Nursing Scholarship: Why, Where and How to Apply


Nursing is a challenging but rewarding profession. If you’re interested in pursuing a nursing career, this article explains what nursing is, the educational requirements and how one can apply for scholarships. 

nursing scholarship
source: https://www.malaysiakini.com/

What is nursing all about?

Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on providing care for individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent illness and treat various health issues. 

Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools and other healthcare facilities. They are responsible for numerous tasks, like assessing patients’ health needs, developing care plans, administering medications and treatments and providing emotional support to patients and their families. 

Nurses also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and therapists, to ensure the best possible care for their patients. They may also be involved in research, teaching and management roles within the healthcare field. 

This challenging yet rewarding profession requires a combination of technical skills and compassion for those under their care. 

Why study nursing?

Being a nurse can be challenging. In fact, many people say it’s a calling to be a nurse – there will be days when the job seems overwhelming and thankless. However, there will also be days when being a nurse seems like the best thing in the world. Thus, here are a few reasons why one should consider this career:

High job demand

Nurses are in high demand, not just in Malaysia but globally. It is a dynamic profession. You’ll have space to advance your career and continuously learn and improve your skills. You can also further your job by specialising in a medical field, such as becoming an ER nurse. 

You get to help people

The best reason to become a nurse is that you’ll get to help people when they’re at some of their lowest points. Patients, more often than not, feel anxious, scared or worried when they are ill. As a nurse, you’ll get to know your patient, care, and be there for them. 

You’ll need passion and aptitude to be a nurse, as some days will be challenging. However, being a nurse has many rewards; and if you love helping others, this job is for you. 

Nursing jobs and career opportunities

While we often think of nurses working in hospitals and clinics, in actuality, the possibilities of nursing jobs are endless. Here are some places where nurses are needed:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics/Doctor’s offices
  • Nursing homes
  • Hospice
  • Schools
  • Military
  • Cruise ships
  • Wellness centres
  • Public health offices
  • Home healthcare agencies
  • Various other industries

A nursing qualification also opens numerous other doors, and you don’t have to be a nurse in the hospital your whole life. Here are some career opportunities in the nursing field:

  • Registered nurse
  • Clinical instructor
  • Nursing tutor
  • Nursing lecturer
  • Dean or professor
  • Sister/ward manager
  • Matron/nurse officer
  • Director of Nursing
  • Clinical nurse specialist
  • Nursing consultant
  • Independent nurse practitioner
  • Clinical research nurse
  • Clinical nurse scientist
  • Home nursing business owner
  • Childcare centre owner
  • Health care products

As you can see, there is even a potential to set up or own a business in the future with the skills you learn from being a nurse. However, if you’re more akin to practising, the following is a range of specialities to choose from:

  • Accident and emergency
  • Community health
  • Coronary Care
  • Diabetic
  • Gerontology
  • Infection control
  • Intensive care
  • Mental health
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing educators
  • Nursing research
  • Oncology
  • Operating rooms
  • Orthopaedic
  • Pediatric
  • Renal 

Requirements to be a nurse

There are several requirements to be met to become a nurse:

  • Education – You must graduate from an accredited nursing program, which can lead to a diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing. 
  • Licensure – After obtaining your qualifications, you must be licensed by the Malaysian Nursing Board. 
  • Continued education – Nurses are required to stay up to date with the current nursing practices and medical technologies. 
  • Skills and traits – You’ll need excellent communication and critical thinking skills, compassion and a strong desire to help others. You’ll also need physical stamina and emotional resilience, as this can be a challenging profession. 
  • Physical requirements – Nurses must stand for long periods, lift and move patients, and perform other tasks requiring strength and dexterity. 

Becoming a nurse requires a significant investment of time, effort and resources. Nonetheless, it’s worth it as nurses have the opportunity to impact their patients’ lives positively. 

malaysia nurses
source: https://www.nst.com.my/

Diploma in Nursing

The entry requirement for UOW Malaysia’s nursing program is as follows:

For local students who sat for the SPM, O-Levels or UEC examinations:

  • A minimum of 5 credits
    • Including in Bahasa Melayu and Mathematics
    • A credit in Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science
    • A credit in two other subjects
  • A pass in the English language subject and, if applying for a scholarship, a credit in English. 

For international students who have taken the O-Levels or its equivalent:

  • A minimum of 5 credits
    • Including in Mathematics
    • A credit in Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science
    • A credit in three other subjects
  • English proficiency requirement of band 5.5 in IELTS, a minimum score of 80 in the IBT or 515 (PBT) or 215 (CBT) in TOEFL.  

Where to study nursing in Malaysia?

Numerous public and private institutions in Malaysia offer nursing diplomas and degrees. Aspiring nurses can embark on their journey after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations via nursing programs like UOW Malaysia.  

UOW Malaysia nursing program

UOW Malaysia’s Diploma in Nursing is a 3-year program, with two semesters a year. Students will be taught nursing theories and allowed to practise their skills. On successfully completing the course, the university will award students a Diploma in Nursing. 

Students must take the Nursing Board Examinations in order to be a State Registered Nurse (Staff Nurse). The diploma from UOW Malaysia is recognised both locally and abroad, except that some countries need a bridging course.  

What scholarships are available for nursing students?

The following are nursing scholarships offered by UOW Malaysia:

 1. Diploma in Nursing sponsored by Sunway Medical Centre, which includes the following:

  • Registration fees, course fees and accommodation fees.
  • An allowance of RM750 per month for three years.
  • A book allowance of RM200 per year for three years.
  • An RM400 allowance for students who maintain a 3.5 CGPA and above. 
  • A shoe allowance of RM160 per year. 
  • RM250 for three years for the Hepatitis B Program & ATT injection. 
  • Medical coverage of RM240 per year for outpatient benefits and RM10,000 per year for inpatient benefits.

2. Diploma in Nursing sponsored by Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare, which includes the following:

  • Tuition fees as per UOW Malaysia College fees.
  • Caution deposits of RM500.
  • Resources fees of RM3,900 for three years.
  • Insurance coverage premium of RM225 paid for three years. 
  • LJM fees of RM55
  • A shoe allowance of RM160 per year. 
  • A four-year bond to Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare

3. Diploma in Nursing sponsored by Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre, which includes the following:

  • Registration fees, course fees and accommodation fees as per UOW Malaysia College fees.
  • A monthly allowance of RM650 per month. 
  • A book allowance of RM200 for three years. 
  • RM250 for three years for the Hepatitis B Program & ATT injection.
  • A shoe allowance of RM160 per year. 
  • A four-year bond to Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre. 

4. Diploma in Nursing or Medical Assistant sponsored by Yayasan Sime Darby, which includes the following:

  • Registration fees, course fees and accommodation fees as per UOW Malaysia College fees.
  • A monthly allowance of RM550 per month. 
  • A book allowance of RM200 for three years. 
  • A shoe allowance of RM160 per year. 
  • A three-year bond to Yayasan Sime Darby. 

How to apply for a nursing scholarship in Malaysia? 

Applying for any scholarship can sound daunting if you’re unsure where to start. However, understanding the recruitment process makes it simpler.

The first part of the recruitment process involves the following: 

  1. Completing all required application forms and submitting them to UOW Malaysia. 
  2. Going through the first interview process, which can either be virtual or in person. 
  3. Successful candidates in the first interview will proceed to the next stage, where their details will be sent to the respective sponsors for the second interview. 

Once you have been shortlisted for the scholarship, the following process needs to be completed: 

  1. Guarantors clearance. Each candidate will need two guarantors. 
  2. Undergoing and passing a medical check-up. Students must be free from
  • Mental illness
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • HIV-AIDS
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Epilepsy
  • Drug addiction and substance abuse
  • Any other medical conditions certified unfit for the program by a registered medical practitioner. 
  1. Signing the scholarship agreement, which will be submitted to the respective sponsors for stamping. 

Nursing scholarship documents 

While documents to submit for most institutions are similar, they might have slight variations, so you’ll want to read through the instructions carefully to ensure everything is in place. For instance, at UOW Malaysia, you’ll be required to submit the following in hardcopy: 

  • UOW Malaysia Application Form
  • UOW Malaysia Bursary Policy Form
  • Your results/transcript
  • Photocopy of your IC
  • 2 Passport Sized Photos

Nursing scholarship interview

A scholarship interview is integral to whether you’re shortlisted. While it might sound scary, preparing yourself ahead of time will help you ace it. Here are some nursing scholarship interview tips:

  • Be confident when introducing yourself and, if asked about your family background, too. 
  • Some questions to prepare for include:
    • Why do you want to be a nurse?
    • What do you know about nursing? 
    • What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing? 
  • You may also be asked scenario-based questions and do simple calculations so that the interviewer can gauge your capabilities. 
nursing course
Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Conclusion

Nurses are essential in the healthcare field. They work to take the best care for their patients, no matter how difficult the circumstances are. With nursing scholarships available, students who want to pursue this career can graduate debt free and practise without worrying about finances. 

Contact UOW Malaysia today for more information on our Diploma in Nursing

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11 April 2023

CATEGORY

Education and Career