Frequently asked questions from candidates

Applications and funding

Is the NPTSS application separate from applying to the academic provider?

For 2027, most candidates can complete one application through the NPTSS website. This single application covers both the NP practicum delivered by their tertiary education provider (TEP) and NPTSS funding. Candidates undertaking their studies through Massey University will need to submit two separate applications: 

• An application to Massey University for the NP practicum; and 

• An application through the NPTSS website for funding. 

Candidates enrolled with all other academic providers only need to submit a single application through the NPTSS website for both practicum and funding. Once accepted into the practicum, candidates will be required to formally enrol with their academic provider. 

If you have queries about academic readiness or enrolment, please contact your academic provider:

• Auckland University of Technology | Te Wānanga Aronui O Tāmaki Makau Rau

• Massey University | Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa

• University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau

• University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

• University of Otago | Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Ōtautahi

• University of Waikato | Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

• Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka

• Wintec | Te Pūkenga

When do applications open?

Applications for the 2027 practicum are open from 10 August to 27 September 2026. Application documents can be downloaded here.

Can I use last year's application templates for this year's application?

No. Please use the 2027 application forms, as requirements may differ from previous years.

What needs to be included in the application?

Refer to the application guidance and required documents available with the application pack.

What should be included in the application cover letter, and are there any length requirements?

The cover letter does not need to be lengthy. Treat it like a standard job application cover letter.

Who completes the ‘Teaching, Leadership and Professional Activities’ table?

The applicant completes this section. It is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, teaching, quality improvement, and other professional activities that support readiness for NP training.

Will there be an interview as part of the application process?

Your academic provider may do an interview as part of its application process for the practicum. NPTSS will not conduct any interviews for the funding component of the practicum.

Can I reapply if I was unsuccessful in a previous NPTSS application?

Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you are encouraged to apply again. However, your TEP may consider your readiness as part of the application process.

How are the funded places allocated?

• 120 places: Primary care (priority area)

• 60 places: Secondary care, mental health, emergency services, and Health New Zealand employees

• Private hospital applicants may be considered if places remain available.

Does NPTSS fund postgraduate diploma study before entry into a Master of Nursing?

No. NPTSS funding is for the final NP practicum year only.

If someone is unsuccessful for NPTSS funding, can they still complete the practicum through other funding?

This is generally not available through participating tertiary providers because the practicum requires intensive support and programmes are often oversubscribed. Candidates are encouraged to address any gaps and reapply.

Is it possible to undertake the NP practicum in a private hospital setting?

The scheme prioritises primary care and HNZ employees. Private hospital applicants may be considered if spaces remain.

Eligibility and career pathways

Can I go directly from RN to the NP pathway, or do I need to work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist first?

A Clinical Nurse Specialist role is not mandatory. However, applicants need sufficient clinical experience, leadership, and advanced practice capability to achieve NP competencies during the practicum year.

Do I need to work in primary care to become a Nurse Practitioner?

No. NPs can work across a variety of settings. However, applicants must demonstrate the clinical expertise and comprehensive assessment skills required for their intended area of NP practice.

Does my three years of experience need to be within the same area of practice?

Yes. The required three years of experience should be within the same area of practice.

Does ‘area of practice’ refer to my current role or the area I plan to work in as an NP?

It refers to the area you intend to practise in as an NP. Primary care is a priority area within the funding contract.

Can I change clinical specialties after becoming an NP?

Refer to Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) guidance regarding areas of NP practice and scope changes.

Can I apply if I have already completed a Master of Nursing degree?

Yes, provided you are enrolling in an NCNZ-approved NP practicum programme.

If I have completed a Master of Nursing, do I qualify for the scheme?

Possibly. Eligibility depends on the papers completed and whether you have met the required prerequisites. Check with your academic provider.

I have completed my Master of Nursing. What should I do next?

Contact the postgraduate nursing advisor at your intended academic provider to determine the most appropriate programme of study.

Is there a time limit between completing my Master of Nursing and starting the practicum year?

There is generally no specific time limit, although your knowledge and practice should remain current.

Do I have to apply for the practicum year at the university where I completed my Master of Nursing?

Not necessarily. Eligibility for a different provider depends on whether you have met programme prerequisites and tertiary education provider requirements.

Can I undertake the practicum year if my employer cannot guarantee a NP position afterwards?

Yes. The employment requirements are that you have a 12-month contract that covers the duration of the practicum year.

Employment and professional development

Which region should I select if I live in one area but study in another?

Select the region closest to where you will be working. For example, someone living and working in the upper South Island would select Canterbury.

Will my employer's ‘intent to employ’ response affect my application?

No. This response will not negatively affect your application. It is simply an indication of future intentions and may change over time.

My current area cannot support a prescribing or NP pathway. Who should I talk to?

Your nurse educator or professional development lead within your clinical area is usually the best person to discuss pathway options with.

Supervision and mentoring

Can the clinical supervisor and referee be the same person?

Yes. The clinical supervisor and referee may be the same person.

Does a clinical supervisor need to be a fellow, or can an experienced registrar or senior doctor act as supervisor?

They do not need to be a fellow. The key requirement is that they can provide clinical support and fulfil the supervisor responsibilities.

Can I have more than one mentor or clinical supervisor?

Yes. You must have a primary clinical supervisor, but many candidates work with additional mentors or supervisors during the practicum year.

Does my mentor or supervisor need to work the same days as me?

Whenever you are undertaking practicum hours, you must have access to an appropriate clinical supervisor for support and clinical decision-making. This support may be onsite or available by phone, depending on the circumstances.

Is only one supervisor required?

If your primary clinical supervisor is a medical practitioner, you must also have an NP mentor.

Can a clinical supervisor be shared between two candidates?

Yes.

Does an overseas-trained NP count as a supervisor?

Yes, provided they are registered in New Zealand and have at least three years of NP experience in New Zealand.

If I change employment or practicum location, do I need a new supervisor?

Yes. Your supervisor should be based within your area of employment and practice to provide appropriate support.

Is a clinical mentor with two years' NP experience acceptable?

This decision sits with the academic provider. Academic providers approve all practicum and mentoring arrangements.

Can I complete the practicum with a clinical mentor who is not based at my workplace?

This depends on the requirements and approval processes of the academic provider.

Practicum and clinical hours

Are university block training days funded, and do they count toward the 500 practicum hours?

Training days and university block courses are funded, but they do not count toward the required 500 supervised clinical practice hours. See the funding table here.

How many supervised hours are required each week?

Approximately 16 supervised practicum hours per week are required to achieve the total practicum hours.

Does the secondary placement need to be confirmed during the application process?

No. It is helpful to have ideas about potential placements, but the placement does not need to be fully confirmed when applying.

University and programme information

Can I complete the practicum with a clinical mentor who is not based at my workplace?

This depends on the academic provider, as they are responsible for approving practicum and mentor arrangements.

What are the requirements for practicum and clinical mentor approval?

Academic providers are responsible for negotiating practicum placements and approving clinical mentors. They must ensure mentors are suitable to support student learning throughout the practicum period.