New Zealand Qualifications Authority

New Zealand Scholarship

New Zealand Scholarship is an award that recognises top secondary school students. Top students in each subject are given the opportunity to do NZ Scholarship assessments in order to achieve this award. NZ Scholarship assessments are designed to be challenging for the most able students in each subject. Assessment is by either a written or spoken examination or by the submission of a portfolio or report of work produced throughout the year. To be awarded the NZ Scholarship, students are expected to show deep understanding of the subject, demonstrate high-level critical thinking and the ability to apply their understanding to complex situations. Students who achieve NZ Scholarship receive a monetary award, and students who receive multiple NZ Scholarships may also be recognised through NZQA's Top Scholar Award ceremony. The monetary awards range from a one-off $500 payment for a single subject award to $10,000 per year for up to 3 years for premier award winners. To receive payment, students must be enrolled in tertiary study at an approved provider in New Zealand.