New scholarship programme to support former refugees into healthcare careers

On 15 October 2025, a new multi-year scholarship programme will open to support former refugees and their children into healthcare roles across New Zealand.

Developed by the National Leadership and Coordination Service (NLCS), a joint function established through a partnership between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand, the scholarship aims to address barriers faced by former refugees in accessing higher education, training, meaningful employment, and equitable healthcare.

The scholarship is designed to:

• help fill critical gaps in the health workforce
• improve education and employment outcomes for former refugees
• support fairer access to healthcare and better health outcomes
• promote culturally appropriate care, and
• build a health workforce that better reflects the communities it serves.

Who the scholarship is open to

The programme is open to former refugees and their children who arrived in New Zealand through the Refugee Quota Programme, Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship, or as Convention Refugees.

The scholarship has been developed in close collaboration between Immigration New Zealand, Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, academic institutions, the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel, and representatives from the refugee health, resettlement, and community sectors.

By supporting former refugees into healthcare roles, particularly those with cultural knowledge and indigenous language skills, the programme aims to make New Zealand’s health services more inclusive, responsive, and better equipped to meet the needs of diverse communities.

How the scholarship works

• Each successful applicant can receive up to NZD $5,000 to cover 50% of course-related costs, including tuition fees, compulsory student services fees, and required equipment, and NZD $20,000 as a living stipend, regardless of living situation or location of study.
• The total annual fund is NZD $400,000, supporting up to 16 recipients each year.
• The scholarship is awarded for one academic year and must be taken up in the year it is offered.
• Second semester funding is conditional on passing all first semester courses.
• Scholars must submit a satisfactory report and academic transcript at the end of each semester.
• The scholarship is not automatically renewed, recipients must reapply to be considered for future funding.

When you can apply

Anyone interested will be able to apply from 15 October 2025 through the Universities New Zealand website.

Universities New Zealand

For questions or further information email: nzrefugeehealthscholarships@mbie.govt.nz