Nurse practitioner
Funding for 180 registered nurses a year to undertake nurse practitioner practicum training is available.
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
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Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme (NPTSS)
The Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme (NPTSS) will offer tailored, wraparound support to registered nurses and employers throughout the practicum paper(s) and post-registration transition. Support will include mentoring, pastoral care, clinical placement coordination, employer engagement and structured support to safely embed the nurse practitioner role.
Elements supported within the scheme:
- tertiary education costs
- mentoring/preceptorship support
- travel
- study time/study release
- clinical supervision
- funding for employee backfill.
Funding is available for 180 registered nurses a year on the NPTSS with 120 places for registered nurses working in primary care and community settings and up to 60 places for registered nurses working in other specialist areas, like mental health or emergency departments.
Expressions of interest
We are taking expressions of interest (EOI) from registered nurses. The EOI will close on the 31st August 2025:
After this date you will receive an email that will encourage you to apply for the scholarship or funding scheme that is most appropriate to where you are on your journey to become a nurse practitioner, your expression of interest will also be passed on to the NPTSS provider where appropriate.
Registered nurses who are interested in applying for funded support to achieve their NP registration are encouraged to check which scholarship or funding scheme is most appropriate for their journey and make an application.
Which pathway is right for you?
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Advanced education for primary and community healthcare registered nurses |
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Postgraduate Diploma Prescribing (PGDip) (120 credits/points) |
120 credits/points |
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Apply for the Registered Nurse Primary Care Scholarship |
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Master of Nursing (240 credits/points)
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120 from PGDip +120 |
60 points |
Apply for the Registered Nurse Primary Care Scholarship |
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60 points for practicum paper(s) |
Apply for the Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme |
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Please note: Names of qualifications and of courses/papers will vary by tertiary provider. If you are unsure if your qualification is included, please check the Nursing Council list or with your tertiary provider.
Registered nurse - Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link)
If you are studying towards other postgraduate nursing qualifications, there are other scholarships available here:
How to apply
Information on how and when to apply for the 2026 Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme will be available here in September.
Nurse practitioners
Mātanga tapuhi nurse practitioners are highly skilled, autonomous, health practitioners who have advanced education, clinical training and demonstrated competency. Nurse practitioners have a clinical master’s degree level of education and legal authority to practise beyond the level of a registered nurse.
More information about nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioner - Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link)
Background
Primary care news and updates
Ministry of Health
Primary care announcements including factsheets — Ministry of Health (external link)
Beehive media releases
5 March 2025: Greater role for nurses in primary care — Beehive.govt.nz (external link)
Related information
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Registered nurse primary care scholarship
Advanced education scholarships for registered nurses working in primary and community healthcare settings for postgraduate advanced practice nursing study. -
Postgraduate study funding applications
Postgraduate study funding for registered nurses. -
Primary and community nursing workforce
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is investing in the future of primary and community healthcare by supporting more nurses into employment, education, and advanced training.