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What the Scholarships offer

Applications are now closed.

Te Whatu Ora Pacific Health Scholarships support the development of our Pacific health and disability workforce.

The Scholarships contribute to tuition fees for eligible students of indigenous Pacific Islands descent undertaking a course in medical and health or disability-related studies, accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Applications for the Scholarships are open to full and part-time students.

The Scholarships offer

  • up to $10,000 for medical and dentistry students
  • up to $5,000 for nursing, midwifery, allied health and all remaining eligible qualifications. 

Click on this link to the Guidelines page for more information, including applicant eligibility and eligible qualifications. 

Applications must be submitted online.

Some FAQs are listed below. If you have more questions, please email pacificscholarships@health.govt.nz.

Your questions answered

Who can apply for the Pacific Health Scholarships?

Tertiary students of indigenous Pacific Islands descent from any of the following islands:

Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Fiji, Rotuma, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Palau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Wallis and Futuna, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Rapanui (Easter Island),

who are enrolled in a health and disability-related course/qualification approved NZQA accredited tertiary provider in New Zealand.

Students must also be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at the time of the application. Please check our Guidelines page for a list of eligible qualifications.

I have been awarded another scholarship of $1,000 from another source. Am I still eligible for a Pacific Health Scholarship?

You may still receive a Pacific Health Scholarship if you have received another scholarship of $1,000 or less from another source.

If you have received another scholarship of more than $1,000 you are not eligible for a Pacific Health Scholarship.

I am studying a mental health related qualification. Can I apply for the Pacific Health Scholarships?

We encourage students undertaking studies in mental health and addictions to apply for the LeVa Futures That Work Scholarships. The purpose of these scholarships is to grow the capacity and capability of the Pacific mental health and addiction workforce.

 

Can Pacific Health Scholarships be put towards course-related costs?

No, the Scholarships can only be put towards tuition fees. Te Whatu Ora will pay the scholarship directly to the tertiary providers of successful recipients.

How can I apply for a Pacific Health Scholarship?

Applications are now closed.

How are Scholarship applicants assessed?

An assessment panel marks completed scholarship applications according to the following criteria: financial need, community connectedness, commitment to improving health outcomes for Pacific people, understanding Pacific health, and leadership potential.

When do applications for Pacific Health Scholarships close?

Applications for the Pacific Health Scholarships closed on 11.59pm on Friday 10 February 2023.