Fill out our online survey for a chance to win an $80 gift voucher
Careers New Zealand would like your feedback on our services, and how we could improve. Fill out our 15-minute survey and you'll go in the draw to win one of three $80 Whitcoulls vouchers. Thank you for your time.
Contact us
Call us on 0800 222 733Step-by-step guide to applying for a scholarship
When it comes to applying for scholarships, there isn't one set way of going about it. Every scholarship fund has its own processes and requirements, but in general you will need to provide information about yourself, present yourself in a way that makes a good impression, and show why you are deserving of the scholarship. Follow these steps to make sure you cover all the bases.
Step 1: Know what’s on offer
- Most libraries provide free access to the BreakOut database
Get to know the full range of scholarships available to you so you don’t miss out on anything.
The BreakOut database has details of over 2,200 funding schemes, and will match you to the scholarships you are eligible for in terms of criteria, area and level of study.
You can use BreakOut for free at:
- over 140 secondary schools
- most universities and many polytechnics
- public libraries
- Citizens Advice Bureaux
- some community centres.
Funding Information Service website - find out where you can access BreakOut for free
Sometimes competition for scholarships is very strong. You can increase your chances of receiving one by applying for as many as you qualify for.
Step 2: Make sure you qualify
Many scholarships are designed especially for people who:
- are a specific gender, age, or ethnicity
- belong to a particular indigenous or other special group
- have achieved academic or sporting excellence
- intend to study in a certain field or at a certain level.
Read through the scholarship information carefully to make sure you meet the criteria.
Make a list of the scholarships you are qualified to apply for.
Step 3: Gather your information
To apply for a scholarship, you will most likely need to fill out forms and supply documents to support your application. You may also be asked to attend an interview with the selection panel. Some things you may be asked to provide with your application are:
- proof of citizenship or residency status (eg birth certificate, passport)
- evidence of community involvement, financial hardship or ethnic background
- letter of approval from your school
- list of referees
- record of learning
- bank details, IRD number.
You need to collect, make copies of, and certify all the necessary documents. To certify your documents, take the original and a photocopy to an authorised person. They will check both documents and sign the copy to show it is a true reproduction of the original.
An authorised person could be a teacher, kaumātua, minister of religion, police officer, registered medical professional, solicitor or Justice of the Peace. This may depend on the individual scholarship, so it is best to check.
- Department of Internal Affairs website - find information on birth certificates, citizenship, and passports
- Yellow Pages website - find a Justice of the Peace in your area
Keep your scholarship information organised
All of this can take time, but your scholarship will be worth the effort! To help you keep track of things, put together a simple list of:
- all the scholarships you want to apply for
- when each one is due
- the supporting documents you need to provide for each one
- how and when you will get these documents.
"Go and look up all the scholarships you can apply for. There are heaps of scholarships out there. Once you find one, put in the hard work for the application – it took me at least five hours."
Ani Ross-Hoskins, Tertiary Student
Step 4: Make a good impression
Remember that you are trying to prove you are worthy of financial support. The selection panel needs to see that you have something special to offer. This is why it’s important to make a good first impression with the presentation of your application.
A sloppy, late or incomplete application might cause the selection panel to think that the scholarship is not important to you or that you are not really interested. Allow yourself plenty of time to put care and effort into your application. Try to do everything you can to show that you are deserving of the award.
- Be tidy – type or write neatly. Check your spelling. Attach documents in the order they are requested. Don’t bind or staple, but paperclip your papers together so they are easy to detach and read.
- Be thorough – make sure you have provided everything that is asked for. If you can, find out about the organisation that is awarding the scholarship and try to tailor your application according to their vision and goals.
- Be timely – submit your application well before or by the closing date. The selection panel receives many applications and can often be ruthless in the elimination process. They will be looking for any reason to reject an application, and lateness may be one of the very first criteria.
Step 5: Do a final check
Check, check, and recheck. Use this checklist to make sure you are ready to submit your application:
- Fill in the application forms carefully.
- Check for spelling mistakes.
- Provide all the necessary supporting documents.
- Get copies of documents certified.
- Meet the closing date.
- Make copies of every application sent.
- Provide current contact details.
- Get someone to check over your application – they might pick up something you’ve missed.
"If you receive a scholarship, try to be different by contacting and updating the provider and advising them about your progress without being prompted. Show them your appreciation and how their support has helped you."
Casey Haumaha, Tertiary Student