The Australian College of Nursing Foundation (ACN Foundation) is delighted to offer scholarships for the Emerging Research Leader Program (ERLP). The program will commence February 2027.
The Emerging Research Leader Program is suitable for registered nurses who want to learn how to build and use research evidence to address practical nursing issues. It will suit those who wish to apply existing evidence to their practice, who want to evaluate practice change, or who wish to start their own research journey without the extended commitment of a research degree.
Applications close 11:59 pm AEDT, Sunday 25 October 2026.
Number of scholarships: 10
Value of scholarship: up to $7,500 each
Eligibility criteria
Applicants should be new to research but there is no restriction on their nursing experience who meet the following criteria:
- Be an Australian citizenship or permanent resident in Australia.
- Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Must have an active ACN membership for 6 months or more.
- Not be currently enrolled in a research degree or other research development program.
- Applicants should be new to research, but there is no restriction on their nursing experience and not currently enrolled in a research degree or other research development program.
- Have the capacity to complete online modules/workshops and meet with a mentor regularly.
- Willing and able to make a commitment of at least 10 hours per week to the program
- Preference will be given to First nations, Torres Strait Islander, and rural remote nurses.
Documents required
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent resident of Australia (birth certificate, passport, VEVO or visa papers)
- Current CV.
- Current AHPRA nurse registration.
- A letter from your employer confirming your current employment, length of employment and role.
Selection criteria and questions
- Outline your reasons for applying for this scholarship, focusing on your interest in research.
- How do you envisage that your future career goals will be supported through completion of this program?
- Provide a brief overview of a specific topic or area of research you are interested in and why.
Successful recipient requirements
Each successful recipient will be required to:
- Undertake and complete the approved course or program.
- Meet all attendance, participation and assessment requirements associated with the selected program.
- Provide a written report to the ACN Foundation at the conclusion of your certificate or program outlining how the scholarship has impacted on your professional development and how the program benefited your workplace or community.
Applications
Applications close 11:59 pm AEDT, Sunday 25 October 2026.
