The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association scholarships seek to support motivated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or refugee students with demonstrated merit, who are facing hardship, to realise their career goals in studying nursing or midwifery through a public university or TAFE in NSW.
The scholarships provide financial assistance to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and refugee students in Year 12 in a public high school in NSW who intend to complete an NMBA-approved nursing or midwifery course after finishing their Higher School Certificate in 2025.
The scholarships assist with the transition into and progress through nursing or midwifery studies for up to three years. The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is the registered union for all nurses and midwives in New South Wales. The Association represents the industrial and professional interests of nurses and midwives employed in NSW in the public, private, aged care and disability sectors. Their role is to protect the interests of nurses, midwives and the nursing and midwifery professions.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIPS
Up to four scholarships are available to eligible applicants. Each scholarship offered consists of an annual payment of up to $3,000 provided at the commencement of each academic year, up to a maximum of 3 years. For students relocating from a rural or remote area, an additional one-off payment of up to $3,000 may be provided to assist with initial relocation expenses.
The scholarship is intended to cover educational expenses such as:
- Course fees
- Necessary equipment
- Stationery and books
- Laptop
- Face-to-face (or online) tutoring
- Other education essentials
Scholarship funds will only be made available to the recipients on confirmation of their enrolment in fulltime study in an appropriate nursing or midwifery degree or diploma.
At the end of each academic year, the student will be required to submit to the Public Education Foundation evidence of their successful progression through their study in the form of an academic transcript. If a student is not progressing satisfactorily through their study, the Public Education Foundation reserves the right to terminate the scholarship.
If a student discontinues studying nursing or midwifery, they will no longer be eligible for the scholarship and any unspent monies must be refunded to the Public Education Foundation.
Before applying for this scholarship, please ensure that you read the scholarship terms and conditions available on our website.
Who can apply (Eligibility)
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Straite Islander OR refugee
- Attends an NSW public school
- Currently in Year 12
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Commitment to studying an NMBA approved nursing or midwifery course through TAFE NSW or a NSW public university
- Sufficient proficiency in English to pass the IELTS requirements for university entry in a nursing or midwifery degree or ELS requirements for a nursing diploma through TAFE NSW
What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)
Successful applications should meet the following criteria:
- Strongly articulated commitment to a career in nursing or midwifery
- Evidence that current study, academic records or work experience is appropriate to the nominated tertiary study.
- Experiencing hardship that may prevent them from otherwise successfully transitioning to post-school study or training
- Positive attitude towards schooling
- Participation in school life
- Contributes to the community and/or in extracurricular activities
How the selection works
A selection panel will review all scholarship applications and assess them against the selection criteria. The selection panel will include representatives of the Public Education Foundation, a representative from the funding partner and independent experts. After considering all applications, the selection panel will recommend the selected applicant(s) for the approval of the Public Education Foundation’s Board.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome in December 2025. If successful, the scholarship recipient’s school principal will also receive notification directly.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are online through PEF-Apply. You’ll need to:
- Create a PEF-Apply account
- Complete the application form with your details (personal, family, school, and course preferences)
A full list of application requirements and supporting documents can be found in PEF-Apply. However, you will need to submit:
- Your most recent school report
- A personal reference (teacher, coach, employer, etc.)
- A short, written statement (max 400 words) on why you’re applying and how you meet the criteria
- A short outline of how your current studies or work experience support your university goals
- Request a supporting statement from your Principal (done via PEF-Apply – the system will email them)
Tip for Principals: Your statement is vital as panels rely heavily on your detailed feedback.
Key dates
- Applications close: 9:00AM, Monday 27 October 2025
- Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted
Before you start
Make sure you read the full Scholarship Terms and Conditions on the Public Education Foundation website.
For further information call the Public Education Foundation on 02 7814 2806 or email us at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
If you’re serious about becoming a nurse or midwife and need financial support, mentoring, and industry connections, this scholarship is designed for you!
NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association Scholarship
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association scholarships seek to support motivated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or refugee students with demonstrated merit, who are facing hardship, to realise their career goals in studying nursing or midwifery through a public university or TAFE in NSW.
The scholarships provide financial assistance to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and refugee students in Year 12 in a public high school in NSW who intend to complete an NMBA-approved nursing or midwifery course after finishing their Higher School Certificate in 2025.
The scholarships assist with the transition into and progress through nursing or midwifery studies for up to three years. The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is the registered union for all nurses and midwives in New South Wales. The Association represents the industrial and professional interests of nurses and midwives employed in NSW in the public, private, aged care and disability sectors. Their role is to protect the interests of nurses, midwives and the nursing and midwifery professions.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIPS
Up to four scholarships are available to eligible applicants. Each scholarship offered consists of an annual payment of up to $3,000 provided at the commencement of each academic year, up to a maximum of 3 years. For students relocating from a rural or remote area, an additional one-off payment of up to $3,000 may be provided to assist with initial relocation expenses.
The scholarship is intended to cover educational expenses such as:
- Course fees
- Necessary equipment
- Stationery and books
- Laptop
- Face-to-face (or online) tutoring
- Other education essentials
Scholarship funds will only be made available to the recipients on confirmation of their enrolment in fulltime study in an appropriate nursing or midwifery degree or diploma.
At the end of each academic year, the student will be required to submit to the Public Education Foundation evidence of their successful progression through their study in the form of an academic transcript. If a student is not progressing satisfactorily through their study, the Public Education Foundation reserves the right to terminate the scholarship.
If a student discontinues studying nursing or midwifery, they will no longer be eligible for the scholarship and any unspent monies must be refunded to the Public Education Foundation.
Before applying for this scholarship, please ensure that you read the scholarship terms and conditions available on our website.
Who can apply (Eligibility)
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Straite Islander OR refugee
- Attends an NSW public school
- Currently in Year 12
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Commitment to studying an NMBA approved nursing or midwifery course through TAFE NSW or a NSW public university
- Sufficient proficiency in English to pass the IELTS requirements for university entry in a nursing or midwifery degree or ELS requirements for a nursing diploma through TAFE NSW
What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)
Successful applications should meet the following criteria:
- Strongly articulated commitment to a career in nursing or midwifery
- Evidence that current study, academic records or work experience is appropriate to the nominated tertiary study.
- Experiencing hardship that may prevent them from otherwise successfully transitioning to post-school study or training
- Positive attitude towards schooling
- Participation in school life
- Contributes to the community and/or in extracurricular activities
How the selection works
A selection panel will review all scholarship applications and assess them against the selection criteria. The selection panel will include representatives of the Public Education Foundation, a representative from the funding partner and independent experts. After considering all applications, the selection panel will recommend the selected applicant(s) for the approval of the Public Education Foundation’s Board.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome in December 2025. If successful, the scholarship recipient’s school principal will also receive notification directly.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are online through PEF-Apply. You’ll need to:
- Create a PEF-Apply account
- Complete the application form with your details (personal, family, school, and course preferences)
A full list of application requirements and supporting documents can be found in PEF-Apply. However, you will need to submit:
- Your most recent school report
- A personal reference (teacher, coach, employer, etc.)
- A short, written statement (max 400 words) on why you’re applying and how you meet the criteria
- A short outline of how your current studies or work experience support your university goals
- Request a supporting statement from your Principal (done via PEF-Apply – the system will email them)
Tip for Principals: Your statement is vital as panels rely heavily on your detailed feedback.
Key dates
- Applications close: 9:00AM, Monday 27 October 2025
- Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted
Before you start
Make sure you read the full Scholarship Terms and Conditions on the Public Education Foundation website.
For further information call the Public Education Foundation on 02 7814 2806 or email us at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
If you’re serious about becoming a nurse or midwife and need financial support, mentoring, and industry connections, this scholarship is designed for you!