Mental Health Nursing

Thinking about further education? Now is the time to act!

In each state and territory there are scholarships for nurses to undertake post graduate education in mental health nursing.

Advancing your knowledge and skills with further education enhances your professional accountability and practice. It also puts you in a good position to become a credentialed mental health nurse. Being recognised as a credentialed mental health nurse improves career opportunities as well as personal and professional respect for your practice. So don’t wait, get ready for the opportunities now.

Where to find information about scholarships

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS

Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: Mental Health Nursing

The Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: Mental Health Nursing, is a long term initiative funded by the Australian Government to encourage and support people interested in undertaking postgraduate study in mental health nursing. It assists students in meeting their accommodation, living and travel costs whilst at university to a maximum amount of $40,000.

The Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: Mental Health Nursing is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, and administered by Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA). The Scheme is a long term initiative funded by the Australian Government to encourage and support people interested in undertaking postgraduate study in mental health nursing.

The scholarships are worth up to $15,000 per annum for full time study and up to $7,500 per annum for part time study up to a maximum of $30,000 per applicant.

Contact the RCNA for further details, application forms and opening and closing dates.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS) has a number of strategies in place to support nurses. Post graduate study is encouraged, supported and valued as contributing to clinical practice, management and leadership in nursing. Development of nurses in their career pathways is fostered through a partnership with Charles Darwin University, Flinders University, Menzies School of Health and the Centre for Remote Health. Postgraduate scholarship funding is advertised in February each year for the following year. Professional development financial assistance for nurses who have worked continuously in excess of 12 months for DHCS is also available.

For further information contact 1800 000 648, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the website.

NEW SOUTH WALES

A range of scholarships are provided by the NSW Department of Health for nursing and midwifery students in NSW.  The level of scholarship is determined each year.

Find Out More

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Courses are offered jointly through Curtin University of Technology and Murdoch University. It is an initiative of the Department of Health and enables nurses to undertake postgraduate mental health nursing education and clinical experience. Sponsorships are advertised in March of each year through the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer website and state and community newspapers. Sponsorship includes payment of course unit fees and payment of 100hours of clinical placement. Check out the CNO website for more details.

TASMANIA

Scholarships are awarded annually to students undertaking the postgraduate studies at the Tasmanian School of Nursing and Midwifery. Individual scholarship value is $4,250 over a two-year period with preference given to students who are either already working with DHHS or not already working in the field of mental health nursing. Flexible learning options available.  For further information and course contacts, visit the School of Nursing & Midwifery.

VICTORIA

Different clinical specialties are targeted in each scholarship round. Scholarships are offered twice a year prior to the commencement of each academic semester. The extent of scholarship funding is dependant upon course costs and is influenced by demand. While each round of scholarships is different, funding has generally been between $1,500 and $3,000. Application closing dates – June; November. Visit the website.

QUEENSLAND

The Health Advisory Unit (Nursing) offers scholarships to registered and enrolled nurses working in Queensland Health facilities. These scholarships enable the successful applicants undertake post registration / enrolment studies. Queensland Health Mental Health Scholarships are available for Queensland Health employees enrolled in postgraduate studies leading to Mental Health Endorsement for nurses. These scholarships provide assistance through part reimbursement of fees. Applications open in August each year for scholarships in the following year. Visit the Department of Health for further information on these and other scholarships available.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The South Australian Department of Health awards postgraduate scholarships to enrolled nurses, registered nurses, mental health nurses and midwives who have a strong commitment to future and continued professional practice in metropolitan and country areas. Check the website of the Office of the Chief Nurse regularly for scholarship opportunities - this website contains comprehensive information about the range of scholarships available. Further information

CHURCHILL FELLOWSHIPS:The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Applications for 2011 open 1 October 2010

These scholarships are designed to give opportunity, through the provision of financial support, to Australians from all walks of life who desire to further their search for excellence overseas. They are not for postgraduate academic study, but for study tours. Currently the average scholarship is around $25,000 and around 80-100 scholarships are offered each year. For further information visit the Churchill Fellowship.