Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme
Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme
Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme
The Southern Cross Health Trust is proud to partner with seven nursing schools across Aotearoa New Zealand, funding $1 million each year to support the next generation of nurses through the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme.
Established in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the programme awarded 17 scholarships in 2025. Since then, the scholarship programme has expanded significantly and will support 62 nursing students in 2027 across the country.
The other participating nursing schools include Ara Institute of Canterbury, Southland Institute of Technology, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, University of Waikato, Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, and Whitireia and WelTec.
Highly skilled and well-supported nurses are at the heart of quality healthcare. By helping aspiring nurses complete their studies and transition into the workforce, the Southern Cross Health Trust is helping strengthen New Zealand's future health workforce and ensure more New Zealanders access exceptional care for years to come.
Scholarship Programme benefits and support
The Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme was co-designed with AUT to ease the financial burden and reduce learning barriers for students passionate about pursuing a career in nursing.
Scholarship recipients receive:
- A $500 weekly stipend while undertaking clinical placements
- A $5,000 annual contribution towards course fees
- A $500 annual health and wellbeing allowance
- Mentoring opportunities with Southern Cross Healthcare nurses
- Funding for the Nursing Council of New Zealand state examination in their final year
In addition, all first-year nursing students at participating partner schools receive a $300 voucher to help cover the cost of clinical placement uniforms and footwear. This support is valued at almost $500,000 annually.
How to apply
Eligibility criteria, application dates and scholarship information is available on each tertiary provider's website:
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship student stories
Leticia’s story
From nursing student to theatre nurse at Southern Cross Brightside Hospital, discover how the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship helped Leticia take the next step in her career.
Jacey’s story
Watch Jacey share how scholarship support, mentoring, and practical experience helped her achieve her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.
Alexandra’s story
Hear Alexandra reflect on her path from nursing student to Registered Nurse and the role the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship played along the way.
Grow your career with Southern Cross Healthcare
Southern Cross Healthcare offers a range of opportunities to help nursing graduates transition confidently into professional practice. Through the Southern Cross Healthcare Nurse Entry to Practice (NETP) programme, graduates can consolidate and build on their clinical knowledge in a private surgical setting while receiving support and guidance from experienced preceptors.
Delivered across the Southern Cross Healthcare network, our NETP programme has placement opportunities throughout New Zealand at Southern Cross hospitals and selected joint venture partner hospitals.
Learn more about the NETP programme >
Southern Cross Healthcare also offers a wide range of career pathways, providing opportunities to develop your skills, broaden your experience, and grow your career within one of New Zealand's leading healthcare organisations.
Explore career opportunities with Southern Cross Healthcare >