New Scholarship Programme to Support Former Refugees into Healthcare Careers
Wellington, 25 September 2025 — A new multi-year scholarship programme is set to open next month, aiming to support former refugees and their children into healthcare careers across New Zealand.
Launching on 15 October 2025, the initiative has been developed by the National Leadership and Coordination Service (NLCS) — a partnership between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand.
The programme seeks to break down barriers faced by former refugees in pursuing higher education, vocational training, and healthcare careers, while also improving equity in both employment and healthcare outcomes.
Goals of the Scholarship
The scholarship is designed to:
- Help fill critical gaps in the health workforce
- Improve education and employment pathways for former refugees
- Promote fairer access to healthcare and better health outcomes
- Support culturally appropriate care
- Build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves
Who Can Apply
The scholarship is open to former refugees and their children who arrived through:
- The Refugee Quota Programme
- Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship
- As Convention Refugees
It has been created in close collaboration with Immigration New Zealand, academic institutions, the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel, and representatives from the refugee health and resettlement sectors.
By welcoming healthcare professionals with cultural knowledge and indigenous language skills, officials hope the scheme will strengthen inclusivity and responsiveness in New Zealand’s health services.
Funding Details
Each successful applicant may receive:
- Up to $5,000 to cover 50% of course-related costs (tuition, student services fees, equipment)
- $20,000 living stipend regardless of study location or living situation
The programme will provide an annual fund of $400,000, supporting up to 16 recipients each year.
Funding is awarded for one academic year, with second-semester payments conditional on passing all first-semester courses. Recipients must also submit progress reports and academic transcripts. The scholarship is not automatically renewed — students will need to reapply for future years.
Applications Open Soon
Applications open on 15 October 2025 via the Universities New Zealand website.
Officials say this initiative marks a step toward building a fairer, more diverse healthcare system that truly reflects the communities it serves.
