Army Scholarships
Bursary scholarship for school leavers or undergrads
Kia Atamai Te Whawhai Scholarship
Kia Atamai Te Whawhai translates into ‘Fight Smart’. It contributes to the NZ Army vision of equipping our Force to be agile in thought and action. The NZ Army values education, and this is one of many educational and training opportunities you will be offered throughout your career. This scholarship is tied to the General List Officer Role.
Prior to commencing your study you will be required to complete the New Zealand Commissioning Course. After graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant into a Corps (Army Specialisation), you will commence your course of study. You will be required to complete one year of service for every year of sponsored study.
The Kia Atamai te Whawhai Scholarship is available to candidates who meet the University Entrance requirements for study in their chosen field. Study is completed through Massey University (Palmerston North Campus) with study options including a broad range of degree subjects.
When to apply: Start of Year 13 or later as this does not just apply to recent school leavers.
When is it awarded: Approximately three quarters of the way through the Officer Commissioning Course. You will need to be successful in the Selection Board process and OCS. Selection Boards run in July, October and November every year.
Benefits:
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Earn $76,000 whilst studying
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Debt free Bachelors Degree
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Live on base (5 mins down the road) or flat with friends
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Secured pathway into leadership post study
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Cohort of friends developed through the Commissioning course
What can I study?
A broad range of programmes and specialisations are available to study at Massey University in Palmerston North and is limited to three year degrees only. These include, but are not limited to:
Applied Economics, Business, Arts, Communication, Science, Information Science, Sports Management, Sports and Exercise, and Agriculture.
Graduate scholarship
Tū Ako Scholarship
This is our Graduated Incentive Scholarship Scheme and translates into ‘Higher Learning’. We recognise the time and investment you have made to upskill yourself with a tertiary degree, and this is acknowledged through the Tū Ako Scholarship. This scholarship is tied to the General List Officer Role.
What you can study: A broad range of degrees are accepted and do not have to be relevant to the role you are interested in, however it must be a Bachelors degree from a recognised University.
When to apply: During your final two years of study, or as a recent graduate.
When is it awarded: You will complete the New Zealand Commissioning Course, and confirmation of the scholarship will be awarded near the end of the year. You will graduate as an Officer into your chosen corps and commence your career as a NZ Army Officer.
Benefits:
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In addition to your Recruit salary of approximately $68,000 per year, you will be reimbursed $10,000 per year of the eligible degree to a maximum of $50,000. For example you will receive up to $30,000 for a three-year degree paid over four years.
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Your reimbursement will be paid out in progressive increments at the end of each successful year of service, on the anniversary of your attestation date over four years.
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Total value: $30,000-$50,000 depending on degree length.
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There is no minimum term of employment or return of service for this scholarship.
Salary scholarship, for medical students
Medical Officer Cadet Scheme
This is a salaried medical scholarship programme offered by the New Zealand Army for 3rd year medical students studying at the University of Otago or University of Auckland. Applicants must be interested in training as General Practitioners or Urgent Care Doctors.
When to apply: Apply in your 3rd year of Medical School. You can apply in your fourth and fifth years though this will not maximise the benefit of the scholarship.
When is it awarded: Post your attendance at an Officer Selection Board. If selected you will be awarded an offer of service. Selection Boards run in July, October and November every year.
Benefits:
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Total scholarship value over $200,000.
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Earn a salary whilst at medical school of around $68,000.
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All compulsory course fees are paid from years four to six.
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Sponsored pathway through vocational training post PGY 1-2.
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Undertake a small amount of military training whilst studying.
Salary scholarship, for school leavers or undergrads
Australian Defence Force Academy
The Australian Defence Force Academy is part of the University Of New South Wales (UNSW) based in Canberra alongside the Royal Military College. It is one of Australia's top universities and offers a large range of undergraduate degrees. It allows New Zealand officer cadets the ability to build on the ANZAC spirit whilst establishing networks within the Australian Defence Force. This scholarship is tied to the General List Officer Role.
What can you study: A range of qualifications are accepted which can be found on the UNSW website.
NZ Army Cadets are not approved to study the following at ADFA:
1. Aeronautical Engineering
2. Civil Engineering
3. Technology (Aviation) Electrical Engineering
4. The Chief of Defence Force Student programme
5. Anything to do with aviation or oceanography
When to apply:
January of your last year of school, or the year prior to starting as you do not have to be a school leaver to attain this scholarship. You must attend a selection board to be considered, Selection Boards run in July, October and November every year.
When is it awarded: Post your attendance at an Officer Selection Board you will be identified as a possible recipient for the scholarship. You will attend the first six weeks of the Initial Induction Training in January, at which point you will be confirmed. You must achieve an accepted ATAR score as dictated by the University of New South Wales.
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.
Whilst all eligible candidates pursuing specified roles can apply for a scholarship scheme, allocation decisions are based on the performance of candidates and organisational needs. There are no guarantees of scholarships being awarded by trades each year.
Still have questions? Email us at specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz
