Mobile Health Group | Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Scholarships 2025 are open and we’re encouraging students who are considering tertiary education in medicine or allied health to put through an application.
Mobile Health Group (MHG) in partnership with Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network (HTRHN) are thrilled to announce that there are fourteen scholarships to be awarded to rural students to pursue their health studies. The scholarships, each valued at $5,000, will be offered to any rural youth entering their first year of full-time undergraduate study in nursing, medicine, or allied health-related courses at any New Zealand Universities, Polytechnics, or PTEs.
Leah Johnson, a previous scholarship recipient, is having a great second year at the University of Otago studying towards a Bachelor of Science. Majoring in nutrition and taking papers in public health, we spoke to Leah to see how her studies and aspirations were going a year after being awarded her scholarship.
“Life is good here as a student at the University of Otago. It’s not far from my home in Ashburton, and I’ve made a good network of friends who are also students from all over the country. I did well last year with my academia, and this year is off to a great start too!”
Leah went to school in Methven and was raised in Ashburton. She says she always knew that health, specifically nutrition, was an avenue she was willing to explore and hopes that down the line she’ll be able to give back to the smaller rural communities.
“I love the community feel. Growing up rural, I’ve always been aware of the inequities smaller towns face when it comes to healthcare accessibilities. Nutrition and having a good understanding of how food can impact your body has been a passion and curiosity of mine for a long while.”
“As far as I know, having a full-time dietitian or nutritionist in a small town is almost non-existent or rare. After graduation, some further life and work experience, I’d love to give back to my community or another rural town to help people feel more confident in their produce, food consumption, energy systems, and how awareness around nutrition is directly impacted by all the above.”.
Leah shares that receiving the scholarship last year has had a profoundly positive impact on her as a second-year student.
“My life as a first-year student was great due to the scholarship. Not only was I able to reside in the student halls, I also didn’t have to get a job, which meant that I could pour my energy into my studies, resulting in great grades.”
“It alleviated stress, which meant that I was the best version of myself and could form healthy friendships with other students without being under massive pressure. Instead of grieving an old life, having moved away from home for the first time, I was able to approach this opportunity with excitement and confidence!”
Leah encourages any rural students who are planning to apply for tertiary education in health or allied health to put an application forward for this year’s scholarships.
“I encourage all students living rurally who are considering studies in health to put forward an application for a scholarship. It makes a massive difference, and this year they have 14 to award.”
The closing date for the Mobile Health Group | Hauora Taiwhenua Scholarships 2025 applications is 30 September 2025. Click here to apply.