Key dates
Applications open on 2 March 2026 at 10am.
Applications close on 24 April 2026.
You will be notified on 31 May 2026.
We don't accept late applications.
What the scholarship covers#
You must be enrolled and accepted into 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 of Education office during the practicum block course with an additional $1,500 payment paid during the placement
- 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 Pacific language (NCEA level 2 equivalent or a higher qualification or equivalent)
- are of Māori or Pacific descent
- speak a language in addition to English that is widely used by children attending early childhood centres and schools in New Zealand, including New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) (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#
Applications are now closed.
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.