Southern Cross and Ara launch major support package for nursing students

Ara Institute of Canterbury has secured a significant share of a nationwide nursing education investment, with more than $218,000 in support earmarked for ākonga (students) through a new partnership with Southern Cross Health Trust.

Dr Michael Shone, Dean of Faculty – Health, Science and Sustainability at Ara, said the initiative was a transformative moment for nursing education in Canterbury.

“This is a game-changer - not just for the scholarship recipients, but for every Bachelor of Nursing ākonga walking through our doors next year. Southern Cross Health Trust’s investment will ease financial pressure, boost wellbeing and help set them up for success. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to our learners and our community,” he said.

Nine Ara Bachelor of Nursing students will receive Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships worth up to $30,740 each - injecting $92,200 directly into students’ hands in 2026.

Each scholarship package includes up to $5,000 per year toward fees, $500 per week during placements, a $500 annual wellbeing allowance, and $240 for their final Nursing Council exam.

Beyond financial support, recipients will gain priority clinical placements in Southern Cross hospitals, access to mentorships with experienced nurses and opportunities for part-time roles and extension learning.

Southern Cross Health Trust is also funding a comprehensive student support package for Ara’s entire bachelor nursing cohort, including a $300 voucher for uniforms and shoes for first-year students (valued at $126,000) and a starter kit for students featuring a branded nurses watch, tote bag, pen and notebook (valued at $24,000).

Together, these initiatives represent a $218,220 investment in the future of nursing in Canterbury.

Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Monica Goldwater said the programme reflected the organisation’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s nurses.

“We know that highly skilled, supported nurses are at the heart of great healthcare,” she said. “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.”

The Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme was first launched in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2025. Now in its second year, the programme has expanded to include six tertiary providers across Aotearoa, with more than 50 scholarships to be awarded in 2026.

Ara’s allocation - nine scholarships and support for more than 800 students - represents one of the largest regional investments in the programme to date.

All first year Bachelor of Nursing Students at AUT, University of Waikato, Western Institute of Technology, Whitireia - WelTec, Ara, and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) will also receive a $300 uniform and shoe voucher and, in centres where access to vaccines is not already provided, be eligible for a funded flu vaccine courtesy of Southern Cross wellness partners.

In total, Southern Cross Health Trust is investing more than $1 million into supporting New Zealand nursing students in 2026.

Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO Chris White said the organisation was proud to be growing its investment in the Nursing Scholarship Programme.

“Increasing the number of scholarships and geographical spread of the programme reflects our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce.”

Applications for the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships open Monday 15 September. Find out more at: https://www.ara.ac.nz/southern-cross