nurse Practitioner programs who are committed to working in rural and remote settings at some point during their career | Paid as a stipend in two instalments of $7,500 per semester for up to one year after the census date to offset study-related costs | 27 February 2026 |
| University of Sydney | Susan Wakil Scholarships – Postgraduate Greater Sydney | $8,625 | Students from Greater Sydney who are undertaking study in the Master of Nursing (graduate degree) at the Sydney Nursing School | One-off payment of $500 in the first semester. $84.63 per credit point towards tuition fees for a total of four semesters | 30 January 2026 |
| James Cook University | Thelma Myers Memorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship | $8,000 per year ($4,000 for part-time study) for the duration of the degree | Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives who are enrolled in a postgraduate course at JCU with a research focus | Paid in instalments to cover study-related costs | TBA |
| Charles Sturt University | Clinical Excellence Queensland Midwifery Scholarship | $7,608 | Supports rural midwifery students enrolled in a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery. Applicants must be employed in a regional public hospital/maternity facility in Queensland as a registered nurse/student midwife | Scholarship funds are paid in two instalments to help reduce the overall cost of tuition, study-related and prac-related expenses associated with completing the course | 28 February 2026 |
| University of Newcastle | Margaret and Errol Allen Nursing Scholarship | $7,500 | Full-time students enrolled in a full-time postgraduate nursing program who can demonstrate financial hardship | This scholarship amount is awarded as a single payment to assist with study-related costs | 8 February 2026 |
| University of Notre Dame | Beasley Family Scholarship in Medicine and Nursing | $5,000 | Available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in a School of Medicine or the School of Nursing and Midwifery undergraduate or postgraduate course | Paid per year toward course fees | 25 February 2026 |
Aside from the scholarships listed above, many universities offer broader scholarships for postgraduate students that may also apply to nurses and midwives. If you’re interested in a specific course or university, browse their scholarship information to see if there are other scholarships or bursaries you can apply for to help cover fees or study-related costs associated with completing your postgraduate degree.
External nursing scholarships for postgraduate students
| Scholarship provider | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | Who is eligible? | What can the scholarship be used for? | Application close date in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlobalHealth Education | Healthcare Education Scholarship | $5,000 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare students | Funds can be used for tuition fees, course equipment, study materials and travel costs | 27 February 2026 |
| Australian Nurses Memorial Centre (ANMC) | ‘Babe’ Norman Scholarship | $40,000 | Awarded to ANMC-affiliated nurses and midwives who have exceptional research potential to undertake a full-time clinical research doctorate at an Australian university | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study in PhD research | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October |
| Rosemary Norman Grants | Ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives undertaking postgraduate study | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (in partnership with the ACNP) | Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program | Up to $15,000 for a graduate certificate. Up to $15,000 for a graduate diploma. Up to $30,000 for a master's degree | This program currently offers scholarships to support Australian nurses and midwives pursuing further study to become a nurse practitioner or endorsed midwife in aged care and primary care settings | Reimbursement of tuition fees | 31 March 2026 |
| Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (in partnership with the ACNP) | Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program | Up to $7,500 for a graduate certificate. Up to $15,000 for a graduate diploma. Up to $30,000 for a master's degree | Nurses in aged care who are enrolled in a relevant aged care nursing course | Reimbursement of tuition fees | 31 March 2026 |
| Australian Nurses Memorial Centre (ANMC) Australian Nurses Memorial Centre (ANMC) | ANMC Betty Jeffrey Award | $20,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives undertaking postgraduate study | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October |
| ANMC Vivian Bullwinkel Award | $20,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives undertaking postgraduate study | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| NSW Department of Health | Rhodanthe Lipsett Midwifery Postgraduate Scholarship | $15,000 for a master’s degree in midwifery | Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander registered midwives employed by NSW Health and currently studying a Master of Midwifery | Reimbursement of tuition fees | 22 February 2026 |
| Aboriginal Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships | Up to $6,000 for a graduate certificate. Up to $8,000 for a graduate diploma. Up to $10,000 for a master's degree | Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students commencing study or currently studying a postgraduate nursing or midwifery degree at an Australian higher education provider. Must also be a NSW resident and currently working in NSW Health as a registered nurse or midwife | Reimbursement of tuition fees | 22 February 2026 | |
| Australian Nurses Memorial Centre (ANMC) | Beth Cuthbertson Scholarship | $10,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives undertaking postgraduate study. Priority is given to those working in rural or regional areas | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October |
| Michael Dent Scholarship | $10,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives undertaking postgraduate study | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| Prince Henry's Affiliates Scholarship | $10,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives living and practising in Victoria, undertaking postgraduate study to build skills in patient-centred, acute-care nursing | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| ANMC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurse/Midwife Scholarship | $5,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, undertaking postgraduate study | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| ANMC and Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women Scholarships | $5,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives with a familial link to the ADF or with current or past membership to the ADF, undertaking postgraduate study in aged or palliative care. Priority is given to those working in rural or regional areas | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| ANMC Commemorative Scholarship | $5,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives undertaking postgraduate study | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| ANMC Mental Health Scholarship | $5,000 | Available to ANMC-affiliated registered nurses or midwives undertaking postgraduate study in the field of mental health nursing | To support the costs of pursuing postgraduate study | Open annually from 1 July to 31 August. Applications are assessed mid-October | |
| Northern Territory Government (NT Health) | Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Studies Assistance Programs | Up to $2,000 for a graduate certificate. Up to $2,000 for a graduate diploma. Up to $4,000 for a master’s degree | Available to registered nurses and midwives enrolled in postgraduate study who have been continuously employed by NT Health in a 0.5 FTE capacity or greater for at least two years | These scholarship amounts are reimbursed per unit for tuition fees | March 2026 |
| Government of Western Australia Department of Health | Chief Nursing and Midwifery Programs | Scholarship amounts TBC | Available to registered nurses and midwives enrolled in a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master’s degree relevant to a nursing specialisation, midwifery degree or nurse practitioner qualification | Scholarship funds are granted for one academic semester only. Funds cover the full cost of each unit of study per semester and are reimbursed to students following the completion of each unit | 5 February 2026 |
Note: This table provides detailed information on scholarships that is accurate at the time of publishing. However, additional scholarships may become available at later dates. Similarly, scholarship details, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines and submission processes are subject to change and may be updated by the respective scholarship providers throughout the year. Check with the individual provider for further information if you’re interested in applying.
How to apply for a nursing scholarship
The application process for nursing scholarships can vary significantly between universities, government departments and external scholarship providers. Some may require the submission of an online application form, while others might ask for detailed personal statements, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and an interview. It’s best to check directly with the provider you’re applying to so you know exactly what’s required for your application.
Here are some general tips to help you apply for a scholarship:
Carefully check the eligibility criteria
This is an important first step. Read the criteria thoroughly to ensure you meet all requirements before you start your application. Pay close attention to details such as whether the scholarship is for domestic or international students, or if it applies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Check whether you need to confirm your employment, whether you need to be enrolled in a course prior to submitting an application and if there are any relevant fields of study required.
Note the key dates for submission
Scholarship applications have varying deadlines depending on the course type, intake rounds and provider. Some scholarships have submission dates earlier in the year to align with university semesters, while others may have multiple submission dates. Make a note of the opening and closing dates relevant to the scholarship you’re applying for and aim to submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.
Personalise your application
It also helps to put some thought into your application to help it stand out. Scholarships can be very competitive so it can be helpful to avoid generic answers and let your personality shine through on your application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant. For instance, if you’re pursuing further study and a career in mental health, be sure to include any details that showcase your experiences as well as your passion for this field of healthcare.
Articulate your career goals
Provide a clear explanation about why you are pursuing postgraduate study and how you believe a scholarship can help you achieve your career goals. Be as detailed and as thoughtful as possible in your responses. Discuss the positive impact you hope to make, whether it’s through advancing into a specialised role, pursuing leadership positions, engaging in research or developing initiatives that help shape the future of your chosen field.
Gather your supporting documents
Collect all the documentation you need to submit along with your scholarship application. This may include academic transcripts, proof of postgraduate course enrolment and letters of endorsement from employers or colleagues. It’s best to organise these documents well ahead of your submission deadline to ensure the application submission process is as straightforward as possible.
Proofread your application
Lastly, it’s essential to proofread your application and supporting documents to check they are accurate, relevant and have been completed in full. At this step, it may help to have a friend, family member or colleague read over your application to ensure you’ve covered everything. A polished application highlights your professionalism, attention to detail and also helps the provider’s review process run smoothly.
Why postgraduate nursing students should apply for a scholarship
Applying for a scholarship can provide many benefits for your study journey and career path. Here are a few reasons why you should apply for a postgraduate nursing scholarship:
- Reduces financial pressure
A scholarship can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of your tuition and study-related expenses. While there are alternative ways to obtain financial support during your studies, a scholarship can allow you to focus more time and energy on your course without the extra stress regarding education costs. - Reinforces your career goals
Putting your future goals into words as part of your application helps you gain clarity on what you want for your nursing or midwifery career. If successful, you’ll gain the confidence to pursue your goals with the support of your university or scholarship provider, who understands your long-term vision and potential. - Enhances your resume
Being awarded a scholarship is a prestigious accomplishment that can help strengthen your nursing CV. It can demonstrate to future employers that you are a motivated, high-achieving healthcare professional who has been recognised for your academic success and commitment to your field. - Expands your professional network
Many scholarship programs connect recipients with a community of peers, academics, mentors and industry experts. This can help build your professional network, open future collaboration opportunities and strengthen your authority with additional postgraduate qualifications.
Take your next career step with a nursing scholarship
Postgraduate nursing scholarships can make the process of upskilling and advancing your career a bit easier. The financial support these scholarships provide can help reduce the overall costs of tuition and related expenses, giving you more time to focus on stepping into your future role. Explore the scholarships listed above to find the option that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Australian universities offer postgraduate healthcare courses across a range of fields, including psychology, nursing, public health, health leadership, counselling, social work, mental health and more. Explore courses to find the right one for you.
If you’d like further support with choosing the right nursing scholarship or want to learn more about postgraduate nursing degrees, book a free professional development strategy call with our Education Consultant, Catriona. She is also ready to help with any enquiries regarding the GlobalHealth Education Scholarship.
