New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarship Programme
The New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarship supports former refugees and their children to study health-related qualifications in New Zealand. It aims to increase representation of refugee-background communities in the health workforce and improve health outcomes.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a former refugee or the child of a refugee, who came to New Zealand through the:
- UNHCR Quota Programme
- Convention Refugee pathway, or
- Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship Category.
What you can get
Each successful applicant will receive:
- up to NZD$5,000 for course-related costs (tuition, compulsory fees, equipment), and
- up to NZD$20,000 living stipend (paid directly to you).
The scholarship is for 1 academic year.
Funding requirements and reapplying
You must pass all first semester courses to receive second semester funding. You must also submit a report and academic transcript at the end of each semester.
You need to reapply each year to be considered for future funding.
When to apply
- Applications open: 15 October 2025.
- Applications close: 15 December 2025.
How to apply
When the applications have opened you can apply through Universities New Zealand. You will need to:
- complete the application form, and
- upload the required documents through the Community Force platform on the Universities New Zealand website.
Assessment criteria
You will be assessed on:
- your potential impact on refugee health outcomes
- your likelihood of completing your qualification and entering the health workforce, and
- how much the scholarship will benefit you and your family.
Priority may be given to applicants:
- studying in-demand health disciplines
- close to entering the workforce
- likely to succeed in their studies, or
- facing financial or other barriers.
Applications will be reviewed by an assessment panel.
Contact
For more information you can attend the online information session:
Webinar for New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarships on 10 October 2025
For questions about the scholarship:
nzrefugeehealthscholarships@mbie.govt.nz
For questions about the application process: