Participating in a clinical trial might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for ways to earn extra income or make a difference in the world, but it’s a surprisingly rewarding opportunity.
Whether it’s financial compensation or free accommodation you’re after, clinical trials offer a unique learning experience with multiple benefits.
Get paid for your time
One of the most appealing reasons many people choose to participate in clinical trials is the financial reward. Depending on the nature and length of the study, participants can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Unlike many forms of part-time or casual work, clinical trials compensate you for your time and commitment, even if all you’re doing is relaxing at the facility! This makes it an attractive option for students, people between jobs, or anyone looking to boost their income without a long-term time commitment.
The payment isn’t just for the trial itself but also covers the inconvenience of time away from your daily life, any discomfort involved in procedures, and the requirements of the trial like staying overnight or attending regular appointments. It’s not a full-time job, but it can provide real financial support in a short window of time.
Free accommodation and meals at the trial centre
Many clinical trials are conducted in specialist facilities where you’ll be asked to stay for a set period for observation. This stay is fully covered, with accommodation and meals provided throughout your time at the centre. In fact, many people describe their trial stay as like a short-term retreat with plenty of downtime, free food, and often access to entertainment like movies, books, or games.
While the medical team monitors your health and response to the study treatment, your role is often just to relax and follow the daily schedule provided. If you’re someone who enjoys taking a break from the outside world and get paid for it too, this setup can be ideal.
The free accommodation also removes logistical stress. There’s no need to travel back and forth, figure out meals, or worry about added costs. Everything is taken care of, leaving you to focus on resting, participating, and earning.
Contribute to medical research and future health solutions
Clinical trials are the foundation of progress in medicine. Every new treatment, drug, or vaccine must go through rigorous trials before it becomes widely available. By volunteering to take part in a clinical study, you’re contributing to that process—and helping future generations live healthier lives.
Your involvement could help develop a new cancer treatment, improve the effectiveness of a common medication, or support breakthrough research into rare diseases. For many participants, this is one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience. You’re not just benefiting yourself; you’re contributing to a global effort to improve healthcare and save lives.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a real difference in the world, this is a direct and impactful way to do it.
Some trials offer the chance to improve your own health
While many clinical trials are designed for healthy volunteers, others are open to people with specific medical conditions. If you qualify for one of these trials, you may gain access to cutting-edge treatments before they’re available to the public.
In some cases, participants in health-focused trials have experienced genuine improvement in their condition thanks to early access to promising new therapies. Of course, results aren’t guaranteed, and every trial includes risks. But for those living with long-term or hard-to-treat conditions, joining a clinical trial can offer hope and a chance to be part of the solution.
Before joining, it’s important to read all the details, understand the process, and speak with the trial coordinators. Clinical trials aren’t just for scientists or patients—they’re for everyday people who want to earn extra income, enjoy a change of scenery, and contribute to a greater cause. With benefits like generous pay, free accommodation, and the opportunity to be part of medical history, participating in a clinical trial is worth serious consideration.
Where can I sign up to take part in in a clinical trial?
There are many clinical researchers across New Zealand that offer clinical trials.
NZCR
NZCR is a well-known clinical research company and offers clinical trials across New Zealand. Running multiple trials each year means there’s many opportunities to take part.
Website: https://www.nzcr.co.nz/
Phone: Contact your local site
Email: recruitment@nzcr.co.nz
Aotearoa Clinical Trials
Aotearoa Clinical Trials is a network of hospital based clinical trial sites with over 20 years’ experience in clinical trials in New Zealand.
Website: https://www.aotearoatrials.nz/
Phone: +64 9 270 9758
Email: info@aotearoatrials.nz
Momentum Clinical Research
Momentum has a large network of clinical trial sites across Australia and New Zealand with a number of currently-active trials.
Website: https://www.momentumclinicalresearch.co.nz/
Phone: Contact your local site
Email: Contact your local site
Clinical Trials NZ
Clinical Trials NZ is a well-established independent clinical trials facility, specialising in phase 1b through to phase 4 international clinical trials.
Website: https://www.clinicaltrialsnz.com/
Phone +64 7 843 0105
Email: eileen@clinicaltrialsnz.com