Mental health and addiction professional development (study) grant for people of Muslim faith
About the grant
This is a study grant for professional development specifically for people of the Muslim faith. Applicants for this grant either want to pursue a pathway into the mental health and addiction sector or currently work in the sector and want to build on their existing qualifications.
The study grant will contribute to the costs involved in taking part in a learning activity towards careers in the mental health and addiction workforce. Increasing access to study for those of the Muslim faith wishing to pursue or further a career will help grow the diversity of the workforce and lead to a health system better able to meet the needs of those of Muslim faith.
There will be online support available for people who receive the grant. All successful recipients will be invited to an individual or group quarterly Zoom meeting to help with any study challenges and maintain momentum in their chosen course of study.
Impact of grants
The professional development grants for people of the Muslim faith, managed by Te Pou on behalf of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, supports the growth and diversity of the Mental Health and Addiction workforce and contributes to a health system better able to meet the needs of people of Muslim faith.
Te Pou regularly collects and collates feedback from grant recipients through their final reports. These reports help tell the story of the impact of the grant on the recipients and the sector at large.
Summary evaluation reports
Grant applications
The 2026 grant round has been completed and is now closed. If you have any questions, please contact us at grants@tepou.co.nz
Who can apply
Study grant recipients must be studying within New Zealand towards a qualification in the Mental Health and Addictions sector and be of the Muslim faith. People can either be currently working within the sector or are studying with the aim of entering this workforce.
Study grant eligibility needs to include proof of New Zealand permanent residency or citizenship.
How the grant can be used
The study grant contributes to the costs of the applicant taking part in a relevant learning activity that enables a pathway into the mental health and addiction workforce. Applicants can also be existing mental health and addiction and practitioners who wish to develop their professional knowledge and skills to enhance their role and career.
The grant can be used for
- course fees
- related resources and course materials (eg workbooks), however, laptops cannot be funded
- a contribution towards travel and accommodation costs.
The study grant does not cover the employer back-filling or wages of the applicant.
How much can be funded
Applicants can be funded up to a maximum of $5,000 (GST inclusive).
If a learning activity costs more than $5,000 (GST inclusive), applicants may apply for Te Pou to fund the partial cost of the learning activity up to this amount.
Grant priorities
Learning activities that result in increased skills and knowledge in mental health and addiction workforce.
Learning activities that will contribute to entry into the mental health and addiction sector.
You must start the learning activity before 31 December 2026 and be completed before 30 June 2027.
Eligibility criteria
As well as complying with the grant terms and conditions, applications must also meet following the eligibility criteria.
- Applicants must be of the Muslim faith
- Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
- Applicants must be aged 18 years or older
- A letter of support is required from employers if the applicant is currently working in a mental health and addiction service.
The learning activity must:
- be available in New Zealand
- not already be funded by other another agency/organisation or grant.
- Start before 31 December 2026 and end before 30 June 2027.
