Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the Southern Cross Health Trust recently established a Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship, which offers unprecedented financial support for Nursing students.

Launched on 21 August 2024, the Southern Cross Health Trust will offer scholarships for AUT students undertaking Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) and Master of Nursing Science courses in 2025. The Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships will provide exceptional support to nursing students, with 17 scholarships available for the 2025 academic year. The program also includes significant financial assistance for all first-year nursing students. The comprehensive support provided through this partnership will significantly alleviate the financial burdens often accompanying nursing studies.

AUT’s Heads of Nursing, Dr Jan Dewar and Dr Rachel Macdiarmid (L-R)

AUT’s Heads of Nursing, Dr Jan Dewar and Dr Rachel Macdiarmid share that the scholarship program focuses on supporting students during their professional experience placements, which often is when students face the greatest financial challenges.

“Helping students is our priority and we know a huge pinch-point is the clinical placement aspect of the course, which is generally when finances are most stretched. Scholarship students will receive a $500 per week stipend during this time, which will significantly ease their financial burden," they elaborate.

The total package, valued at over $300,000, aims to alleviate the financial pressures for 17 successful applicants, providing a comprehensive package that includes stipends, fee contributions, and career development opportunities. All incoming 2025 nursing students will also get $300 for nursing uniforms and shoes as well as free flu vaccines, funded by Southern Cross Healthcare.

CDNM looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this collaboration and extends its best wishes to AUT, the Southern Cross Health Trust, and all the students who will benefit from this initiative.

The scholarship is currently live and will be available until November. Visit the site for more information.

Find out More

• Radio New Zealand (RNZ) Interview with Dr Jan Dewar
• Te Ao Māori television (17 mins in) News Coverage
• New programme to benefit student nurses - AUT News
• New Southern Cross scholarships will fund 17 AUT nursing students on clinical placements - Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand
• First-year nursing students to benefit from Southern Cross scholarship - Te Ao Māori News
• New scholarships to give student nurses unprecedented level of support - Stuff News
• Media Release: CDNM Welcomes AUT and Southern Cross Health Trust Partnership