Key dates
Applications open on 1 March each year.
Applications close on 24 April each year.
You will be notified on 31 May.
We do not accept late applications.
What the scholarship covers
You must be enrolled in one of the following courses to be eligible for this scholarship:
- Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology (Hons) offered by the University of Canterbury.
- Master of Speech and Language Pathology (MSLP) offered by the University of Canterbury.
- Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy (Hons) offered by Massey University.
- Master of Speech-Language Therapy Practice offered by the University of Auckland.
This scholarship provides:
- $5,000 per year of study upon successful completion of the academic year (paid to you)
- one guaranteed placement at a Ministry office during the practicum block course with additional $1,500 payment paid before the placement starts
- strengthened support for Māori scholarship recipients by connecting you with a network of our Māori speech language therapists and allowing greater flexibility in your placement experience
- an interview with us in your final year.
Priority for some applicants
We will give priority to applicants who (in descending order of priority):
- speak te reo Māori or te reo rangatira (NCEA level 2 equivalent or a higher qualification or equivalent)
- speak a Pasifika language (NCEA level 2 equivalent or a higher qualification or equivalent)
- are of Māori or Pasifika descent
- speak a language in addition to English that is widely used by children attending early childhood centres and schools in New Zealand (NCEA level 2 equivalent or higher qualification or equivalent).
Information in te reo Māori
Information in te reo Māori about the scholarship:
How to apply
You should apply for the scholarship at the same time as applying for your university course. Apply using our online application form.
Apply for a learning support scholarship – Taku Education
Your application must include:
- your resume/CV
- a cover letter outlining particular factors that are appropriate to our assessment (as per the points listed below):
- why you want to become a qualified speech language therapist
- your strengths and experience, personal and professional, and ability to establish and maintain relationships that will help you to become an effective speech language therapist.
- scanned copies of academic transcripts or grades of your highest and most recent qualifications
- any special circumstances you would like the selection panel to consider.
If you are applying for priority selection:
- submit evidence in the form of formal qualifications or written references from a tertiary institution, a kaumātua or a community leader of your language proficiency.
After you apply
The notification date for the scholarship will be before the university’s deadline to withdraw from the course. If we don't award you a scholarship, you will need to either self-fund or withdraw from the course.
The decision to grant or not grant a scholarship is final.