Australian Government Aged Care Nursing Scholarships 2025
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has opened applications for the Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Program 2025. Administered by the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), this program supports domestic students in Australia who want to pursue qualifications in Aged Care Nursing at vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels.
With 1,050 scholarships available until June 2027, the program provides financial support, career development, and leadership training opportunities for aged care workers and nurses.
The Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program (ANSP) aims to:
- Support aged care workers through education, training, and professional development.
- Ensure older Australians receive high-quality aged care services that prioritize their needs and preferences.
- Build the capacity of the First Nations aged care workforce.
- Provide nurses with opportunities to develop clinical management and leadership skills.
This program enables workers in residential aged care, home care, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health services to pursue formal aged care nursing qualifications and gain recognition for their commitment to caring for older people.
Degree Level
- Certificate III
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor’s, Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master’s.
Available Subjects
- Aged Care Nursing.
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive tuition fee reimbursement and additional benefits. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the qualification level:
Course Duration Maximum Funding
- Certificate III in Individual Support Flexible Up to $6,000
- Certificate IV in Aged Care Up to 2 years Up to $6,000
- Diploma of Nursing Up to 2 years Up to $20,000
- Advanced Diploma of Nursing Up to 2 years Up to $6,000
- Bachelor of Nursing 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time Up to $30,000
- Graduate Certificate 1 year part-time Up to $7,500
- Graduate Diploma 2 years part-time Up to $15,000
- Master’s Degree 2 years full-time / 4 years part-time Up to $30,000
Additional Scholarship Benefits
- Free membership of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
- Access to mentorship programs and professional networks
- Subscription to Ausmed (valued at $468) with over 1,250 clinical resources
- Free Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility training by CATSINaM (valued at $495)
- Dedicated scholar support and career guidance
Eligible Nationalities
Open to Australian citizens and permanent residents only.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Aged Care Nursing Scholarships 2025, applicants must:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Currently work in an aged care setting (residential aged care, home care, or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health).
- Be enrolled in, or intending to enrol in, an eligible course (Certificate III through to Master’s in nursing and aged care).
- Choose a course delivered by a provider registered with TEQSA or ASQA.
Priority will be given to:
- First Nations applicants committed to serving their communities.
- Applicants from regional, rural, and remote Australia.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
- Proof of registration with NMBA (if applicable)
- Course enrolment confirmation
- Letter from your employer confirming aged care employment (dated within 2 weeks)
- Updated CV
Step 2: Apply Online
- Applications are open now via the ACNP application portal.
- Round 1 applications close on 30 September 2025.
- Successful applicants not enrolled at the time of applying must provide enrolment proof within 6 months.
Why Apply for the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship?
The Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program 2025 not only offers financial support but also equips nurses with professional development, leadership training, and cultural safety skills to deliver high-quality care for older Australians.
This initiative provides a life-changing opportunity for domestic students in aged care nursing, helping them pursue education pathways from Certificate III to Master’s level and ensuring a sustainable aged care workforce for the future.
Final Thoughts
The Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Program 2025 is a vital government initiative to support and grow the aged care workforce in Australia. By funding education and leadership development, it empowers nurses to make a real difference in the lives of older Australians while building rewarding career pathways.
Apply today via the ACNP application portal to secure your place.
