Scholarship Programme

The Bay of Plenty Education Trust Tertiary Scholarship

The scholarship is a three year scholarship with a total value of $30,000, paid in instalments of $10,000 over the three years.

The Trust makes the scholarships available to every secondary school in coastal Bay of Plenty, from Katikati to Opotiki.

Two scholarships are awarded each year — one to a student from a school in the Western Bay/Tauranga districts, and one to a student from a school in Eastern Bay of Plenty (Whakatāne, Kawerau, Opotiki districts). Each school is invited to nominate one student for the Trustees' consideration.

Scholarship Criteria:

There is a preference to support students who intend to study at a New Zealand tertiary institution for degrees, diplomas or similar qualifications in the general fields of applied science, technology, engineering or mathematics, although applications in other fields will still be considered.
It is the intent that the scholarship be awarded to students who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend a tertiary institution.
The scholar must be attending a tertiary institution immediately after leaving college – that is, the scholarship is not available to students who intend to have a "gap year".
The scholarship is awarded at the sole discretion of the Trustees on recommendation by the Principal. Trustees reserve the right to conduct a final interview with nominated candidates if necessary.
The scholarship is renewed for the second and third years subject to the study record of the student concerned. The Trust writes directly to the scholar at the end of the first and second year of study asking the student to forward their academic record for that year and to confirm that they intend returning to a tertiary institution to continue studying the following year. The Trust then confirms awarding of the scholarship for the next year.
Scholarships are awarded by the Trustees on the recommendation of the school Principals.

How to Apply

Nominations are made by the school Principal and must include:

A completed application form
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic achievements, extra-curricular involvement, community/volunteering service, work history, and leadership positions or roles of responsibility
An Academic Record / Transcript (e.g. NCEA summary of credits or equivalent) verifying current progress and qualification status
A Reference / Endorsement Letter — a brief character or academic reference from a teacher or school leader, and a community or personal referee validating the student's work ethic and involvement

Applications close Friday 2 October 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 16 October 2026.