Southern Cross Second-year Nursing Scholarships
January and March intakes
Scholarship overview
Southern Cross Healthcare and The Southern Cross Health Trust are committed to supporting the growth, education and leadership of the nursing profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.
These organisations recognise that:
- nurses are critically important to the public and private healthcare system
- studying towards a nursing qualification requires dedication and commitment
- students can experience challenges while studying that create barriers to enrolling in and completing a nursing qualification
This scholarship programme seeks to improve social and cultural mobility in nursing education and contribute to the diversification of the profession. It’s designed to support Ara Bachelor of Nursing students to complete their studies, enable extension learning opportunities and provide the opportunity to learn about Southern Cross Healthcare.
Scholarships will be awarded to students who are passionate about pursuing a career in nursing and are experiencing personal challenges or disadvantage, including financial and family circumstances.
Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships will be awarded to two second-year Ara Bachelor of Nursing students.
Financial Provision
|
|
Second year of study |
Third year of study |
|
Tuition fees |
$5000 |
$5000 |
|
Clinical placement stipend $500/week |
10 weeks $5000 |
15 weeks $7500 |
|
Health and wellbeing support P.A. |
$500 |
$500 |
|
Nursing Council exam fee |
|
$240 |
|
Yearly scholarship value |
$10,500 |
$13,240 |
Each recipient receives the scholarship for the entirety of their remaining time in their three-year degree programme and won’t need to reapply each year for the scholarship.
- Priority clinical placements in Southern Cross Healthcare hospitals and subsidiaries subject to separate written agreement between Southern Cross Healthcare and recipients including relevant background checks where appropriate.
- The opportunity to explore a part-time role under separate employment contract in a Southern Cross Healthcare hospital or healthcare service provider that offers flexibility during clinical placement. Note: clinical placement cannot take place in the same department as part-time work.
- Involvement in the Scholarship Student Mentor Programme (to be facilitated with a Southern Cross Healthcare nurse).
- Additional group learning opportunities such as online/in-person workshops with senior leaders about specific topics, clinical learning sessions.
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to students who demonstrate passion for nursing and are experiencing a personal challenge or disadvantage that may prevent them from undertaking or completing their studies are invited to apply.
To be eligible in Semester 1, 2026, you must:
- be part of the January or March intakes
- be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and have lived in New Zealand for at least the previous two years;
- be currently enrolled at Ara in the Bachelor of Nursing (full-time study) and have a conditional offer in the Nursing programme commencing in the next semester;
- be from a diverse or underrepresented group or from a background of hardship, and have, or may have experience barriers to your access to education because of this (see Selection Criteria).
Selection Criteria
Scholarships will be offered to students who demonstrate financial hardship and/or are from Ara’s priority learner groups.
The applicant’s personal history and circumstances, financial needs, academic achievement and career plans will also be taken into account by the selection panel. Involvement in extra-curricular/co-curricular activities will be of interest to the panel.
Selection Process
- Applicants will be shortlisted and will be interviewed by the selection panel.
- The decision of the selection panel is final.
- Applicants will be formally notified of the outcome of their application by the Ara Scholarships Office.
Application requirements
Application for this scholarship is online via the Submit button at the bottom of this page.
To apply, you need to:
- Submit a written personal statement (max 500 words) on why you believe you should receive this scholarship – based on the selection criteria above. Describe any cultural or other community activity or personal circumstance relevant to the eligibility category you’re applying under, as well as future career goals.
- Submit a short CV (maximum of two pages).
- Declare any other scholarships, awards and/or grants held at the date of application and for which you would receive payment while also receiving payment for the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship.
See the scholarship additional requirements and conditions (PDF).
Writing Your Personal Statement
Think of your statement like a job application; convince us that you are the best candidate for this scholarship.
- Start by introducing yourself; tell us about your background, where you’ve studied and/or worked and what your interests are.
- Tell us why you want to study this programme.
- Explain what your intentions and career aspirations are once you complete your studies.
- Describe how this scholarship will help you to overcome your (financial) challenges and achieve your goals.
- Describe any cultural, community, or personal circumstances that demonstrate how you meet the eligibility criteria (e.g. hardship, underrepresentation), and explain how these experiences relate to your future career goals.
Important dates
For second-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing in Semester 1, 2026, the key dates are:
Applications open on: 15 September 2025
Applications close on: 31 October 2025