Postgraduate study options for nurses
Education providers and funding information for nursing education including scholarship applications, regional development and other workforce development opportunities.
Funding options
The annual opportunity for the Primary Care Tactical Action Plans Scholarship applications is being launched on 10 August 2026 with associated information webinars also available. For more information visit: Registered nurse primary care scholarship | Health Professionals
Regional workforce development hubs
Newly established community based regional workforce development services, may be able to support or navigate applicants to other study assistance funding if PCTAP scholarship applications are missed or unsuccessful.
To learn more about the regional workforce development services in each rohe, visit the workforce hub websites or email for more information at:
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.
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 visit: 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