Belinda McGowan Foundation Scholarship Program
Rural and remote nurses can apply for scholarships to advance palliative, critical care and nurse director leadership skills, supporting stronger healthcare outcomes.
The ACN Foundation supports nurses to reach their full potential by providing access to scholarships, grants and awards. These opportunities are made possible through the generous support of philanthropic individuals, businesses, and the ACN Foundation, and help nurses undertake continuing professional development, postgraduate study, and research.
Scholarships are offered twice each year, in March and September.
Explore scholarships, grants and awards
Browse scholarships, grants and awards, and apply for funding to support your professional growth and leadership in nursing.
Bullwinkel Scholars Leadership Program Scholarship
Apply for scholarships of up to $10,000 to strengthen your leadership capabilities through an ACN Institute of Leadership program. Open to nurses at the Nurse Manager, Nurse Director, and Nurse Executive career levels.
Emerging Policy Leadership Program Scholarship
Apply for a scholarship to join the Emerging Policy Leader Program and build the skills to influence healthcare policy and drive change.
Emerging Research Leadership Program Scholarship
Apply for a scholarship to join the Emerging Research Leader Program and build skills in evidence-based practice and nursing research.
Endometriosis Australia Scholarship
Apply for an Endometriosis Australia scholarship and gain specialist skills in endometriosis and pelvic pain care through ACN's evidence-based unit.
Leaders Mindset Series Scholarships
Apply for a scholarship to complete The Leader's Mindset Series 3 online course. Gain leadership skills and earn 30 CPD hours.
Lt Col Vivian Bullwinkel Study Travel Scholarship
Offering up to $10,000 to study nursing best practice in Australia or overseas.
Marjorie Schuman Rural Nurse Scholarship
Apply for a scholarship for the Nurse Director Leadership Program and develop the skills to lead teams and drive change.
Pacific Nations Scholarship Program
Apply for a fully funded scholarship to ACN's Nurse Executive Leadership Program and develop the skills to lead healthcare transformation across the Pacific.
Sister Margaret Y Winning Memorial Scholarship
Apply for a scholarship to support postgraduate nursing studies at QUT, available to eligible ACN members and fellows.
Bullwinkel Scholars Program
The Bullwinkel Scholars Program honours the legacy of Sister Vivian Bullwinkel, supporting nurse-led research and initiatives that embody her spirit of resilience, compassion, and dedication to nursing. These scholarships fund various educational programs and memorial events that inspire future generations of nurses.
Bullwinkel Scholars Leadership Program
Valued up to $10,000 for enrolment into an appropriate ACN Institute of Leadership program.
Lt Col Vivian Bullwinkel Study Travel Scholarship
Provides the opportunity for a registered nurse to study best practice elsewhere in Australia and/or overseas to share learning across borders.
Important dates
March 2026
Application 1st round opens
April 2026
Application 1st round closes
September 2026
Application 2nd round opens
October 2026
Application 2nd round closes
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for ACN Foundation scholarships, grants and awards?
Eligibility varies by scholarships, grants and awards. Generally, applicants must be registered nurses or nursing students in Australia. Specific criteria are listed with each scholarships, grants or awards.
How do I apply for a scholarship, grant or award?
Visit the scholarships, grants and awards application page, complete the online form, and submit the required documents by the deadline.
What can the scholarships, grants and awards funds be used for?
scholarships, grants and awards funding can typically be used for tuition fees, course materials, travel expenses for educational purposes, and other related costs.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship, grant or award?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, grants or awards if you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
How are scholarship, grant and award recipients selected?
Recipients are selected based on academic merit, professional achievements, and the potential impact of the scholarship on their career and the nursing profession.
Find out about upcoming scholarship, grant and award opportunities
Join our scholarships, grants and awards mailing list to find out about funding opportunities for nurses as soon as they become available.
Scholarship recipients
Celebrating our scholars – meet the remarkable nurses who have received our scholarships and learn about their journeys. Their stories highlight the impact of our scholarships on their careers and the broader healthcare community. 
Click to view the full list by year:
Support the future of nursing
Your donations make our scholarships, grants and awards possible. By contributing to the ACN Foundation, you help nurses access the education and training they need to excel in their careers and improve health care. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.