The Royal College of Nursing Australia (RCNA) is now accepting applications for its annual Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme.

Scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate through the Commonwealth-funded program which is administered by the RCNA.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of aged care nurses in Australia,” said RCNA Executive Director, Rosemary Bryant.

“We have an ageing population and we’re facing a severe nursing shortage. These scholarships assist students and working nurses undertaking the study that will help them build on their skills and knowledge, and also emphasise the need for more nurses in this particular area of care.”

The undergraduate scholarships are open to applicants with a demonstrated commitment to aged care who plan to study nursing at an Australian university.

Successful undergraduate applicants will receive up to $5000 per semester with a maximum of $30 000 per person.

The postgraduate scholarships are available to Registered/Division 1 nurses, already working in aged care, who wish to do further study in the area. They can receive up to $10,000 each.

RNs who do not have a current practising certificate may apply for a scholarship if they plan to complete a re-entry course, or if they can demonstrate their eligibility to re-register.

Applications for the undergraduate scheme must be in by 5pm on Friday, 22 August and applications for the postgraduate scheme close at 5pm on Friday, 19 September.

For more information, visit the RCNA website or contact the RCNA directly on 1800 116 696 or at scholarships@rcna.org.au.