Applications open 1st December 2010 and close 1st March 2011 at 5.00pm.
Late applications will not be accepted.
The overall aim of these scholarships is to support the recruitment, retention and skill development of registered nurses and midwives currently working in the NSW public health system.
The number of scholarships allocated is subject to total funds available within the 2011 postgraduate scholarship budget. Applicants will be subject to cull, based on scholarship criteria, and the provision of required supporting documents within the required timeframe.
Scholarships will be offered under the following categories:
Category 1 - Clinical Studies (including Postgraduate study leading to registration as a midwife)Category 2 - Education
Category 3 - Management
The Nursing and Midwifery post graduate scholarships on offer for 2011 consist of a single payment which is dependent upon the postgraduate qualification being undertaken. Scholarships will be awarded as a contribution toward the cost of courses at the following levels:
| Postgraduate Study | Amount |
| Graduate Certificate | $2,000 |
| Graduate Diploma | $4,000 |
| Masters Program | $6,000 |
For example:Ms Jones enrols in a Graduate Diploma in 2011 and intends to take two or three years to complete this course. If she was deemed to be successful and awarded $4,000 for study in 2011, she is not eligible to apply for another scholarship in 2012 or 2013 for the same program of study.
NOTE: Only one scholarship will be awarded to an applicant in a three year time frame.
For example:Ms Jones applies for and is awarded a $2,000 scholarship in 2011 to undertake a Graduate Certificate. Ms Jones completes the Graduate Certificate and in 2012 decides to apply for a Masters. She will not be eligible to apply for a scholarship until 2014.
The Scholarships are not offered to support research projects. Funding will not be available for courses studied outside Australia or for courses run by the College of Nursing that are funded by the Department of Health.
Mental health and drug and alcohol postgraduate scholarships are funded by the Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Office and administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Office.
Transitional Arrangements
Applicants who have already commenced a post graduate qualification and awarded a Nursing and Midwifery scholarship prior to 1st December 2010 will be considered for a scholarship in 2011. Successful applicants may however be awarded an amount up to the amount now available.For example:
Ms Jones was studying part time in a Graduate Diploma Program in 2010 and received funding of $2000 she would be eligible for a scholarship of $2000 for 2011. She would then not be eligible to apply for any further funding to complete this program.
How to Apply
Category 1 – CLINICAL STUDIESCriteria for Application
- The course being studied should relate to your current role or role being sought. Applicants in other roles must be able to provide evidence of requiring the clinical expertise. Clinical studies may include patient education such as Diabetes Education.
- Applicants are required to submit an essay and describe in no more than 250 words how the qualification being studied will make a positive contribution to your current role and workplace.
- Applicants undertaking Postgraduate study leading to registration as a midwife are required to submit an essay describing in no more than 250 words your understanding of the role of a midwife in the current Australian health setting.
- Priority will be given to:
- Postgraduate study leading to registration as a midwife.
- Clinical specialties that are known to be actively recruiting positions such as mental health, drug and alcohol.
- Persons who work sixteen (16) or more hours per week in the clinical speciality being studied.
Criteria for Application
- Applicants are required to submit an essay describing in no more than 250 words how the qualification being studied will make a positive contribution to your current role and workplace.
- Priority will be given to:
- Applicants who are currently employed or acting as a nurse/midwifery educator or clinical educator without prior tertiary education qualifications.
- Applicants in other roles who can provide evidence of requiring the educational knowledge
Criteria for Application
- Applicants are required to describe in no more than 250 words how the qualification being studied will enable you to fulfil the key priorities of a nursing/midwifery management role.
- Priority will be given to:
- Currently employed or acting for a minimum of 3 months in a nursing or midwifery management position without prior tertiary management qualifications.
- Currently employed or acting as a nurse or midwife manager for a minimum of 3 months and seeking to upgrade existing tertiary qualification.
- Currently employed and working as a registered nurse or registered midwife with at least three years experience in nursing/midwifery.
Essential Criteria for ALL Scholarship Categories
The following criteria must be met for these scholarship categories:- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
- Currently employed permanently working full time or part time as a registered nurse or registered midwife within the NSW public health system.
- Must be enrolled in an Australian postgraduate course in 2011 that is accredited under the Higher Education Act (2001) of the relevant jurisdiction.
Essential Documentation
You are required to send the following four (4) or five (5) documents to support your application. These documents are to be sent to the Nursing and Midwifery Office in the NSW Department of Health by 1st March 2011:- Evidence of your Enrolment in an Australian postgraduate Nursing or Midwifery course in 2011. This document must include your name, the name of the course, the year of study and a list of the subjects you have enrolled in for 2011. Generic information about course subjects will not be accepted.
NOTE: If your enrolment confirmation is unavailable at the time you apply, please provide a brief letter indicating your intention to enrol and forward your enrolment confirmation so that your application can be progressed. - A Letter from Your Employer in the following format:
- Letter on Health Service letterhead from your employee services department or immediate manager;
- Must be dated and signed (within in the last 3 months)
- State your name;
- State the title of your position;
- State your employment status; (full-time, part-time or casual), and
- State how long you have been employed in this position.
NOTE: Applicants undertaking Postgraduate study leading to registration as a midwife must show proof of having concurrent employment in a recognised student midwifery position in a maternity service.
- A signed copy of the Australian Taxation Office 'Statement by a Supplier' form which can be found at
http://www.ato.gov.au/content/downloads/nat3346.pdf - A completed NSW Department of Health Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Form. Please note that payments cannot be made into credit card accounts. Click here to download EFT form.
- A copy of your official 2010 course results (ONLY if you have previously received a postgraduate scholarship from the NSW Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Fund).
Please send your completed documents to the Nursing and Midwifery Office at the following postal address:
Nursing and Midwifery Office
NSW Department of Health
Locked Mail Bag 961
NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Student Midwives What If I Am Commencing My Study Mid Year in 2011?
You will still need to get your application in by the scholarship closing date of 1st March 2011. If your enrolment confirmation is unavailable at this time please indicate your intention to enrol and forward your enrolment so that your application can be progressed.Further Information
All successful applicants may be required to participate in an evaluation or telephone survey regarding scholarships provided under The NSW Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Fund.For further information about this scholarship please contact the Project Officer by email at nscholar@doh.health.nsw.gov.au.
