Mr Butler said the scholarships were part of the Australian Government's commitment to boost training for aged care workers.
"The scholarships are provided through the Aged Care Nursing Scholarships program with funding from the Aged Care Workforce Fund," he said.
"The Gillard Government is committed to building capacity in the aged care workforce through measures such as these scholarships and also through the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package which includes a $1.2 billion investment in better wages and conditions.
"The scholarships are for postgraduate, undergraduate and nurse practitioner studies, including continuing professional development, and for nurse re-entry courses."
Aged care nursing scholarships provide valuable assistance to people considering careers in aged care and are a critical component of our effort to boost the aged care workforce.
"Aged care is a very rewarding part of the health system to work in - scholarships like these provide real and practical support while extending skills, improving clinical care and furthering careers in aged care," Mr Butler said.
Applications for the scholarships close on 31 August 2012.
More information about the undergraduate nursing course scholarships can be obtained from the Royal College of Nursing Australia website which administers the Federal Government scholarships.
Scholarships are also available to undertake the Diploma of Nursing to become an enrolled nurse.
