For Natalie, being awarded the Affinity Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship at Charles Sturt University (CSU) represents a step towards something much bigger than completing her studies.
It is helping her pursue a career focused on giving back, strengthening access to healthcare and providing culturally safe care to rural, regional and First Nations communities.
Natalie’s deep connection to community and firsthand understanding of compassionate, culturally safe care have shaped her decision to enter the profession.
“As a young Aboriginal woman, I feel a strong connection to these communities and a deep responsibility to give back.
These communities often face challenges such as limited access to healthcare, staff shortages, and barriers to culturally safe care.
I have seen firsthand that the hospital located closest to me is in urgent need of staff, and it is disheartening to know that people may go without the care they need.”
RN Laurice on contract in Mildura, Victoria.
A tie to rural, regional & remote community
It is this passion that is driving Natalie towards becoming the kind of nurse and midwife who can help address healthcare workforce shortages and improve access to care across rural, regional and First Nations communities.
Natalie is one of two recipients of this year’s Affinity Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Now in its second year, the partnership provides two $5,000 scholarships to support First Nations nursing and midwifery students experiencing financial hardship.
Through this support, students with close ties to rural, regional and remote communities have greater opportunity to complete their studies and take their knowledge, experience and care back to the places that need them most.
Backing the future of healthcare
The Affinity Nursing & Midwifery CSU Scholarship helps strengthen the future healthcare workforce by supporting students who understand the needs of these communities and are committed to improving access to culturally safe care.
“This opportunity means more to me than I can fully express. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are not only supporting my education but also helping me move closer to making a real difference in the lives of others.
On a personal level, this scholarship eases the financial pressure of my studies, allowing me to better balance my commitments and remain focused on my goals and the path I am so passionate about.
Thank you for believing in students like me – your support truly means so much!”
Creating lasting impact
This is exactly what our CSU scholarships are about: supporting the future of healthcare by backing the changemakers who will help shape it. For Natalie, that means being part of the solution, bringing care to communities where access is limited, healthcare professionals are needed, and culturally safe care can make a lasting difference.
Ready to learn more about our nursing and midwifery scholarships? Explore our scholarship opportunities and see how Affinity is supporting the next generation of nurses and midwives.
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Frequently asked questions
About the scholarships
The Affinity Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship at Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a scholarship funded by Affinity to support nursing and midwifery students from regional and rural communities, particularly those who may face financial barriers while completing their studies and clinical placements.
For the 2026 round:
- Value: $5,000 per recipient, paid as two $2,500 instalments.
- Courses: Bachelor of Nursing or Graduate Diploma of Midwifery at Charles Sturt.
- Who it supports: Students from regional/rurally isolated areas, with a home address classified RA2–RA5 by CSU.
- First Nations focus: Preference is given to First Nations students, or applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to supporting First Nations communities.
- Study requirement: Recipients need to maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive the second payment.
- Purpose: To help reduce the financial pressure associated with tertiary study and mandatory clinical placements
Nursing and/or Midwifery First Nations students, or show a commitment to support First Nations communities.
- Your home address must have a regional classification of RA2–RA7. You can check your rurality rating here
- You’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Experiencing financial hardship
Our CSU scholarships open in February 2027, but opportunities are available throughout the year through our university partnerships.
We’ve partnered with Charles Darwin University, Charles Sturt University and James Cook University to offer nine Affinity Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships, supporting students at different stages of their nursing and midwifery studies. View our Scholarship’s page here for more information.
Applications for 2026 are currently closed. New applications are submitted via the Charles Sturt University (CSU) website, here.
Affinity Nurses & Midwives
Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply.
Not sure if it’s the right pathway for you? Our Clinical Education team can help you explore your options and plan your next steps.
Book in a time to chat with the team about your education and career goals.
Affinity Nursing supports nurses and midwives with access to Affinity Clinical Education, including flexible online CPD courses across clinical refreshers, mandatory competencies, maternity topics, primary healthcare, rural and remote practice and other relevant learning areas. Affinity nurses and midwives can also book selected training opportunities through Affinity, including ALS and PALS.
Relevant CPD can help strengthen your profile and show that you are actively maintaining your skills, which may support your suitability for certain nursing or midwifery contracts.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or career advice. Always consult a professional for advice specific to your situation.