Internationally Qualified Nurses CAP Fund

The Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs) CAP Fund was established to assist with the costs IQNs incurred to complete a Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) to become registered to work as a nurse in New Zealand.

Reimbursements are only made to individuals, not employers.

To work as a nurse in New Zealand, IQNs must meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) standards, which assess nursing qualifications for comparability with New Zealand programme standards. The NCNZ may ask an IQN to complete a CAP to demonstrate they are competent to practise in New Zealand before gaining registration.

For more information about registration for international nurses, go to the NCNZ website.

To apply for the fund you need:

• confirmation from the Nursing Council of New Zealand that you need to complete a CAP course.
• confirmation of completion of CAP course and receipted payment, after 1 August 2022.
• confirmation that you have commenced employment with an approved health provider of Aged Residential Care, Community Care or Primary Care, and have an employment commencement date prior to 30 September 2024. i.e. a Confirmation of Employment document from your employer.

You will need this information before you fill out the form.  The form also lists a number of supporting documents required to support the application. 

When your form is complete and you have all the required documentation, send it to nursingcontracts@tas.health.nz.

Reimbursement of costs will be considered when IQNs can provide evidence of the following:

• Successful completion of a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) offered by a provider accredited by the NCNZ.
• Registration from the NCNZ.
• Annual practising certificate.
• A Confirmation of Employment document from your employer confirming the date you commenced employment and your Full Time Equivalency (FTE).  This document must confirm you are working in a direct patient-facing role in an approved organisation, such as aged residential care, GP practices or community health.
• Required work visa to work in New Zealand.
• Personal financial cost for the training.
• Proof of your identity.
• Proof of your New Zealand bank account.

The Internationally Qualified Nurses CAP Fund provides financial assistance to individual nurses to reimburse  the costs of a CAP offered by providers accredited by NCNZ. The fund applies to CAPs that begin from 1 August 2022. 

The maximum amount this fund provides is up to NZ$10,000 per applicant. Funding will be prioritised for nurses who have secured full-time employment.

Nurses intending to work part-time will receive pro-rated financial assistance based on how many hours they are working. For example, if an overseas nurse undertakes a CAP at the cost of NZ $8,000 and is working 20 hours a week, the maximum amount they may be reimbursed is NZ$4,000.

International nurses working in other areas of nursing, such as policy, education/training, technical, corporate or administration, or working for temping, locum or short term employment agencies are not eligible to apply for this fund.

If you need any more information about the Internationally Qualified Nurses Fund, please email the team at nursingcontracts@tas.health.nz.