Postgraduate study options for nurses

Regional and district funding for postgraduate study in 2027

Regional and district funding is available to support registered nurses undertaking postgraduate education.

This funding helps nurses advance in their careers and supports the development of a nursing workforce equipped to manage increasingly complex patient care.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand provides regional and district funding to support postgraduate education that responds to population and workforce needs. Postgraduate study can strengthen individual nursing practice and prepare nurses to meet the demands of a changing healthcare environment.

How to apply

Eligibility requirements, application processes and closing dates vary between regions. Please discuss your proposed study and career plan with your manager before applying.

Information about the funding and application process for each region is available on the Te Whatu Ora website.

Te Whatu Ora Waikato

Applications are open for funding for postgraduate study in Waikato in semesters one and two of 2027.

Applications close on Friday 11 September 2026.

Nurses who are not employed directly by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ or the Ministry of Health should apply using the option for non-Health New Zealand or Ministry of Health-funded nurses, not through the Ko Awatea LEARN.

Te Whatu Ora Lakes

Applications for 2027 for Lakes will open in mid-September 2026 and close in early November 2026.

Lakes nurses need to be registered with Ko Awatea LEARN to access the application form. All applications must also have a career plan uploaded on the template provided.

Te Whatu Ora Taranaki

Applications for funding for 2027 study usually open in early September and close on 30 September 2026.

Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti

Applications for funding for 2027 study usually open in early November and close in December 2026.

Registered Nurse Primary Care Scholarship

Funding for postgraduate study, including Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health, in 2027.

The Registered Nurse Primary Care Scholarship supports registered nurses working in primary and community healthcare to undertake advanced nursing education.

The scholarship has expanded to include Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health, alongside Postgraduate Diploma Prescribing and study towards nurse practitioner registration.

Nurses can apply if they are studying:

• Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health
• a Postgraduate Diploma Prescribing
• the first 60 points of a Master of Nursing leading to registration as a nurse practitioner.

Applications for the 2027 scholarship open on 10 August and close on 27 September 2026.

SCHOLARSHIP WEBINARS

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand is holding webinars for nurses who would like to learn more about the scholarship and how it can support postgraduate and advanced nursing education:

• Tuesday 4 August 2026, 12pm
• Thursday 6 August 2026, 4.30pm

Registration information is available on the scholarship page.

Postgraduate nursing programmes

Postgraduate nursing papers and qualifications are available through a range of tertiary education providers.

Postgraduate study can support nurses to develop advanced knowledge and clinical capability. Some programmes also lead towards a change in scope of practice, including registered nurse prescribing and nurse practitioner registration.

The Nursing Council of New Zealand approves programmes that prepare nurses for prescribing and nurse practitioner scopes of practice. Nurses considering one of these pathways should check that their proposed programme and education provider meet the Nursing Council’s requirements.

Learn more about Nursing Council-approved postgraduate programmes.

Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health

Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health is an advanced nursing pathway for registered nurses working in community and primary healthcare settings.

Nurses need to complete a Nursing Council-approved education programme and meet the requirements for authorisation to prescribe within this scope of practice.

Health New Zealand’s Registered Nurse Primary Care Scholarship may support eligible nurses completing this programme.

For RNPCH programme information please see: https://www.pinnaclepractices.co.nz/resources/midland-collaborative-designated-rnpch-recertification-programme/

Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme

The Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme supports registered nurses undertaking the final practicum stage of an approved Master of Nursing pathway and their transition into practice as a Mātanga Tapuhi Nurse Practitioner.

The scheme brings together candidates, employers, clinical supervisors, tertiary education providers and the Nursing Council of New Zealand to provide more coordinated support through the practicum year.

Detailed information about the scheme, eligibility and the 2027 application process is available on our Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme page.

For more information

Contact the Pinnacle nurse leads team: nursing@pinnacle.health.nz