New aged care nursing scholarships aim to address industry scholarships

Australia’s ageing population means more people than ever are relying on quality aged care. But with demand soaring, the sector is struggling to keep pace. At present, it is struggling with an increasing skill shortage. Seeking to address this issue, the Federal Government announced $21.5 million in scholarships. The new funding is designed to help aged care workers and nurses advance their careers and build their leadership skills.

So, what’s on offer and who can apply?

What does the program involve?

The Aged Care Nursing Scholarships program will allow nurses and aged care workers to gain formal qualifications or undertake specialised training in areas such as clinical leadership, palliative care, dementia care, and infection prevention and control. The scholarships can be used across a wide range of study pathways, giving workers the opportunity to learn new skills or strengthen the knowledge they already have.

Scholarships can be used for study at different levels, from entry-level courses through to postgraduate degrees. This makes the program accessible to both newcomers and experienced professionals. Support will help cover tuition and related costs, removing one of the biggest barriers for people wanting to continue their education.

A total of 1,000 scholarships will be offered between now and June 2027. To promote diversity and inclusion in aged care, guaranteed places will be available for First Nations and Torres Strait Islander applicants. This helps make sure aged care staff represent the people they look after

What are the intended outcomes?

The scholarships are designed to improve the skills and capacity of the aged care workforce. This, in turn, will help ensure the growing number of Australians requiring aged care receive a higher quality of care.

Federal Aged Care Minister Sam Rae said the program will help more workers develop the skills needed to deliver quality care.

“These scholarships will attract more nurses and aged care workers to the sector and help those already working to build on their skills and deliver the world-class care older people deserve,” Mr Rae said.

By upskilling staff, the government hopes to reduce pressure on the sector, ease workforce shortages, and provide older Australians with safe, reliable, and compassionate care. It’s hoped that the scholarships will also encourage more workers to step into advanced leadership positions, creating stronger teams and more consistent care across the sector.

Who is eligible?

Those eligible to apply include Australian citizens or permanent residents currently working in an aged care setting, who are enrolled in, or intend to enrol in, an eligible tertiary institution course relevant to aged care. These include, but are not limited to:

• Certificate III in Individual Support
• Certificate IV in Ageing Support
• Diploma of Nursing
• Advanced Diploma of Nursing
• Undergraduate degree/Bachelor of Nursing
• Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Diploma
• Masters degree.

The opportunity ahead

With record demand and new government support for training, now is the perfect time to explore a rewarding career in aged care. The sector offers job security, personal fulfilment, and clear pathways for advancement. Careers in aged care are not only stable but also deeply meaningful, giving workers the chance to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

At Aged Care Resumes, we’re here to support you at every stage of your journey. We offer various services including professional resume writing and expert cover letter writing. Together, we can help you take the next step in your aged care career.

Article References

Australian Ageing Agenda (18 August 2025) ‘Over $21 million in aged care scholarships available’, Australian Ageing Agenda, accessed 21 August 2025.

Shultz, S (18 August 2025) ‘Gov’t announces 1000 scholarships for aged care workforce’, Aged Care Insite, accessed 21 August 2025.