State funds to cover nursing degrees

APPLICATIONS are now open for the third round of a two hundred and seventy million dollar scholarship program for Victorian undergraduate nursing and midwifery students.

The program is offering 10,000 people up to $16,500 to cover the cost of their degrees.

A bonus of $5000 is also available to nursing and midwifery students who graduate in 2024 and start their careers in a Victorian public health service.

“We’re investing in our hardworking nurses and midwives, because we know how important they are in making sure every Victorian gets the best care,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“These scholarships are providing financial support to our aspiring nurses and midwives so they can jump straight into the important work they do and not worry about the cost of a degree.”

So far, more than 5600 graduate nurses and midwives have received the first half of their bonus, and more than 3600 new graduate nurses and midwives have chosen to start their careers this year in the public health system.

The initiative also includes scholarships for postgraduate nurses to complete studies in specialty areas, $11,000 scholarships for enrolled nurses to become registered, and $12,000 scholarships to support the training and employment of new Nurse Practitioners.

More than $20 million has also been pledged to provide support to graduates and postgraduates as they transition to work, allowing access to clinical educators and instructors as well as study time.

Visit health.vic.gov.au/nursing-and-midwifery for more information.