Scholarships & Applying

Common questions

Click on each question to expand:

How many scholarships and awards are made each year?

Up to 20 are awarded to women and girls each year by The Nelson Soroptimist Education Trust (NSET).

Who can apply?

Female students who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents living in the Top of the South Island (Nelson, Tasman, or Marlborough) and facing financial hardship in undertaking, continuing or completing tertiary study.

School leavers, young adults and mature women are welcome to apply. We encourage women seeking ‘second chance’ education and training. Women up to 65 years of age have been awarded ‘second chance’ scholarships by NSET, to go on to satisfying careers.

How much are the scholarships worth?

The scholarships are worth up to $1,500 each for students enrolled in full time or part time tertiary study or an apprenticeship.

Note: To honour the foundation work of the former Nelson Branch of the Federation of Graduate Women, up to three outstanding recipients will receive an additional sum of $1,000 each. One or two of these will be for women continuing full time study at NMIT, having completed at least one successful academic year towards a degree. One other may be awarded to a woman undertaking second chance education, training or an apprenticeship provided by a recognized New Zealand provider<

Do you grant money for anything besides academic study?

Yes indeed. Special grants may be made to cover course-related costs such as travel, or computer software, or an apprentice’s toolbox.

What do I need to be successful in being awarded a scholarship?

Successful applicants will have shown that their intended course of study will improve their employment prospects, advance their career opportunities and/or help achieve a change in a professional, business or trades career, while imposing financial hardship.

Where can I download the application form?

• as a PDF HERE

• as a Word Document HERE

• as a PAGES (Apple Mac) Document HERE

NOTE: Please answer all questions as fully as possible, taking note of the number of points allocated to each answer!

How are the application forms scored?

Up to 50 points will be awarded for responses to questions in the application form. The number of points possible for each question is shown in the boxes on the right-hand side of the application form.

In February, each application that meets the criteria set out on the first page of the application form will be scored by four scorers. Successful students will be asked to provide evidence of their enrolment, if this has not already been provided. Referees will also be contacted for endorsement.

When is the closing date for applications?

The closing date for all applications is January 31st, each year.

Applications received after this date will not be considered. Scoring will be completed in February and payments made to successful students and apprentices in March.

When are scholarships and grants paid?

Payments are made to successful students and apprentices in March each year

Can I get help with the application form?

Yes, we’re happy to help you to complete this form! Simply phone Anne on 020 4168 1041 or send an email to nsetscholarships@gmail.com

Download the Application Form

• as a PDF HERE

• as a Word Document HERE

• as a PAGES (Apple Mac) Document HERE

NOTE: Please answer all questions as fully as possible, taking note of the number of points allocated to each answer!