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(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
The Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP), funded by the Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and administered in Queensland by Health Workforce Queensland, offers scholarships and bursaries to help health professionals in remote and rural areas.
Applications are assessed based on priority and needs as per our Health Workforce Needs Assessment (HWNA), with an additional methodology applied to ensure fair ranking. Funding is unfortunately limited and not guaranteed.
For regions outside of Queensland, visit the Health Workforce Scholarship Program Australia website.
Scholarships and bursaries are available for medical, nursing, midwifery, dental, allied health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, who are providing primary health care in remote and rural Queensland. They must work in private practice, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), or non-profit organisations.
Eligible Locations:
MM 3-7 locations for remote and rural primary health care providers.
MM 1-7 locations for health professionals employed by AMSs and ACCHSs.
Check your location using the Health Workforce Locator (MM 2019 classification).
Applicant Guidelines
To apply for an HWSP, you must meet the eligibility requirements. The full eligibility requirements and exclusions are detailed in the Applicant Guidelines below.
Funding Options
Bursary: Payments of up to $10,000 within a 12-month period that covers the cost of course fees and training related expenses such as travel and accommodation where appropriate. Including online or face-to-face: short courses, workshops, and conferences.
Scholarship: Payments up to $10,000 per year can be provided for up to two years, to attain a post graduate qualification of either a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, Master or PhD.
Note: Retrospective costs (completed courses) are not eligible for funding. If you're currently undertaking eligible upskilling (part-way through the course), funding may be assessed for future expenses.
Application Requirements
Prepare the following details for your application:
Proof of eligible employment and qualifications.
Primary health care registration.
Details of the proposed professional development activity, including dates, format (online or in-person), and costs.
Identify the community benefit/s of this upskilling being completed.
Identify what skills will be gained by attending this upskilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility and Applying
Am I eligible for the Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP)?
Please review our Applicant Guidelines for that information. In general, Scholarships or bursaries are available for medical, nursing/midwifery, dental, allied health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers who provide primary health care services in rural and remote Queensland. Eligible settings include private practice, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), and non-government or not-for-profit organizations. Health professionals working exclusively in aged care or Queensland Health facilities are not eligible.
I don’t have my healthcare qualification yet; can I still apply?
No, applicants must already have their primary qualification and be professionally registered to apply. Please refer to the Applicant Guidelinesfor more information.
I work for Queensland Health. Can I apply?
No, unless you also work in eligible private practice or in an AMS/ACCHS. Only non-QLD-Health work is considered.
How do I check if my location is eligible?
Use the Health Workforce Locator to find your MMM classification. MMM 3–7 locations are eligible if you're in private practice. AMS and ACCHS roles are eligible regardless of location.
What can I apply for?
- Bursaries are available for up to $10,000 per year to cover the cost of course, travel and or accommodation fees. You can apply for short courses, workshops, or conferences.
- Scholarships are available for up to $10,000 per year, up to 2 years in length, for you to attain a post graduate qualification such as a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, Master or PhD.
If you have already finished your course, you cannot apply, as retrospective costs are not eligible.
How do I apply?
Applications are only accepted during open rounds. Dates are listed under ‘Upcoming Rounds’. The “Apply Now” button will appear at the bottom of the HWSP page when a round is open. Be sure that your course dates fall within the eligible window of the round you are applying for.
What needs to be included in my application?
Your application must include details such as the specific upskilling you want to complete, the dates, costs, format (online or in-person), community benefits, and the skills you aim to gain.
Can I apply more than once?
You can submit up to 2 applications per round and receive up to $10,000 in total per year.
What are my chances of being approved?
We have limited funding available each round. While we aim to support as many eligible applicants as possible, the likelihood of receiving funding depends on several criteria, including but not limited to: working hours, rurality, priority locations, professions (as outlined in our Health Workforce Needs Assessment), and employment within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Will I know the outcome before my upskilling starts?
As long as you plan ahead and apply during the correct time period for your upskilling, you can know the outcome of your application before the upskilling starts. Please see the listed outcome date in the round information. However, it is up to the applicant to ensure they will be able to enrol in the upskilling they receive approval for. Depending on the popularity of your proposed upskilling, you may have to enrol in the course before knowing if we will support you.
I understand my application may not be successful; can I pay for the upskilling beforehand?
Yes, but keep all invoices and receipts. If approved, you’ll need to upload them.
After Applying
When will I receive my outcome?
You’ll be emailed on the outcome date listed under the ‘Upcoming Rounds’ section.
How do I upload documents?
Use the portal (not email). A guide is attached to your approval email and is also available here.
How and when do I prove my employment?
Once you are approved, you will need to supply an employment, or self-employment declaration. These forms are also attached to your approval email.
We do not accept employment contracts as proof.
I have uploaded everything asked in my Approval email up until Step 4, what next?
Due to the number of documents we receive, it can take us up to 30 business days to create and send out your payment agreement. Once this is signed and uploaded, we can usually proceed with funding your application, however, send out your payment agreement. Once this is signed and uploaded, we can usually proceed with funding your application, however this will depend on the specifics of your situation. Please review your approval email for further information.
What if I change employers?
Notify us immediately via email or phone. Each case is reviewed individually. Contact: scholarships@healthworkforce.com.au.
What is a Return of Service Obligation (ROSO)?
If your funding exceeds $5,000 or your course lasts more than 6 months, you must work with an eligible employer for 12 months post-completion and provide proof. Non-compliance may require repayment.
Other Questions
I can’t log in to the portal—what do I do?
Contact our Help Desk. The Scholarships team cannot assist with login issues.
I have a different question.
Check the guidelines or contact us at scholarships@healthworkforce.com.au or call (07) 3105 7800 (press #2, then #1).
Upcoming Rounds
Please note:
You cannot apply for a course that has already finished.
A maximum of 2 applications per person will be considered for this round.
Please note that dates are subject to change.
Round 3 2025 applications are open between 07/07/2025-27/07/2025 for:
Courses that will commence on or before 07/11/2025 (does not include courses finished prior to application submission);
Outcome to be advised on 15/08/2025.
Round 4 2025 applications are open between 29/09/2025-19/10/2025 for:
Courses that will commence on or before 27/02/2026 (does not include courses finished prior to application submission) with;
Outcome to be advised on 07/11/2025.
How do I apply?
Applications for the Health Workforce Scholarship Program are now OPEN!
Please ensure you check the Upcoming Rounds information to ensure your application is considered eligible for review.
In 2023-2024, the Health Workforce Scholarship Program provided financial support to upskill 879 medical, nursing, midwifery, dental, allied health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, all delivering primary health care services in remote and rural Queensland private practices and ACCHSs.
Check out what some of the recipients have to say and who we helped in this article below from our Annual Report.
Should you have any enquiries about the HWSP in Queensland, please contact the Scholarships Team or call (07) 3105 7800, press #2 then press #1 to reach the HWSP team.
If you are having issues logging in, please email Help Desk or assistance.
