Are you a registered nurse or midwife in Australia looking to elevate your career in primary care? The Primary Care Nursing And Midwifery Scholarship Program offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your education and skills through postgraduate studies. This scholarship program is designed to support dedicated professionals like you who are committed to delivering exceptional healthcare in primary care settings.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program, including eligibility requirements, eligible courses, the application process, and the incredible benefits it offers.
Eligibility Criteria: Is the Scholarship Program Right for You?
To be eligible for the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program, you must meet the following essential criteria:
- Citizenship or Residency: You must be an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency in Australia.
- Primary Care Focus: You should be currently working in a primary care setting or have a clear plan to work in primary care after completing your studies. This demonstrates your commitment to this vital area of healthcare.
- Professional Registration: You need to hold a current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). This ensures you meet the professional standards required for advanced practice.
- Postgraduate Enrollment: You must be enrolled in, or intending to enroll in, a relevant postgraduate program that aligns with the scholarship’s objectives.
The program actively encourages applications from specific groups who are vital to enhancing primary care across Australia:
- First Nations Applicants: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives who are dedicated to serving their communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Your unique perspectives and cultural understanding are invaluable in primary care.
- Regional, Rural, and Remote Practitioners: Nurses and midwives who are seeking to work in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia are also highly encouraged to apply. Your commitment to serving underserved communities is crucial.
Eligible Postgraduate Programs: Shape Your Primary Care Expertise
The scholarship program is designed to support postgraduate programs that will significantly enhance your skills and knowledge in primary care nursing and midwifery. Eligible programs include:
- Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas: Programs relevant to clinical nursing and midwifery practice are fully supported. These programs offer focused learning in specialized areas of primary care.
- Master’s Degrees for Endorsement: Master’s programs that lead to endorsement as Nurse Practitioners or Midwives are also eligible. This pathway allows you to achieve advanced practice and leadership roles in primary care.
It’s important to note that while the program is broad, some programs are generally not eligible due to their focus being outside of direct primary care clinical practice. These typically include programs primarily focused on:
- Management
- Health Service Management
- Education
- Leadership
To ensure your chosen program aligns with the scholarship’s goals, it must be demonstrably relevant to Primary Care practice and patient outcomes.
Examples of Eligible Study Pathways
To give you a clearer picture, here are some examples of nurses and midwives who can benefit from this scholarship and the types of courses they could pursue:
- Primary Care Clinic Nurse: A registered nurse working in a primary care clinic could undertake a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery to expand their skills and services offered at the clinic.
- Community Health Nurse/Midwife: A registered nurse or midwife in community or primary health could complete a Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health to specialize in this critical area of primary care.
- Aspiring Nurse Practitioner: A registered nurse can enroll in an approved Master’s program to become a Nurse Practitioner working in primary care, achieving advanced clinical practice and autonomy.
- Endorsed Midwife in Primary Care: An endorsed midwife already working in primary care can pursue a Masters in Primary Health Care to deepen their expertise and leadership within the field.
- Specialist Nurse Transitioning to Primary Care: A Nurse Practitioner in a specialist area can enroll in a Graduate Diploma in Primary Care or Rural Health to facilitate a transition to primary care practice, broadening their impact.
- Registered Midwife Seeking Endorsement: A registered midwife can undertake a Graduate Certificate to become an Endorsed Midwife, enhancing their qualifications and scope of practice.
- Mental Health Nurse Expanding Skills: A credentialed mental health nurse can enroll in a Graduate Diploma or Master’s in Mental Health or Rural Health to further specialize and serve diverse primary care populations.
- Aged Care Nurse in Residential Settings: A registered nurse in residential aged care can apply for a Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care or an approved Master’s to become a Nurse Practitioner, bringing advanced primary care skills to aged care.
Application Process and Key Dates
The application process for the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program is straightforward, but it’s essential to be aware of key deadlines.
Round 2 Application Deadline: 10 February 2025
Mark your calendars! The application deadline for Round 2 is February 10, 2025. It is highly recommended to apply early as scholarships may be awarded before the final deadline if funds are exhausted.
Important Note: Scholarship funding cannot be applied retrospectively to units completed before the scholarship is granted. Ensure your application is submitted and approved before commencing your study units to maximize your benefit.
Accessing Your NMBA Registration Certificate
As part of your application, you’ll need to provide your NMBA registration certificate. You can easily download this from the NMBA website or directly access it through the AHPRA login portal.
Scholarship Benefits: Financial Support for Your Studies
The Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program offers significant financial assistance to support your postgraduate education. The scholarship provides:
- Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees for your chosen eligible postgraduate program. This coverage applies to units undertaken during and after the scholarship is awarded, within your specified course.
- Clinical Placement Expense Reimbursement: Once all tuition fees are covered by the scholarship, you may be eligible for reimbursement of approved clinical placement expenses (with receipts). This support helps offset the costs associated with gaining essential practical experience.
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover:
It’s important to understand what expenses are not covered by the scholarship:
- Retrospective Funding: Units completed before the scholarship was awarded are not eligible for funding.
- Changes to Study Program: Additional units or changes to your study program from what was specified in your application are not covered.
- International Study: Study at universities outside of Australia is not eligible.
- Living Expenses: General living expenses are not covered by the scholarship.
Receiving Scholarship Funds
Scholarship funds are paid directly to you, the scholar. You are then responsible for paying your educational institution using the funds. To receive reimbursement, you’ll need to submit a claim after successfully completing one or more units of study. Claims should be submitted promptly, no later than four weeks after the end of the study period. For clinical placement expense reimbursement, claims with receipts can be submitted after course fees are fully covered.
Professional Experience Placement Payment (PEPP) Reimbursement
While the primary focus of the scholarship is tuition coverage, there is also scope to assist with Professional Experience Placement Payments (PEPP) under specific guidelines.
Eligibility for PEPP Reimbursement:
You can claim PEPP expenses only after completing all course requirements and ensuring all tuition fees are fully paid by the scholarship (including any HECS/HELP debt related to the course). Eligible expenses are specifically for clinical placements required by your course and must be outside your normal place of work.
Allowable PEPP Expenses:
- Accommodation: Up to $200 per day for standard accommodation during placement.
- Meals: Up to $50 per day for meals during placement.
- Travel: Economy airfares and up to $100 per week for petrol or public transport costs.
- Required Clinical Resources: Up to $500 for specific resources not provided by the placement organization.
Excluded PEPP Expenses:
- Non-clinical placement expenses
- Fees for 3rd party placement providers
- Mentoring fees
- Conference costs
- Expenses for additional courses or units outside the original application.
Documentation and Reimbursement:
Keep all receipts and proof of expenses throughout your course. These will be required for assessment and should be uploaded or submitted after course completion. Reimbursement will only occur after you complete your studies and if scholarship funds remain.
Key Application Tips for Success
To maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship, keep these tips in mind:
- Address Scholarship Criteria Directly: Clearly articulate how your chosen course will enhance your clinical practice in primary care and directly address all stated criteria.
- Complete All Questions Thoroughly: Provide full and detailed answers to all application questions. Do not leave any sections blank and ensure you directly address each criterion.
- Authenticity is Key – Avoid AI: Your responses should be your own original work. Do not use AI to generate your application responses as individual, authentic answers are required.
- Provide Enrolment Records: Upload a complete record of your enrolment, or if you have commenced studies, provide a transcript showing completed, underway, and remaining units.
- Declare Other Funding: Be transparent and declare any other funding or scholarships you are receiving.
Applying More Than Once
You are eligible to apply for the scholarship in subsequent rounds; however, first priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received a scholarship under this program. This ensures fair distribution and opportunity for new applicants.
For example, if you are undertaking a Graduate Certificate as a pathway to a Nurse Practitioner Master’s program, you can apply for a scholarship for both. However, receiving a scholarship for the Graduate Certificate may reduce your likelihood of receiving a second scholarship for the Master’s, depending on application demand and available funds.
Academic Support Resources
The program understands the demands of postgraduate study and offers academic support. The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) provides guidance and resources to support you throughout your postgraduate journey. For program-specific academic support, refer to the resources provided by your educational institution.
Contact for Further Information
Do you have more questions about the Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program? The ACNP is available to assist you.
Contact the ACNP at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1300 672 083
This scholarship is an incredible opportunity to invest in your future and contribute to the advancement of primary care nursing and midwifery in Australia. Don’t miss the deadline – prepare your application today!
