Nursing Scholars, The Commonwealth Undergraduate Remote and Rural Nursing Scholarship (CURRNS) Scheme is one of a range of Federal Government initiatives aimed at increasing the number of nurses living and working in remote and rural Australia.
For many school leavers and students in remote and rural Australia, the lack of financial support can be a major obstacle to obtaining a university education. However, those students and school leavers interested in pursuing a career in remote and rural nursing can now be assisted through the scheme.
CURRNS is a national scheme providing remote and rural nursing students with scholarships to assist with accommodation, travel and living expenses incurred while studying at university.CURRNS also provides a range of support measures to remote and rural nursing students, including additional financial assistance, mentor programs and Indigenous cultural awareness training.The scholarships are worth $10,000 annually for each year of studies, up to a maximum of $30,000, and are available to remote and rural students undertaking undergraduate nursing at a tertiary level. Funds are payable each year of study provided that recipients continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
There are 110 scholarships available each year and of these at least 10 are specifically designated for awarding to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants. The Scheme is administered through Royal College of Nursing, Australia. Eligibility: The Scheme is open to students with an Australian remote or rural background who are entering or currently enrolled as a full-time student in an entry to practice accredited undergraduate nursing course at an Australian university.Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents. They must have had a principle home address in an identified Australian remote or rural area for a substantial period of time.Preference is given to students who will undertake their studies at a rural university campus, where there is one available.
Selection: Eligible applicants are assessed against selection criteria to determine their rural experience and financial need. Income tests apply to determine those students in the most financial need. Payments will only commence after the recipient has provided proof of enrolment in an undergraduate nursing degree.
Contacting RCNA about Scholarships
Email: scholarships@rcna.org.au
Freecall numbers:
1800 11 72 62 - Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Puggy Hunter Memorial Schemes;
1800 11 22 40 - Re-entry and Upskilling Scheme;
1800 11 66 96 - Aged Care Scheme.
COMMONWEALTH AGED CARE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
For more information, visit website:
Free call 1800 061660
Email: scholarships@rcna.org.au
