Scholarships
NL Health Services and its partners award more than $52,000 in scholarships to support the pursuit of higher education and to advance health-care practice and knowledge in Newfoundland and Labrador. Scholarships are provided by NL Health Services and our partners including foundations and auxiliaries.

Scholarship opportunities
We recognize the importance of learning in health care. As part of our Recognition Program, during our first year of operation, we continue to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities to staff, dependants of staff and to other eligible graduate or post-graduate students.

Please follow the links below for more detailed information:

Staff scholarship opportunities

NL Health Services recognizes the positive contribution that employees make to their work environment and to quality patient care. Supporting our employees in their personal and professional growth is important for NL Health Services.

The following scholarships are available, on a competitive basis, to eligible employees:

Chart 3
How to apply?

Applications for scholarships must be submitted using the appropriate Staff Scholarship application form (PDF). Forms are made available on this web site each year when the scholarship application cycle begins. Before you apply, please read the application guidelines.

Note: Full eligibility requirements and deadline information is outlined in the scholarship application form for the respective year. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applicants must be pursuing full or part-time education at a recognized post-secondary institution, and at the time of the application, must be enrolled in an academic program with a duration of at least one year.

Important information about eligibility:

  • Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of full-time worked service, or equivalent hours, to be eligible for a scholarship.
  • Previous recipients of an Eastern Health scholarship may be eligible to receive a NL Health Services scholarship, however, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a scholarship from the legacy organization.
  • Employees accessing other tuition support from NL Health Services will not be eligible for a staff scholarship in the same year.
  • Selection criteria may vary by scholarship as specified in the table above.

Scholarship opportunities for dependants of staff

Scholarships for dependants of staff are meant to help offset the cost of higher education.

The following scholarships are available, on a competitive basis, to eligible dependents of staff: Chart 2

How to apply?

Applications for scholarships must be submitted by completing the Dependant Scholarship application form (PDF). Forms are made available on this web site each year when the scholarship application cycle begins. Before you apply, please read the application guidelines.

Note: Full eligibility requirements and deadline information is outlined in the scholarship application form for the respective year. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applicants must be pursuing full or part-time education at a recognized post-secondary institution, and at the time of the application, must be enrolled in a program of at least one academic year duration.

Important information about eligibility:

  • Applicants must be a dependant of an employee who has completed a minimum of two years of full-time worked service, or equivalent hours, to be eligible for a scholarship. A ‘dependant’ is defined as the child, or dependent of an employee, who is under 25 years of age.
  • Previous recipients of an Eastern Health scholarship may be eligible to receive a NL Health Services scholarship, however, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a scholarship from the legacy organization.
  • Selection criteria may vary by scholarship as specified in the table above.

Quality Health-Care Scholarships

NL Health Services is committed to the continued improvement of quality in patient care and safety.

In 2011, two annual Quality Healthcare Scholarships were established to promote the study of key themes identified during the Commission of Inquiry on Hormone Receptor Testing. The scholarships were introduced as part of the settlement agreement of the class action suit on estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) testing and implemented in consultation with class action members.

Two scholarships, valued at $6,500 each, are offered each year to eligible graduate or post-graduate students as follows: Chart 1
Scholarship is open to a graduate or post-graduate student enrolled in a health care-related discipline, and pursuing studies with a particular focus on quality processes, ethics, or disclosure practices in health care.

Important information about eligibility:

  • Applicants must be pursuing full or part-time graduate or post-graduate education in a health care-related discipline, and at the time of the application, must be enrolled in a program of at least two academic year duration.
  • Fields of study must support health care in Newfoundland and Labrador with a particular focus on patient disclosure practices, ethics or quality processes.
  • Applicants must have received a minimum average of 70 per cent in their last academic year.
  • Successful applicants will be able to use the funds at their own discretion over the duration of their academic program to best meet their educational needs.

How to Apply?

Applications for scholarships must be submitted by completing the Quality Healthcare Scholarship application form (PDF). Forms are made available on this web site each year when the scholarship application cycle begins. Before you apply, please read the application guidelines.

Note: Full eligibility requirements and deadline information is outlined in the scholarship application form for the respective year. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

  • NL Health Services employees and dependants of staff are encouraged to apply.
  • Individuals can receive a Quality Healthcare Scholarship once in their lifetime.
  • Individuals may re-apply if unsuccessful in receiving a scholarship. 

Responsibilities for recipients of NL Health Service’s Quality Healthcare Scholarships

Recipients of these scholarships will be asked to:

  • Provide a progress report to NL Health Services after year one of studies.
  • Upon request, present the final product/findings or provide a written report to NL Health Services upon completion of studies.
  • Acknowledge NL Health Services in any publications related to its Quality Healthcare Scholarships. 

Application Guidelines

Applications for scholarships must be submitted using the relevant application forms. Forms are made available on this web site each year when the scholarship application cycle begins.

NL Health Services scholarships are awarded upon merit, based on the criteria below. Each entry is assessed by its content and presentation. It is important to ensure your application is strong and complete. The scholarship review team developed the following guidelines to assist you in this process:

1.     Letter to the scholarship review team

This letter is an introduction of you to the scholarship review team members. It is important to remember that the review team does not know you or your accomplishments. The letter to the review team is an opportunity to describe your achievements in the community, the workplace and school life. Make sure to outline how you are making a difference in the activities you are involved in. Don’t forget to sign your letter!

If you’re applying for a Staff Scholarship, be sure to indicate how your program of study will benefit the clinical or administrative services of NL Health Services. If you’re applying for a Dependant of Staff Scholarship, please include your study or career plan.

If you’re applying for a Quality Healthcare Scholarship, your letter must outline how your current area of study and interest (patient disclosure practices, ethics or quality processes in patient care within the context of Newfoundland and Labrador) meets NL Health Services’ goals and values.

2.     Resume

Your resume should include the following sections:

  • Education: Outline your education to date.
  • Work experience: Outline your work experience. Describe each position you have held accompanied by the name of the
  • employer, a timeline of when you worked at each location, and the main duties involved.
  • Volunteer work: Describe each volunteer position you have held by naming the group with which you volunteered, the length of time you were involved in the specific program, and the main activities involved.
  • Achievements/Accomplishments: Outline all your achievements, accomplishments and awards.

Your resume should be clear, concise and easy to read while providing enough information so the reviewer can get to know you.

3.     Academic Performance
As applicable, all applicants must provide transcripts from their most current, or previous, academic institution.

4.     Letters of Reference
The scholarship application process requires letters of reference, as follows:

  • Two letters for staff and dependants of staff scholarship applicants.
  • Three letters for Quality Healthcare Scholarship applicants.
  • When choosing individuals to provide you with a reference, you may wish to give consideration to the type of recommendation the person will give you.

Select someone who knows you well, can describe the true depth of your best qualities, and can provide comments on the extraordinary work you have accomplished.

The reference should articulate the points above in a manner that allows the scholarship review team to make an accurate assessment of your personal attributes. In addition, your letters should come from individuals who are not within the same organization.

For staff:

If one letter is from your immediate supervisor, the other could be from a volunteer organization or an instructor from an academic institution. If both letters must be from the same institution or organization, then it is important to have two people who can address different aspects of your personality. For example, if one reference is written by your manager, then the other may be from your professional practice consultant or an employee from another program/department who sits on a committee with you.

For dependants of staff:

If one letter is from a teacher, then the other could be from a supervisor where you have worked or a volunteer organization. If both letters must be from the same institution or organization, then it is important to have two people who can address different aspects of your personality. For example, if one reference is from a teacher discussing your academic achievements, the other may be from a coach highlighting your teamwork abilities or a school staff member who can outline your school spirit.

Quality Health-Care Scholarships applicants:

The three letters of reference should be each from: a place of employment; an academic source; and a personal (non-family related) source, such as community involvement, character reference, etc. Please indicate in the subject line of each letter the type of reference, e.g. employment, academic or personal reference.

Ensure reference letters are signed by references. Please indicate if it is an employment, academic or personal related reference.

5.     The Overall Application
Once you have all the documents and your application form has been completed, review the entire package for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and neatness. A well-crafted application bears the appearance of a writer who invested the right amount of energy to produce a quality application.

6.    Checklist for Scholarship Application
Upon completion of your application, check to make sure that you have completed and enclosed all the necessary forms for a successful application. Your original package should include:

  • Completed and signed application form for all sections
  • Signed applicant letter to the scholarship review team
  • Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Signed letters of reference
  • Two (2) letters for staff and dependants of staff scholarship applicants
  • Three (3) letters for Quality Healthcare Scholarship applicants
  • Proof of school enrollment

Please send your complete application package to: scholarships@nlhealthservices.ca

All documentation must be included upon receipt. Documents sent separately will not be accepted. Incomplete packages will be disqualified.

We thank all applicants for their interest. NL Health Services scholarship recipients will be announced in January 2024.