News

New ACT grant support for future nurses, midwives and allied health workers

A new program to help attract and retain nursing, midwifery and allied health students in the ACT is now available.

The Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Study Incentive Program will support new and existing students studying eligible qualifications at Australian Catholic University and the University of Canberra.

The program will be administered by each university and comprise two streams:

• Cost of Living Stipend: up to $3000 per annum over three years to eligible students commencing their studies in 2024 to ease cost of living pressures while studying.
• Placement Support Grants: up to $1000 per clinical placement for eligible students studying eligible qualifications to provide financial support during their placements.

It will support domestic students in undergraduate and/or postgraduate qualifications with a critical workforce need in the ACT across nursing, midwifery and allied health degrees.

Announcing the grants, the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said incentive program had been developed to attract and retain healthcare students in an increasingly competitive market.

“As Canberra grows and we invest more in our community health and hospital infrastructure, we want to ensure we have a workforce that is highly skilled and supported to deliver quality health outcomes for the ACT,” he said.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said ACU was delighted to be part of this partnership with the ACT Government.

“It embodies ACU's commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals,” Professor Skrbis said.

“At ACU, we understand the sacrifices our students make in pursuit of excellence in healthcare. This program offers a tangible form of support, allowing them to focus more on their studies and less on financial pressures, which is crucial in shaping the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

“With these substantial financial incentives, we are investing in a robust future for the health sector and the wellbeing of our communities.”

ACU Canberra Campus Dean Professor Darius von Guttner said the initiative is a testament to ACU’s dedication to healthcare education and our students' success.

“By collaborating with the ACT Government, ACU is proud to be at the forefront of addressing critical workforce needs and ensuring our graduates are not only highly skilled but also ready to meet the demands of the care economy of the future."

For more information, please visit Australian Catholic University Scholarships.