ACN Foundation Scholarships, Grants and Awards

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) in partnership with the Aspen Medical Foundation is delighted to offer two scholarships valued at $15,000 for two registered nurses currently working in Fiji to complete the ACN Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Care in July 2025.

Applications close 11:59pm AEST, Sunday 18 May 2025.

Number of scholarships: 2
Value of scholarship: $15,000

Eligibility criteria 

• hold a Bachelor of Nursing or registered nurse* equivalent qualification in Fiji
• be a resident of Fiji
• possess access to a computer and reliable internet for course attendance and completion of studies
• be able to commence the Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Care in July 2025 and complete the course in a 2 year period
• hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); or the equivalent registering authority in your country of origin
• meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia English language skills registration standard (nursing and midwifery) – please refer to the AHPRA website to download the standard
• have a minimum of one year of postgraduate experience; and
• work currently in a clinical neonatal care setting

Documents required

• confirmation of Fiji residency
• identification (drivers license or passport)
• a current resume (detailing experience);
• copy of current nurse registration from appropriate body.
• copy of any relevant nursing qualifications
• letter of support from your current employer, confirming your position in an appropriate clinical setting and must be current.

Selection criteria

• Demonstrate how the Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Care aligns with your current or intended nursing focus.
• Provide a practical plan for transferring newly acquired knowledge and skills into clinical practice.
• Show ongoing dedication to paediatric or neonatal nursing through evidence of professional involvement and aspirations.
• Outline strategies for sharing new expertise with colleagues and the broader nursing community.
• Satisfy all eligibility requirements (valid RN status, Fiji residency, ID, current résumé, employer support) and readiness to commence studies in July 2025.

Selection questions

• Describe how the Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Care directly relates to your nursing specialty.
• Describe how you will transfer this learning into your nursing practice.
• Provide evidence of your commitment to your area of nursing practice.
• Describe how you will disseminate the knowledge gained from your studies with your colleagues in your workplace or in your region.

The Eric Murray Quiet Achiever Award is funded by the Murray Family in memory of Eric Murray FACN, a Fellow of ACN. The Eric Murray Achiever Award is to assist with continuing professional development or community work that is judged beneficial to the nursing profession and public. 

Number of scholarships: 1
Value of scholarship: $1,500

Eligibility criteria checklist

• must be a current ACN Student
• studying one of the following:
  - ACN Graduate Certificate Course
  - National Immunisation Program for Healthcare Practitioners
  - Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry)
• CPD short course or webinar participants, and single subject students are not eligible.

Document checklist

• Completed application
• Evidence of enrolment in a current ACN course. This can be a screen shot from your student portal or confirmation letter from ACN confirming you are enrolled. Please note, the scholarship team does not have access to student information.

Selection Criteria

• Scholarship will be awarded to the student who can best demonstrate in their response to the selection questions, the benefit they would gain from their intended CPD or community activity.

The Australian College of Nursing Foundation (ACNF) in partnership with Endometriosis Australia is delighted to offer a scholarship for the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain unit.

The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain unit is a specialised course designed to equip students with the comprehensive knowledge and essential skills needed to become effective advocates for individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. Through this unit, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of endometriosis and pain physiology, as well as contemporary, evidence-based treatment and management strategies. The course emphasises a holistic, person-centred approach, preparing students to address the complex needs of those suffering from these conditions in various clinical settings. This unit aims to enhance students' ability to assess and manage endometriosis and pelvic pain with confidence and competence. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, students will learn to approach patient care with empathy and advocacy, ensuring that each individual's unique experiences and needs are recognized and addressed. Whether students are healthcare professionals or aspiring clinicians, this course will empower them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.

Number of scholarships: 5
Value of scholarship: $2,900 (Note: does not include travel and/or accommodation)

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants should meet the following criteria:
• Hold a current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• Possess the capacity to complete online modules/workshops
• Preference will be given to the following demographics of applicants:
  - First Nations or Torres Strait Islander Applicants
  - LGBTQIA+ Applicants
  - Rural or Remote Applicants
  - Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Applicants
  - Government Funded Pelvic Pain Clinic Nursing Staff Applicants

How can I apply?

To apply you will need:

• Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent resident of Australia (birth certificate, passport or visa papers)
• Current resume (detailing professional achievements in a clinical, education, leadership, or academic setting within the past two years)
• Current AHPRA nurse registration.
• Letter from your employer confirming your employment, position and your ability to complete the program

Selection criteria

• Demonstrate the direct relevance of this unit to their nursing practice, emphasizing how it will enhance their ability to provide specialized care for patients with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
• Outline a clear plan for disseminating the knowledge gained from this study to their colleagues, including methods such as presentations, workshops, and the development of educational materials.
• Provide evidence of their ongoing commitment to professional development in nursing, highlighting previous training, certifications, and active participation in initiatives related to gynaecological health and chronic pain management.
  

The Kiel Foundation Scholarship is provided to a registered nurse within Australia. Applicants must be working in a health facility in rural or remote area Australia.

Proudly supported by the Kiel Foundation, this scholarship will provide registration, travel and accommodation to attend the ACN National Nursing Forum. The National Nursing Forum will be held at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, from 23– 25 July, 2025.

Number of scholarships available: 1

Eligibility criteria

• Hold a current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• Be able to attend the National Nursing Forum for the three days from July 23 to 25, 2025

How can I apply?

To apply you will need:

• AHPRA registration certificate
• Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
• CV
• Proof of employment
• Two nursing referees’ details

Applicants are asked to complete and submit the application form along with the above required documents.

Selection criteria:

• Prove current AHPRA registration, Australian citizenship or permanent residency and availability to attend all three NNF days.
• Show ongoing professional development and the potential for enhanced expertise through the Forum.
• Demonstrate how attending the Forum will improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.
• Highlight leadership abilities and the capacity to guide peers in best nursing practices.
• Outline a clear plan to disseminate acquired knowledge within your professional community.
• Provide a concise CV, proof of employment, and two nursing referees’ details.

Funded by Richard Harrison and Family - This scholarship will fund attendance to the National Nursing Forum and the Nurse Director Leadership Program including – Travel, accommodation, course and registration.

Number of scholarships available: 1
Value of scholarship: up to $15,000

About Nurse Director Leadership Program

The Nurse Director Leadership Program is a dynamic 6-month course that empowers nurses to lead change in a rapidly changing environment. Available to registered nurses with more than six years of professional experience and who have worked in or are new to management and leadership roles. 

About ACN National Nursing Forum

ACN's National Nursing Forum (NNF) is the ACN's signature annual leadership and educational event bringing together nurses, students and other health professionals from around the country and across the globe. Attendees will enjoy a full and rich forum experience with face-to-face presentations and interactions with the nursing network, the opportunity to connect with valuable sponsors and exhibitors to learn about the latest products and more.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to members and non-members who meet the following criteria:

• Possess Australian citizenship or permanent residency in Australia.
• Practice as a registered nurse in an Australian rural area classified within the Modified Monash Model’s MM3 to MM7 categories. See Health Workforce locator to determine eligibility. 
• Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Hold active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
• Demonstrate a minimum of six years’ postgraduate experience or the ability to influence organisations, team practices, and/or cultures (e.g., nurse leaders seeking promotion into management positions).
• Exhibit leadership qualities in nursing and/or within the health or aged care systems (e.g., recently appointed managers aiming to fast-track their development into confident, self-directed leaders).
• Complete the program work within the six-month timeframe.
• Identify a workplace mentor who will support you during the program by acting as a sounding board for ideas and ensuring you feel supported and energised.

How can I apply?

To apply you will need:

• Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent resident of Australia (birth certificate, passport or visa papers)
• Current resume (detailing professional achievements in a clinical, education, leadership, or academic setting within the past two years)
• Current AHPRA nurse registration.
• Letter from your employer confirming your employment and position as a community nurse and your ability to complete the program within the six months time frame.
• Identify a workplace mentor who will support you during the program. The primary role of the sponsor will be to act as a sounding board for thoughts and ideas and to help ensure the participant feels supported and energised during the program.

Applicants are asked to complete and submit the application form along with the above required documents. 

Selection criteria

Applicants are required to respond to the following selection criteria within this application:

• Articulate goals for attending the National Nursing Forum and desired achievements.
• Illustrate how participation in the National Nursing Forum will enhance professional growth and nursing practice.
• Demonstrate plans for sharing and applying information gained from the National Nursing Forum.
• Showcase individual initiatives contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession within the workplace.

Scholarships will be awarded on the recommendation of the selection committee and will be based on the above selection criteria.

Preference will be given to applicants in rural and remote areas of Australia, and First Nation Nurses.

Sponsored by David and Jennie Sutherland Foundation - This scholarship will fund the Nurse Director Leadership Program

Number of scholarships available: 1

Value of scholarship: $5,500 (Note: Scholarship will not cover travel or accommodation)

Eligibility criteria

• Possess Australian citizenship or permanent residency in Australia.
• Practice as a registered nurse in an Australian rural area classified within the Modified Monash Model’s MM3 to MM7 categories. See Health Workforce locator to determine eligibility. 
• Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Hold active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
• Demonstrate a minimum of six years’ postgraduate experience
• Exhibit leadership qualities in nursing and/or within the health or aged care systems.
• Complete program work within the six-month timeframe.
• Identify a workplace mentor who supports you during the program.
• Ensure your workplace mentors your ideas and provides ongoing support throughout the program.

How can I apply?

To apply you will need:

• Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent resident of Australia (birth certificate, passport or visa papers)
• Proof of rural or remote address (electricity/gas bill or rates notice)
• Current resume (detailing professional achievements in a clinical, education, leadership, or academic setting within the past two years)
• Current AHPRA nurse registration.
• Letter from your employer confirming your employment, position and your ability to complete the program within the six months time frame.
• Letter from work place sponsor confirming their support.
• Applicants are asked to complete and submit the application form along with the above required documents.

Applicants are asked to complete and submit the application form along with the above required documents.

Selection criteria:

• Demonstrate commitment to advancing nurse leadership with a patient/consumer focus.
• Exhibit commitment to change management or quality improvement in the workplace while displaying rural nursing leadership.
• Articulate the anticipated impact of the Nurse Director Leadership Program on your career, particularly in advancing community nursing leadership.
• Develop a comprehensive plan for change management or quality improvement.
• Showcase professional achievements in clinical, educational, leadership, or academic settings.

The Australian College of Nursing Foundation (ACNF) is delighted to offer a scholarship for the Nurse Unit Manager Leadership Program (NUMLP). The program will be held on Monday 23 June to Friday 27 June 2025 in Sydney.

Number of scholarships available: 6

Value of scholarship: $5,500 (Note: Scholarship will not cover travel and or accommodation)

Eligibility criteria

• Join or be an active member of the Australian College of Nursing (MACN or FACN).
• Hold registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
• Hold a minimum of three years of postgraduate experience.
• Hold or aspire to a Nurse Unit Manager role.
• Identify an area for development that this scholarship will address and explain how you will apply the learnings in your practice.
• Exhibit leadership qualities in nursing and/or within the health or aged care systems.
• Attend the five-day face-to-face masterclass for the Nurse Unit Manager Leadership course in Sydney from Monday 23 June to Friday 27 June 2025.

How can I apply?

To apply you will need:

• Resume/CV
• Proof of registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
• Proof of Australian Citizenship or permanent residency - such as birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate or permanent residency confirmation
• A letter from your employer confirming your current employment, length of employment and role

Applicants are asked to complete and submit the application form along with the above required documents.

Selection criteria:

• The scholarship will be awarded to the student who can best demonstrate in their response to the selection questions, highlighting the benefit to the nursing profession or the community they are serving.

Available for a registered nurse undertaking postgraduate community nursing studies at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2025, in a nursing master’s program or a doctorate program.

Number of scholarships: 1
Value of Scholarship: $10,000

Eligibility criteria checklist

• Reside in Australia as a registered or enrolled nurse as a citizen or permanent resident.
• Hold registration as a nurse with a current practicing certificate (or its equivalent).
• Possess current membership or fellowship with ACN.
• Avoid having received a scholarship or grant from the National Research and Scholarships Fund in the previous 2 years.
• Pursue postgraduate community nursing studies at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2025.

Document checklist

• completed application
• curriculum vitae
• Please attach a short and concise CV (maximum of three pages) which includes your qualifications, recent professional development activities and relevant work experience.
• If you are undertaking a research program the CV should also include refereed publications and scholarly activities (including conference presentations, indicating if refereed) for the past 3 years in reverse chronological order.

Referees

• Two nursing referees are required (one should preferably be your current employer). The ACN review committee may contact these referees as part of the assessment process for the scholarships.

Selection Criteria

• The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who can best demonstrate that the proposed study will both add to the body of knowledge on nursing roles and has the potential to improve patient care/outcomes.

Applicants must complete the selection questions included in the application form.