Lt Col Vivian Bullwinkel Study Travel Scholarship

The Lt Col Vivian Bullwinkel Study Travel Scholarship forms part of the Bullwinkel Scholars Program, funded by the Bullwinkel Project. Scholarship recipients are known as the Bullwinkel Scholars. Twenty-one scholarships honour the nurses, with an additional scholarship awarded in the name of Vivian Bullwinkel.

Available to all nurses, valued up to $10,000 and provides the opportunity for a registered nurse to study best practice elsewhere in Australia and/or overseas to share learning across borders. There is one scholarship available. The recipient of this scholarship will be provided with the opportunity to share their experiences and learnings through a Keynote address at the National Nursing Forum and/or through an article in the Hive magazine.

Number of places available: 1

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for the scholarship to undertake this program applicants must:

  • hold a current relevant nurse registration
  • be currently employed in the nursing profession
  • intend to undertake a postgraduate course, conference, or workshop, nationally or internationally in 2024 that will enhance their career as a nurse leader

Documents required

  • information on chosen activity
  • letter of support from employer confirming your employment and position
  • Australian citizenship or Permanent Residency
  • an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
  • evidence of residential address, such as a current gas, electricity, or rates bill
  • current nurse registration
  • identification such as Drivers license or Passport
  • name change evidence (if name appears different on documents)

Selection criteria

Applications are open to nurses from all specialities within the nursing profession who aspire to be a leader at whatever stage of their career, who can demonstrate their commitment to:

  • the nursing profession.
  • their own investment in personal and professional development.
  • contribute over and above their position description to deliver the care that all Australians deserve.
  • Successful applicants will demonstrate the attributes and qualities that have cemented the respect and regard the nursing profession holds today.

Applications that do not demonstrate commitment to the nursing profession, improving patient and health outcomes, or exemplify the values of the nurses who made the ultimate sacrifice on Radji Beach, Bangka Island will not be considered.

Scholarship value

One scholarship available, valued up to $10,000 which will contribute to the following costs:

  • Activity fees – activities such as, postgraduate study, workshop, or conference relevant to your nursing profession.
  • Accommodation – Up to $250 per night
  • Travel – by car, plane or train (local train, bus, cab and parking not included)

Applications

Applications closed.

Bullwinkel Scholars Leadership Program

The Bullwinkel Scholars Leadership Program forms part of the Bullwinkel Scholars Program, funded by the Bullwinkel Project. Scholarship recipients are known as the Bullwinkel Scholars. Twenty-one scholarships honour the nurses, with an additional scholarship awarded in the name of Vivian Bullwinkel.

Valued up to $10,000 for enrolment into an appropriate ACN Institute of Leadership program together with a contribution towards the cost of attending. There are 21 scholarships available. Applicants must be a registered nurse and meet the relevant prerequisites for the Leadership program they wish to complete and agree to the ACN Foundation Scholarship Terms and Conditions.

Number of places available: 21

ACN Institute of Leadership Programs

Under the Bullwinkel Scholars Leadership Program, there are three Leadership Programs available:

Nurse Unit Manager Leadership Program

Nurse Unit Manager Leadership Program — A career developer for those in, or those aspiring to, nurse unit management roles, focused on building practical skills to influence and manage self, others, resources, and operations, benefiting staff, the community, and those receiving care.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for the scholarship to undertake this program applicants must:

  • be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency
  • have a minimum of three years postgraduate experience
  • hold a Nurse Unit Manager role or aspire to become a Nursing Unit Manager
  • be able to identify an area for development that will be addressed by this scholarship and how you will apply the learnings in your practice
  • demonstrate leadership qualities in nursing and/or the health or aged care systems
  • be able to attend five-day face-to-face masterclass at the chosen location of the program.

Nurse Director Leadership Program

Nurse Director Leadership Program — A career consolidator for driven nurses who want to supplement their professional experience with a challenging leadership intensive to advance their careers.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship to undertake this program applicants need to:

  • be currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency
  • have a minimum of six years’ postgraduate experience or be able to demonstrate an ability to influence organisations, team practices and/or cultures, such as nurse leaders seeking promotion into a management position
  • be able to demonstrate leadership qualities in nursing and/or the health or aged care systems, such as recently appointed managers seeking to fast-track their development into confident self-directed leaders
  • be able to attend five-day face-to-face masterclass at the chosen location of the program
  • have an ability to complete the program work during the six-month period.

Nurse Executive Leadership Program

Nurse Executive Leadership Program — A career accelerator for ambitious nurses who want to strengthen their influence and command respect and recognition.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for the scholarship to undertake this program applicants must:

  • be currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency
  • have a minimum of six years’ postgraduate experience and be able to demonstrate an ability to meet the requirements of ACN’s Nurse Executive Capability Framework
  • be able to demonstrate experience at the nurse executive level or an ability to work at the nurse executive level
  • have an ability to complete the program work during the six-month period.
  • be able to attend five-day face-to-face masterclass at the chosen location of the program

Documents required

  • letter of support from the applicants supervisor outlining their ability to complete the program within the required timeframe
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency
  • an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Current nurse registration
  • Identification such as drivers license or passport
  • Name change evidence (if name appears different on documents)

Selection criteria

Applications are open to nurses from all specialities within the nursing profession who aspire to be a leader at whatever stage of their career, who can demonstrate their commitment to:

  • the nursing profession.
  • their own investment in personal and professional development.
  • contribute over and above their position description to deliver the care that all Australians deserve.
  • Successful applicants will demonstrate the attributes and qualities that have cemented the respect and regard the nursing profession holds today.

Applications that do not demonstrate commitment to the nursing profession, improving patient and health outcomes, or exemplify the values of the nurses who made the ultimate sacrifice on Radji Beach, Bangka Island will not be considered.

Applications

Applications closed.

We have taken over Grill’d! Help us secure vital funding for nurses

We are thrilled to announce that the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation has been chosen as a charity partner for the Grill’d Local Matters National Takeover this January.

For the entire month of January 2026, we are calling on our members, fellows, and the wider community to turn their burgers into support for the nursing profession. Whether you dine in-restaurant or order via the app, your vote can help us secure a major donation to support Australian nurses.

What is Local Matters?

Since 2011, Grill’d has supported thousands of local community groups through their Local Matters program, donating over $7 million back to the community.

Typically, every Grill’d restaurant donates $500 each month, split between three local community groups. However, this January is different. Grill’d is hosting a National Takeover, and the stakes are significantly higher.

Instead of competing locally, we are competing on a national stage for a share of $89,000:

🏆 Winner: Receives $53,400

🥈 Runners Up (x2): Receive $17,800 each

Every single vote cast at any Grill’d location across Australia counts toward our national tally.

How the funds will help

The ACN Foundation is dedicated to supporting our Australian nursing workforce. The funds raised from this campaign will go directly toward our much-needed programs, including:

  • Providing scholarships for nurses to access higher education and training.
  • Funding essential grants and leadership programs.
  • Ensuring nurses have the resources they need to thrive and provide exceptional care to all Australians.

How you can participate

Voting is simple, and you can do it in-restaurant or from the comfort of your home.

In-restaurant

When you purchase a burger at any Grill’d restaurant, you will be given a Local Matters token. Simply head to the token jars, find the jar labeled Australian College of Nursing Foundation, and drop your token in.

Find your local Grill’d restaurant

Via the Grill’d app

Ordering online? You can still cast your vote! Follow these simple steps to ensure your digital token reaches us:

  1. Place your order: Select your favorite meal in the Grill’d App and head to checkout.
  2. Complete payment: Review your items and confirm your payment details.
  3. Look for the prompt: Once your order is finalized (“Your order is in”), you will see a screen inviting you to give back to Australian nurses. Tap “Next” to enter Local Matters.
  4. Find us: Swipe through the charity options until you find the Australian College of Nursing Foundation.
  5. Cast your vote: Tap the “Vote” button to drop your virtual token into our jar.

Download the Grill’d app via:

Join the journey

This campaign is about more than just funding; it is a celebration of the faces behind nursing education and support. Throughout January, visit our social media channels to see the stories of our staff—from Educators to Project Managers—who are championing this cause.

Head to Grill’d today, grab a burger, and help us bring home the $53,400 top prize for our nurses.

For more information about our work, follow us on;

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Leaders Mindset Series Scholarships

The ACN Foundation is offering 1,000 scholarships for eligible ACN Members to complete The Leader’s Mindset Series 3 online course, valued at $1,100.

The Leader’s Mindset Series 3 provides the knowledge and skills for aspiring leaders to take the next step in their leadership career. The course consists of five online modules with students receiving 30 CPD hours upon completion of the course.

Eligibility criteria

All members that have maintained continuous membership for a minimum of 12 months are eligible to apply and have 6 months to complete the course upon being awarded the scholarship.

Applications

Applications are now open.

After submitting an application, applicants will be notified of the outcome within a week.

Apply now

Sister Margaret Y Winning Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored by Perpetual Private – $10,000 available to an ACN member or fellow currently enrolled or intending to enroll in a postgraduate nursing education program at Queensland University of Technology. Must have been an ACN member for at least the past three years or more.

Number of scholarships: 1
Value of scholarship: $10,000

Eligibility criteria

  • Reside in Australia as a registered or enrolled nurse as a citizen or permanent resident.
  • Hold registration as a nurse with a current practicing certificate (or its equivalent).
  • Possess current membership or fellowship with ACN.
  • Avoid having received a scholarship or grant from the National Research and Scholarships Fund in the previous 2 years.
  • Pursue postgraduate community nursing studies at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2026.

Documents required

  • CV – includes your qualifications, recent professional development activities and relevant work experience.
  • If you are undertaking a research program the CV should also include refereed publications and scholarly activities (including conference presentations, indicating if refereed) for the past 3 years in reverse chronological order.
  • Please attach a short and concise CV (maximum of three pages) which includes your qualifications, recent professional development activities and relevant work experience.

Referees

  • Two nursing referees are required (one should preferably be your current employer). The ACN review committee may contact these referees as part of the assessment process for the scholarships.

Selection criteria

  • The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who can best demonstrate that the proposed study will both add to the body of knowledge on nursing roles and has the potential to improve patient care/outcomes.

Applicants must complete the selection questions included in the application form.

Applications

Applications closed.