The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association scholarships seek to support motivated refugee students with demonstrated merit, who are facing hardship, to realise their career goals in studying nursing or midwifery through TAFE NSW or a NSW public university.

The scholarships provide financial assistance to 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 2023.  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

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.

BASIC ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

  • A 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

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

SELECTION PROCESS

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 2023. If successful, the scholarship recipient’s school principal will also receive notification directly.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications for the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Scholarship must be submitted online, via the Foundation’s online portal. You will need to sign up for a PEF-Apply account to access the form.

Prior to starting your application, you should compile the following information ready to submit:

  • Applicant details including:
    • full name
    • gender
    • date of birth
    • phone number
    • address
    • email (please ensure you nominate an email account you regularly access)
  • Residence status (copy of residency Visa or Citizenship certificate is a requirement for applicants born outside of Australia)
  • Parent/guardian details (at least one but up to two)
  • School and principal details
  • School point of contact – the person at the school who you would like correspondence sent to – name, phone number and email
  • Basic information about you/your family:
    • whether you are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or Pacific or South Sea Islander
    • who is the primary caregiver at home
    • highest education qualification of your immediate family
    • if you are from a non-English speaking background
    • country of origin of your parents and yourself
    • which languages you speak and are spoken at home
    • if you have a disability
    • whether you are or have been in out-of-home care
    • socio-economic background
    • how you found out about the scholarship
  • Your university or TAFE course preferences including name of institution, name of degree/course and course fees (you must submit at least one preference, but you can enter up to three)
  • A statement outlining why you are a suitable candidate for this scholarship and how you meet each of the selection criteria (maximum 400 words)
  • A brief outline of how your current studies (including subject selection) and work experience support your planned studies (maximum 250 words)
  • A brief outline of what your commitment is to a career in nursing or midwifery (maximum 250 words)
  • A brief explanation of what barriers you see for your future studies (maximum 250 words)
  • A copy of your most recent school report ready to upload (PDF or Word format)
  • A personal reference (PDF or Word format, maximum 400 words)
  • A supporting statement from your principal which addresses the selection criteria (the applicant must initiate a request via the online application to the principal). This will result in an email being sent to the principal asking them to complete a statement of support online)

Note for Principals: Please be aware that your statement is a critical component of the application form and your feedback is given considerable weight in the process of panel deliberations.  The panels are looking for feedback that goes well beyond simple confirmation that the student is enrolled in your school.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

Once you have finalized your application and all elements are complete (including references and supporting statements as required) you can submit it for review.

Applications must be submitted by 11.59pm (AEST) Tuesday 12th September 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Call the Public Education Foundation on 02 7814 2806 or email us at info@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.