Rural Secondary School Leavers Health Career Scholarships 2026

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! 

Rural communities need a strong and sustainable health workforce. The Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Secondary School Leavers Health Career Scholarships 2026 aims to support the next generation of rural health professionals by assisting rural rangatahi as they begin full-time undergraduate study in a health discipline at a New Zealand university, polytechnic, or other recognised tertiary education provider.

Offered in partnership with Mobile Health Group, Waitaha Primary Health, and the Townshend-Thomas Charitable Community Trust, the scholarships contribute towards first-year study costs, including accommodation, course fees and materials, helping reduce some of the financial barriers to tertiary education.

This year, six scholarships are available, including:

• Two scholarships for students of Māori and/or Pasifika descent
• One scholarship exclusively for a Hauraki Plains College student

The closing date for applications is 27 November 2026.

For more information about the scholarships, visit the Hauora Taiwhenua website.

With thanks to our additional funding support partners, Waitaha Primary Health and Townshend-Thomas Charitable Community Trust, for their generous contribution to the Hauora Taiwhenua 2026 Health Scholarships.

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network Scholarship 2025

The Mobile Health Group | Hauora Taiwhenua Scholarships

This opportunity will provide financial support to 16 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.

Read previous scholarship recipient stories here

We’re proud to support Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network in celebrating the 16 rural students who have been awarded the 2025 Rural Health Network Scholarships.

These scholarships help rangatahi from rural communities explore pathways into the health workforce and deepen their connection to rural health. Contributing to initiatives that strengthen the future of rural care is an important part of our mission, and we’re delighted to play a role in this kaupapa. We look forward to following their journeys and seeing the impact they’ll make in their communities.

Recent scholarship news

Read about recent scholarship news.