Aboriginal Post Graduate Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria: | Essential Documents | Frequently Asked QuestionsThe NSW Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Fund provides postgraduate scholarships to Aboriginal registered nurses and midwives in targeted areas.
Scholarships of up to $15,000 are available in 2012 to Aboriginal people currently working as registered nurses or registered midwives in NSW or ACT, to assist with educational expenses directly associated with postgraduate study.
The number of scholarships allocated is subject to total funds available within the 2012 Aboriginal postgraduate scholarship budget.
Applications will be subject to cull, based on scholarship criteria and the provision of the required supporting documents within the required time frame.
This scholarship is for 2012 only – re-application for a scholarship is required each year.
Applications for study in 2012 open 1st December 2011 and close on 1st March 2012.
Click here to download application
Aboriginal Postgraduate Scholarships are offered under the following targeted areas:
- Paediatrics
- Drug & Alcohol
- Mental Health
- Early Childhood
- Midwifery
- Chronic Care
- Clinical Studies
- Education Management
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be an Australian Aboriginal person.
- Be currently employed as a registered nurse/midwife within NSW or ACT.
- Be enrolled in an Australian postgraduate course in 2012 that is accredited under the NSW Higher Education Act (2001).
- Describe in no more than 250 words how the qualification being studied will make a positive contribution to your current role and the Aboriginal community.
- And be a resident of NSW or ACT.
Essential Documents
You are required to send the following documents to support your application.
These documents are to be sent to the Nursing and Midwifery Office by 1st March 2012:
1. Confirmation of Aboriginality
This document must state that you:
a. are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent;
b. identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and
c. are accepted as such in the community where you live.
2. Copy of Enrolment in an Australian postgraduate Nursing or Midwifery course in 2011. This document must include your name, the name of the course, the year of study and a list of the subjects you have enrolled in for 2012. Generic information about course subjects will not be accepted.
NOTE: If your enrolment confirmation is unavailable at the time you apply, please provide a brief letter indicating your intention to enrol and forward your enrolment confirmation so that your application can be progressed.
3. A Letter from Your Employer in the following format:
i. Letter on letterhead from your employer
ii. Must be dated and signed (within in the last 3 months)
iii. State your name;
iv. State the title of your position;
v. State your employment status (full-time, part-time or casual): and
vi. State how long you have been employed in this position.
NOTE: Applicants undertaking Postgraduate study leading to registration as a midwife must show proof of having concurrent employment in a recognised student midwifery position in a maternity service.
4. A signed copy of the Australian Taxation Office 'Statement by a Supplier' form, which can be found at: http://www.ato.gov.au/content/downloads/nat3346.pdf
5. A completed NSW Department of Health Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Form. Please note that payments cannot be made into credit card accounts.
6. A copy of your official 2011 course results (ONLY if you have previously received a postgraduate scholarship from the NSW Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Fund).
It is preferable that you send your supporting documentation by Express Post so that you can track the delivery at www.auspost.com.au/track/.
Please send your completed documents to the Nursing and Midwifery Office at the following postal address:
Project Officer
Aboriginal Scholarship Fund
Nursing and Midwifery Office
NSW Department of Health
Locked Mail Bag 961
NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Frequently Asked Questions
How Will My Application be Assessed?
Scholarships are awarded by a selection panel. Decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The number of scholarships allocated is subject to total funds available within the 2012 Aboriginal postgraduate scholarship budget. Applications will be subject to cull, based on scholarship criteria.
How do I prove my Aboriginality?
Confirmation of Aboriginality can be obtained form an Aboriginal community controlled organisation registered under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1967 or an incorporated community organisations where all members of the governing body are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders or both.
When Will I Know If My Application Is Successful?
A letter will be sent to successful applicants by mid-April 2012.
If Successful, How Much Money Will I Receive?
Successful applicants will receive up to $15,000 dependent on the number of subjects to be undertaken in 2012.
What If I am Receiving Another Scholarship?
Persons who receive funding from another source for the same course of study may have their scholarship amount reduced or withdrawn. Please ensure you provide information about other scholarships or funding that you are receiving.
When Will I Receive My Scholarship Payment?
Letters will be sent to all applicants by mid April 2012. It can take up to six weeks to process payments into nominated bank accounts from this time. Please note however unexpected delays can occur.
What Can I Use My Scholarship Funding For?
Scholarship funding is provided to assist applicants with educational expenses directly associated with their postgraduate study. The Nursing and Midwifery Office does not require expenditure receipts, however these should be retained by the applicant for taxation purposes.
What If I Defer, Withdraw or Change My Subjects?
Successful applicants who defer or withdraw from their course or change the number of subjects being studied during 2012 must notify the Nursing and Midwifery Office in writing within seven days. Full or partial repayment of scholarship funding may be required, subject to individual review.
What is a Statement by Supplier Form?
This is an Australian Taxation Office form. By completing this form the NSW Department of Health is not obliged to deduct tax from your scholarship. If you do not have an Australian Business Number (ABN), you will need to fill out the form. When completing the Statement by Supplier form the top section that says ‘Name of supplier’ and ‘Address of supplier’ this is where you print your name and address;
Tick the most appropriate box (one only and it is usually the last box) and sign where it says ‘Signature of supplier or authorised person’.
Please note that the Nursing and Midwifery Office is unable to advise which box to tick, as it relates to your own personal circumstances.
Income Tax Advice
Full time students - scholarships are considered to be tax exempt income for students who are studying full time at university.
Part time students - generally, scholarship funding provided to part time students, regardless of their employment status, is not considered to be tax exempt income. However, as long as the scholarship funding is used for non-tax deductible expenses, it may be classified as exempt income.
Please seek independent advice regarding your personal circumstances where necessary.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Advice
An FBT issue arises with employees of the public health system who receive funding from the NSW Department of Health. Please note the following:- If the course being studied directly relates to current employment, the taxable value of the benefit will be reduced to nil. If there is a nil taxable value there is a nil FBT liability. If the course being studied does not directly relate to current employment, the full scholarship payment will attract FBT.
Please seek independent advice regarding your personal circumstances where necessary.
Student Midwives What If I Am Commencing My Study Mid Year in 2012?
You will still need to get your application in by the scholarship closing date of 1st March 2012. If your enrolment confirmation is unavailable at this time please indicate your intention to enrol and forward your enrolment so that your application can be progressed.
FURTHER INFORMATION
All successful applicants may be required to participate in an evaluation or telephone survey regarding scholarships provided under The NSW Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Fund.
For further information about this scholarship please contact the Project Officer by email: aboriginalnursing@doh.health.nsw.gov.au or phone: 1800 155325.
