Submit Entries for Nursing + Allied Health Scholarship (New Zealand)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Nursing + Allied Health Scholarship supports nurses and allied health professionals in New Zealand to undertake doctoral-level research in any field related to cancer. The scholarship typically provides one year of salary support over one to three years, with exceptional applicants potentially receiving up to two years of salary support spread over six years. What Is the Nursing + Allied Health Scholarship? The Nursing + Allied Health Scholarship is designed for clinically active nurses and allied health professionals who want to undertake doctoral research in cancer-related fields. The scholarship recognises that healthcare professionals may need to balance clinical responsibilities with advanced research training. It therefore provides flexible salary support while enabling recipients to remain connected to clinical practice. The research can address any area of cancer research, provided it has relevance to cancer care and the potential to contribute to improved patient outcomes. Purpose of the Scholarship The scholarship aims to strengthen cancer research capacity among nursing and allied health professionals while ensuring that research remains connected to real-world healthcare needs. Supported research may contribute to improvements in areas such as: Holders of a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree Applicants undertaking doctoral-level study Applicants enrolled or intending to undertake doctoral research at a New Zealand university Professionals with appropriate doctoral supervision Applicants able to demonstrate a clinical partnership connected to their research Applicants should be working across the cancer care continuum, including areas such as education, detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation. Clinical Partnership Requirement A strong connection between the proposed research and clinical practice is an important part of the scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate that their research will be informed by clinical experience and have practical relevance to patient care. This means the application should clearly explain: How the research could influence healthcare practice How the applicant’s clinical employer will support the research How findings could contribute to better patient outcomes Doctoral Research Requirements Applicants must undertake their doctoral research at a New Zealand university and have appropriate academic supervision. The proposed research must relate to cancer, but the scholarship is not restricted to one specific cancer type or research discipline.

Potential areas can include:

Nursing research Allied health research Cancer treatment and rehabilitation Patient experience Cancer survivorship Palliative care Health services research Cancer prevention Early diagnosis Clinical education Supportive care Quality-of-life research The strongest proposals will clearly connect the research question with an identifiable need in cancer care. Support From the University and Employer Applicants must obtain formal support from both: Their host university, and Their clinical employer The application should demonstrate that both organisations understand and support the proposed doctoral study. Evidence of clinical partnership is also required. This helps demonstrate that the research will remain relevant to clinical practice rather than being disconnected from patient-care needs. Can Applicants Continue Clinical Work? Applicants may receive additional salary for clinical duties while holding the scholarship. If this applies, the additional clinical salary must be clearly detailed in the application. Applicants should explain how they will balance: Doctoral research Clinical responsibilities Research supervision Professional commitments The expected scholarship timeframe A realistic study and employment plan can help demonstrate that the doctoral research is achievable. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application around the academic, clinical, and practical requirements of the scholarship.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you:

Are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Are a nurse or allied health professional. Hold a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Work clinically in cancer care. Meet the doctoral study requirements. Can undertake research at a New Zealand university.

Step 2: Develop a Cancer Research Proposal

Define a clear doctoral research question related to cancer.

Explain:

The problem being addressed The research objectives The proposed methodology The expected outcomes The potential contribution to cancer care

Step 3: Arrange University Supervision

Identify appropriate doctoral supervisors at a New Zealand university and secure the university’s formal support for your application.

Step 4: Obtain Clinical Employer Support

Discuss the research with your clinical employer and obtain formal confirmation of support. The employer’s role in enabling clinical partnership should be clearly described.

Step 5: Demonstrate Clinical Impact

Explain how the proposed research could improve clinical practice, healthcare delivery, or patient outcomes. This is particularly important because the scholarship is intended to bridge clinical expertise and cancer research.

Step 6: Explain Your Salary and Work Arrangements

Provide details of the proposed scholarship period and explain any concurrent clinical employment or salary arrangements.

Step 7: Submit a Complete Application

Review all supporting documentation and ensure that university support, employer support, clinical partnership evidence, and research information are included before submission. What Makes a Strong Application? Applicants can strengthen their proposals by demonstrating: A clearly defined cancer-related research problem Strong academic preparation Appropriate doctoral supervision Relevant clinical experience Meaningful clinical partnership Potential benefits for patients A realistic research timeline Strong institutional and employer sup