Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship 2026 at University of Waikato

The Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare have officially opened applications for the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship 2026, designed to support Bachelor of Nursing students at the University of Waikato. This initiative continues the Trust’s mission to strengthen the nursing profession in Aotearoa New Zealand by providing both financial and non-financial support to future healthcare leaders.

Purpose of the Scholarship

The program aims to assist nursing students who demonstrate passion for the profession while facing personal challenges or financial hardship. The scholarship not only reduces the cost of study but also provides opportunities for clinical placements, mentorship, and professional growth within Southern Cross Healthcare.

Scholarship Value and Benefits

For the 2026 session, six scholarships will be awarded:

• Three Second-Year Scholarships: Valued at $20,000 each ($10,000 per year over two years).
• Three Third-Year Scholarships: Valued at $10,000 each for final-year students.

Each award includes:

• $5,000 towards tuition fees.
• $5,000 in cash allowances annually, supporting health, wellbeing, and clinical placement costs. For final-year recipients, this also covers the Nursing Council State Examination fee.
• Non-financial benefits such as priority clinical placements in Southern Cross hospitals, part-time work opportunities, mentorship from senior nurses, and access to specialized workshops.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in the first or second year of the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Waikato.
• Hold domestic fee status (New Zealand Citizens, Permanent Residents, or eligible Australian residents).
• Have lived in New Zealand for at least the last two years.
• Come from an underrepresented or disadvantaged background and demonstrate financial or personal hardship.
• Show commitment to completing their degree and pursuing a nursing career.

Application Process

Interested students must apply online by 31 October 2025. The application requires:

• Written responses to questions about personal background, community involvement, motivation for nursing, and career aspirations.
• Academic transcripts (if applicable) and a short CV (maximum two pages).

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, with final selection based on communication skills, motivation, and ability to overcome challenges. Successful candidates will be notified through their MyWaikato portal.

Conditions and Tenure

• Scholarships are tenable for either one or two years, depending on the award.
• Recipients must remain enrolled full-time and pass all papers each year.
• The scholarship may not be held alongside awards from other healthcare organizations.
• Active participation in non-financial benefits, publicity activities, and engagement with Southern Cross Healthcare is required.

The last date to apply for the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship 2026 is 31 October 2025.