Postgraduate nursing scholarships for 2026

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?

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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

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

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

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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

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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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

At GlobalHealth Education, we partner with universities to offer postgraduate healthcare courses across a range of fields, including psychology, nursing, public health, health leadership, counselling, social work, mental health and more. We also showcase healthcare courses from many respected Australian universities. Transform your healthcare career and enquire today.