Infection Prevention Control Training Course Scholarships 2026 - Expression of Interest (EOI)

⁠⁠⁠The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (the PHN) has a strong focus on sustainable workforce development. Supporting the HNECC Primary Care Community to receive accredited training in Infection Prevention and Control strengthens the sector’s skills and prepares the response to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, to other infectious diseases outbreaks, and possible future pandemics.

In response to requirements for Residential Aged Care Homes and recommendations for General Practice, the PHN is offering thirty (30) scholarships for Registered Nurses to complete the Australian Qualifications Framework Level 8 (AQF8) accredited online course “Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control” with the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC).

The training scholarships are being offered to Registered Nurses working within the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network region within:

• Residential Aged Care Facilities
• Aboriginal Medical Services
• General Practice (for registered nurses who are considered a clinical team member*)

It is a requirement that the Registered Nurse will then be able to utilise this training within their workplace.

Course Details:

The Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control (Foundations of IPC) provides 11 self-paced modules and self-directed learning units comprising of 80-90 hours study time with a final 3000-word assignment.

The course is designed to be completed over a 24-week period with a set deadline for completion. Please view the course details to ensure that you are able to commit to the course expectations at: Foundations of IPC - ACIPC

Application Process

The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the PHN funded scholarships will be managed through the online grants portal, SmartyGrants, on a first in basis to eligible applicants, with a waitlist taken in case any positions become available.

• HNECC PHN reserves the right to close the EOI round if all training positions have been awarded prior to the closing date or extend the closing date if positions are still available.
• Applicants may be contacted to discuss their eligibility and ability to meet the criteria. This will constitute part of the eligibility assessment.
• EOI will open from 2 March 2026 and close on 30th June 2026, or when the allocation is exhausted (whichever is sooner).

Start date and completion time

Once notified of their success, applicants receive a registration code and must register with the course provider within 4 weeks to commence their course at the earliest class start date made available. The course provider usually offers two course start dates per month.

Failure to register for the course may see your offer revoked and reallocated to another applicant.

The online course must then be completed within 24 weeks of commencement with a deadline for completion set by the training provider.

If you have any questions regarding the scholarships, please email the PHN Grants team at grants@thephn.com.au

Interested applicants must read the Grant guidelines for further information on Eligibility, Assessment Criteria, Terms and Conditions and the application process before applying