A new partnership between the Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is offering student nurses in Southland unparalleled support during their studies and clinical placements.
Launching on Friday 22nd August, The Southern Cross Health Trust is funding six scholarships for the Bachelor of Nursing at SIT - two in Year 1, two in Year 2, and two in Year 3 - for the 2026 academic year, as well as covering the cost of clinical uniforms and footwear for all first-year nursing students.
Scholarship recipients will get $500 per week while on clinical placement, a $6200 contribution towards direct material costs over three years, as well as $500 per year for general health and wellbeing. The Nursing Council of New Zealand state exam, taken to become registered nurses, will also be paid for in the final year of study.
Beyond financial assistance, scholarship recipients will receive priority clinical placements in Southern Cross hospitals, and a mentorship with a Southern Cross Healthcare nurse.
Karyn Madden, SIT Academic Lead (Head) of Nursing, says SIT is deeply grateful for the generous scholarships from the Southern Cross Health Trust, that will not only ease the financial burden for future nurses, but also empower them through the mentorship programme. “These investments do more than fund education — they inspire, uplift, and role model the next generation of nurses who will shape the future of healthcare.”
Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer, Monica Goldwater, says the programme reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s nurses. “We know that highly skilled, supported nurses are at the heart of great healthcare,” she says.
“Through these scholarships, we’re investing in the ongoing education and development of our nurses, and in doing so, we’re helping ensure New Zealanders can continue to access exceptional care now and into the future.”
The Southern Cross Health Trust established the Nursing Scholarship Programme together with Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with 17 scholarships awarded in 2025. Now in its second year, funding has been increased to offer scholarships at a further five tertiary providers across Aotearoa in 2026.
The expanded programme will see more than 50 scholarships awarded across the country, as well as covering the cost of shoes and uniforms (around $300) for all first-year nursing students at AUT, University of Waikato, Western Institute of Technology, Whitireia – WelTec, Ara – Institute of Canterbury and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). In addition, all nursing students will also be eligible for a funded flu vaccine courtesy of Southern Cross Wellness Partners.
Overall, the Southern Cross Health Trust is investing more than $1m into supporting New Zealand nursing students next year through the Nursing Scholarship Programme.
Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO, Chris White, says the organisation is proud to be growing its investment in the Nursing Scholarship Programme. “Increasing the number of scholarships and geographical spread of the programme reflects our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce.”
SIT Operations Lead, Daryl Haggerty, is very pleased SIT is partnering with the Southern Cross Health Trust on the initiative. “It will benefit SIT students and ultimately local communities.”
Applications for the 2026 Nursing Scholarship Programme open on Friday, 22nd August and close on Friday 31st October 2025. Further details, including eligibility criteria and application forms, are available at: Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship