How to join

Tertiary Scholarship Schemes

Scholarships are awarded to those pursuing a career as an Officer in the NZDF.

We offer the following types of schemes:

  • Undergraduate scholarships for school leavers or those currently studying toward a degree.
  • Postgraduate scholarships for recent graduates.
  • Incentive payments for recent graduates.

The Navy, Army and Air Force give their scholarship schemes different names and administer them in slightly different ways. Each Service has its own specific employment focuses and approved fields of study, while each scheme offers varying degrees of financial support.

Before pursuing a scholarship, we recommend you first ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a career within the NZDF.

Selection is highly competitive for scholarships and incentive payments. NCEA Level 3 Merit and Excellence endorsements are preferred for Year 13 candidates. B+ average is preferred for those in, or recently completed tertiary study.

Whilst all candidates who are eligible for these trades are eligible to apply for the scholarship, allocation decisions are made at the board based on the performance of candidates and organisational needs (not a specific number given per trade each year).

Which one is right for you?

The Bursary and Salary Scholarship Schemes are both aimed at school leavers or those in their first or second years of university study. If you’re a third-year Medical student or studying for a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) you can also apply.

The Graduate Incentive Scheme is aimed at those who are in their final year of studies or have recently graduated.

scholarships 1

Bursary Scholarship Scheme

These scholarships are offered by the Navy and Air Force to school leavers and undergraduates. You will join as a Reserve and complete an induction course in the summer prior to your study, then transition to being a full-time member after graduation. 

Navy Chatham Scheme is offered for the following roles:

The RNZAF Undergraduate Scheme (RUS) is offered for all RNZAF Officer Trades except Medical Officers and Chaplains.

Expand more information in the drop-downs below.

Tertiary study options

If successful, you can study for a degree in one of the approved specialisations below, at an approved New Zealand tertiary institution of your choosing. You will be required to complete one year of full-time service for every year of sponsored study. 

Learning and Development Officer

  • Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Arts

Communications Information and Systems Officer

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Information Science
  • Bachelor of Business Studies
    • Specialisation in computer science, information systems, information technology, computer system engineering, software engineering or cyber.

Air Warfare Officer

  • Bachelor of Aviation
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Science

Intelligence Officer

Bachelor’s degree in (or something similar to):

  • Defence or Security Studies
  • Politics
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Religious Studies
  • Engineering
  • Computer Engineering/Science
  • Data or Information Science

Pilot

  • Bachelor of Aviation
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Science

Psychologist

  • Masters of Psychology
    • At least one paper to be completed in industrial and Organisational Psychology.

Legal Officer

  • Bachelor of Law

Logistics Officer

  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Business
  • Bachelor of Logistics
  • Bachelor of Supply Chain Management

Engineering Officer in the Air Force

Weapon Engineering Officer or Marine Engineering Officer in the Navy

  • Engineering (Honours)
  • Engineering Technology* 
    • Specialisations in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical and Electronics. 
    • Specialisations in Computer or Software Engineering are accepted for Navy applicants
    • Specialisation in Chemical Processing/materials engineering may be considered for Navy applicants.
    • Specialisation in Aeronautical is accepted for Air Force applicants.

*Unfortunately, civil and structure engineering degrees are not approved fields of study. 

Military training

You will complete a short induction course prior to commencing your first semester of scholarship study and become a member of the Reserves Forces.

After completing your study, you will transition to being a full-time member of the NZDF (Regular Force) and then complete full initial training.

You will be required to complete one year of full-time service for every year of sponsored study.

Benefits of Bursary Scholarship Scheme

  • Your tertiary fees and associated expenses will be reimbursed at the end of each successful year of study.
  • You will receive an annual stipend of $9,000.
  • You will receive paid full time work in university holidays.
  • You may receive an annual performance bonus of $2,000 for exceptional academic achievement.

Salary Scholarship Scheme

These scholarships are aimed at school leavers and those in their initial years of study at university. Options include:

Navy Tangaroa Scheme

The Tangaroa scholarship, also known as the Midshipman Tertiary Scheme, is offered by the Navy for the following Officer roles:

  • Weapon Engineering Officer
  • Marine Engineering Officer

This scholarship is available to:

  • Year 13 students who are studying towards the minimum educational requirement of NCEA Level 3 with 18 credits in Level 3 Mathematics and Physics and University Entrance, or:
  • Are currently studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or a Bachelor of Engineering Technology at the University of Auckland, Massey University (Albany campus), or Auckland University of Technology. 

Your university fees and associated expenses will be paid, plus you will receive an annual salary. You will also receive subsidised accommodation at Devonport Naval Base. 

Training

Prior to commencing your scholarship, you will be required to complete Junior Officer Common Training. 

After graduation, you will be required to complete one year of service for every year of sponsored study.

Still have questions? Email us at specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz

Scholarships for Medical Officers

You can apply for this scholarship from third year until fifth year of medicine. Your compulsory tertiary fees will be paid, plus you will receive an annual salary (this equates to the same starting salary to an Army Officer Cadet).

 

During your fourth to sixth years of medical school, you will undertake a small amount of military training designed to get you used to military life and practices.

 

On completion of your academic studies, you must undergo two years of general registration at a civilian hospital. You will be on leave without pay from the NZDF during this period.

 

Upon registration, you will be required to complete one year of service for every year of sponsored study, plus one additional year of service. 

You can apply for this scholarship from third year until fifth year of medicine. 

 

Still have questions? Email us at specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Scheme

This scholarship can be offered to Navy and Airforce Officers however are primarily selected for Army General List officer cadets at the beginning of their training. 



If successful, you will be offered to undertake study at Bachelor level in either Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics at the University of New South Wales in Canberra, Australia
. Whilst at ADFA, you’ll study in a military environment and undertake military training with the Australian Defence Force during university holidays. 

 

Your university fees and associated expenses will be paid, as well as travel costs. You will also receive an annual salary. Back in New Zealand, you will be required to complete one year of service post-graduation for every year of sponsored study.

 

Am I eligible?

The ADFA Scheme requires a minimum of NCEA Level 3 English and Mathematics, with at least 100 NCEA Level 3 credits – 45 of which were achieved at Merit or Excellence level.

 

This scholarship is awarded subject to availability with the ADFA. Learn more about the Australian Defence Force Academy here.

Graduate Incentive Scheme (GIS)

This scholarship is offered by the Navy, Army and Air Force for various trades, and is available to university graduates holding one of the qualifications below. You can apply during your final year of study or as a graduate.

There is no minimum term of employment or return of service for this scholarship, with incremental payments will be paid out on the anniversary of your attestation date.

Tertiary study qualifications

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology

With a specialisation in mechanical, mechatronics, electrical and electronic, computer or software engineering. The Navy will also consider other engineering specialisations.

Apply to be an Engineering Officer in the Navy or Air Force.

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Information Science, or Bachelor of Business Studies

With a specialisation in computer science, information systems, information technology, computer system engineering, software engineering or cyber.

Apply to be a Communications Information and Systems Officer in the Air Force.

Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering/Science, Defence or Security Studies, Data or Information Science, Economics, Engineering, Geography, International Relations, Politics, Sociology.

Apply to be an Intelligence Officer in the Air Force.

Bachelor’s in Commerce, Business, Logistics or Supply Chain Management

Apply to be a Logistics Officer in the Air Force.

Bachelor of Law

Apply to be a Legal Officer in the Air Force.

Masters in Psychology

Apply to be a Psychologist in the Air Force.

A NZQA recognised theological Bachelor’s

Apply to be a Chaplain in the Air Force.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Apply to be a Dental Officer in the Army.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

Apply to be a Medical Officer in the Army or Air Force.

Other qualification?

Apply to be an Army general list Officer. The Army's Tū Ako Scholarship accepts a broad range of degrees.

Other qualifications may be considered for GIS on a case-by-case basis. This is dependent on the qualification required by the NZDF. 

Benefits of GIS

  • In addition to your salary, you will be reimbursed up to $30,000 (Three-year degree) and $40,000 (Four-year degree) over your first three/four years in the Service.
  • Your reimbursement will be paid out in increments at the end of each successful year of service, on the anniversary of your attestation date.
  • There is no minimum term of employment or return of service for this scholarship.

How to apply

Before being considered for a scholarship scheme, candidates are required to submit an application for an approved Officer role to join the NZDF and complete our standard recruitment process to determine your suitability.

After applying to join the NZDF, you will be assigned a Candidate Engagement Facilitator who will assist you with your scholarship application.

The Recruit Undergraduate Scheme and Graduate Incentive Scheme are the scholarship options that are likely to be supported by the Air Force if a candidate passes a selections board.

Still have questions? Email us at specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz

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