Southern Cross Health Trust invests $1m in nursing students across NZ
Oct 2025
The Southern Cross Health Trust has expanded its Nursing Scholarship Programme to invest more than $1 million into supporting New Zealand nursing students next year.
The Southern Cross Health Trust established the Nursing Scholarship Programme together with Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with 17 scholarships awarded in 2025. Now in its second year, funding has been boosted to provide more than 50 scholarships across six tertiary nursing providers in 2026.
In addition to AUT, the University of Waikato, Western Institute of Technology, Whitireia – WelTec, Ara – Institute of Canterbury and Southland Institute of Technology are also offering nursing scholarships.
“It’s an exciting programme that represents a significant milestone for the Trust,” says Southern Cross Health Trust General Manager Jacinda Page. “The cost of studying and completing clinical placements can be a huge financial barrier for prospective nurses, so we think this will have a positive impact on supporting student nurses through to graduation.”
Recipients will get $500 weekly stipend while on clinical placement, a $5,000 contribution towards course fees each year as well as $500 per year for general health and wellbeing. They will also have opportunities for mentorship from Southern Cross Healthcare. The scholarship also covers the cost of the Nursing Council of New Zealand state exam, taken to become registered nurses, in the final year of study.
In addition, a $300 voucher to help pay for a nursing uniform and footwear for clinical placement will be given to all first-year nursing students at the six partner nursing schools – valued at more than $430,000.
Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Monica Goldwater says highly skilled, supported nurses are at the heart of great healthcare.
“Through these scholarships, we’re investing in the ongoing education and development of our nurses, and in doing so, we’re helping ensure New Zealanders can continue to access exceptional care now and into the future.”
Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO Chris White says the organisation is proud to offer the Nursing Scholarship Programme to regions across New Zealand where Southern Cross Healthcare has a hospital presence.
“By increasing the number of scholarships and extending the programme’s reach, we’re demonstrating our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce, and ultimately, the health of our communities across Aotearoa.”
Applications for the 2026 Nursing Scholarship
Programme are open now. Further details on how to apply at each nursing school can be found below:
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)