Victoria Will Make Nursing and Midwifery Degrees Free

A huge boost for health wealth.👩‍⚕️

Victorian Premier Dan Andrew has announced that from next year, nursing and midwifery courses in the state will be made free.

More than 10,000 students will get their degrees fully paid for from next year.

Premier Dan Andrews said he encourages everyone interested in Nursing to take the opportunity.

“If you’re in Year 12 and you’ve been thinking about studying nursing or midwifery – go for it. We’ve got your HECS fees covered.”

It’s part of a $270 million dollar investment from the State Government to address pressures on the Victorian hospital system, after two years of pandemic.

“Every health system in the country is under enormous pressure due to the pandemic. The best thing we can do to support our hardworking staffs give them more support on the ground – that’s why this package will train and hire more nurses than ever before.”

The five-year program will involve scholarships of up to $16,500 for course costs.

Students would receive $9000 over the period of study, with the extra $7500 to be paid off provided they stay in the public health system for two years after graduating.

In addition to the scholarships, the government is also offering $11,000 scholarships for enrolled nurses to become registered nurses, as well as $12,000 for new nurses in acute and community settings.

The government has also pledged $20 million to support newly graduated nurses as they transition into working life.

And don’t worry if you’re a postgrad – there’s also gonna be $10,000 scholarships for postgrad nurses to further their studies.

But why now, after three years of this COVID madness?

Well, there’s an election in Victoria later this year, and Dan (and his opposition) are starting to roll out their policies.

But, don’t worry too much, because the Liberal opposition has said they’ll match Dan’s plan, but they didn’t miss a chance to say this should have come sooner.

“Daniel Andrews has had eight years to do this and has failed to do anything,” Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier said.

“This government is bereft of ideas and are coming at this late time to make an announcement.”

The government hopes to recruit more than 17,000 new nurses through the program.

If the plan goes through, it’ll be a huge boost to nurse’s purses.