Scholarship applications advice and guidance

All of our scholarships have a scholarship regulations document. Most external scholarship providers and funders will also have regulations available for applicants.

These documents outline the important information you need to know before starting the application. They include expectations or requirements that you must meet to receive the scholarship. They will also help you to create a strong application.

Massey scholarships regulations have the sections in the following table.

A CV is a detailed document that provides an overview of your professional and educational history.

We recommend that you tailor your CV to the specific scholarship you plan to apply for. This way you can address the scholarship purpose or funder’s objective and list achievements or evidence of excellence.

To tailor your CV:

• Arrange the sections of your CV based on the type of scholarship.
  • For school-leaver scholarships, start with your education history, as you may not have much work experience yet. List your achievements at school and include context. For example, if you were a class representative, describe your responsibilities and how many students you represented. Do not assume that the selection panel knows everything about your high school.
  • For an academic merit or excellence scholarship, list your education section first followed by awards and then work experience.
  • For a fellowship connected to your research field, list the research section first followed by education and work experience.
• Use keywords from the scholarship regulations document and funder's website.
• Avoid generic statements and instead use specific examples to express your skills and accomplishments.
• Avoid humour and clichés.
• Be sure to include examples of verifiable achievements and an explanation of the award. Rather than saying “award-winning accounting student”, include “Allan Gibson Distinguished Auditing Prize – awarded to the student with the highest average mark in Auditing and Advanced Auditing courses”.
• Quantify your work and achievements whenever possible.
• Keep your CV up to date with relevant information. If you are an advanced postgraduate student, you no longer need to include information about high school or college work on your CV.

Academic transcripts may be requested as part of a scholarship application. Whether you are asked to provide your high school results or transcripts from any prior study, make sure to allow plenty of time to get these documents organised. Especially for overseas schooling or study records where more time may be required.

If you are applying for a scholarship administered by us, you can submit your application through your student portal and your Massey transcripts can be automatically accessed.

If you are applying for a scholarship that is administered through an external organisation or stakeholder, you may be asked to provide verified academic transcripts. You can apply for a digitally verified Massey transcript through your student portal or through My eQuals.

Find out about ordering academic records

A personal statement is a written essay or statement that allows you to express your personal and academic achievements, aspirations, and reasons for applying for a particular scholarship.

It provides an opportunity for you to present yourself beyond your academic transcript and CV, offering insights into your character, motivations, passions, and future goals. The aim is to show the selection panel that you are a deserving candidate who aligns with the values and objectives of the scholarship.

Often students find it quite challenging to write a personal statement. It is also one of the most crucial documents for your application. Make sure to spend sufficient time to draft and re-work your personal statement and tailor it to the specific scholarship you are applying for.

The requirements for the personal statement are usually outlined on the website for the scholarship. Common themes can include:

• personal history
• interest in a discipline, industry or sector
• intended career or future goals
• specific characteristics or skills (for example, leadership and community service)
• overcoming challenges
• openness to new ideas
• academic achievements
• financial hardship or obstacles to tertiary study.

Tips for writing a personal statement

• Brainstorm multiple ways to address the requirements. Choose the way that best reflects you, connects to the intent of the scholarship, and addresses the selection criteria.
• Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention. You might share a relevant personal anecdote or highlight a significant experience that shaped your aspirations.
• Draft an outline of the personal statement and list key points you want to emphasize. Rather than listing all your character traits, focus on two or three and think of a few specific personal examples that reflect your strengths and accomplishments.
• Use language that people outside of your field can understand, as the selection panel may not include academics from your discipline or research area.
• Refine and polish the essay so that it is focused. Use strong, active verbs along with direct and concise writing. Avoid clichés as they do not add information to the statement.
• Be sure to accurately highlight your accomplishments and backstory. Be proud of all your hard work and don’t be shy when writing about yourself.
• Ask for feedback from people who know you well like your family, friends, or mentors. Ask if the essay is an authentic reflection of you.

Considering cultural dimensions

In some cultures, it can be quite daunting to talk about your accomplishments. There is a delicate balance between talking about your achievements and coming across as bragging. The key is to highlight your qualities and experiences in a genuine and humble manner.

Here are some considerations:

• Acknowledge the support and opportunities you've received from others. Expressing gratitude shows humility and an understanding that your success is often a result of collective efforts.
• Be genuine in your writing. Avoid exaggeration and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Authenticity resonates with readers and helps to establish a connection.
• Provide concrete examples to illustrate your skills and accomplishments. Share specific situations where you demonstrated a certain skill or strength as this way your claim is more tangible.
• Discuss how you've grown and developed as a person. Reflect on challenges you've faced and the lessons you've learned. Demonstrating personal growth adds depth to your narrative and shows self-awareness.
• Emphasise the positive impact you've had on others or in your community. Discuss how your skills and experiences have contributed to meaningful outcomes or added value.

Some scholarships will require you to write a research statement or proposal which outlines your current or intended research. This document is very different from your personal statement and should not be a repeat of your personal story, passions, and motivations.

The purpose of the research statement is to provide an overview of your research interest or specific research work, allowing the selection panel to understand the scope and significance of your research contribution as a Massey student. The key is to present a clear and concise plan for your intended research in alignment with the scholarship's purpose.

When writing your research statement, follow the instructions for the scholarship you are applying for. Often there is a word or page limit.

Consider the following questions and include the answers in your statement:

• What do you propose to do? Why do you want to do this research?
• What is important or significant about this research?
• What is the research impact for the discipline, sector or area?
• What contribution will the research make to Massey University and New Zealand?
• When will you carry out your study or research? Include a timeline.
• Where do you propose to conduct your study or research?
• How will you carry out your work? Discuss methodology and goals.
• Who will you work or collaborate with?
• How will your research help further your academic or professional development?
• How will this project enhance your career?

Research statements can vary in content and will depend strongly on the purpose and focus of the scholarship funder.

Be concise, clear and enthusiastic about your research. Avoid technical words and acronyms. Use key words from the funder's webpage, strategy or framework and incorporate them into your statement.

Remember to tailor your research statement to the specific requirements of the scholarship. A well-crafted research statement can play a crucial role in showcasing your expertise, vision, and potential contributions to a particular academic or research community.

Massey scholarships

The scholarships with a research focus may require you to outline how the intended research aligns with the college and/or university strategy. We recommend you read through our university strategy and research plan to understand our research strengths and future research focus.

Massey University strategies and plans

External scholarships

Government and industry funded research scholarships will often be linked to national frameworks, strategies, or sector wide policies. Make sure to read through any referenced documents and highlight how your research will align with the strategy and contribute to the overall goal.

A reference letter is a document written by someone who can attest to your qualifications, character, and potential for success in your academic or professional pursuits.

These letters are typically requested as part of a scholarship application to gain insights into the applicant beyond what is provided in the application materials.

Academic references

Academic referees will attest to your academic skills and engagement in the classroom or research lab. Choose academic staff who you have worked with, ideally within your field or discipline. It could be a lecturer, professor, lab manager or supervisor.

Distance students can find it challenging to develop a connection with a lecturer. To help make a connection:

• be active and engaged in the online course and participate in online discussions on Stream
• where possible, attend any contact courses or block courses in person to meet your lecturer and other students
• make sure to submit your assignments on time.

Character references

Character referees will attest to your personal qualities, character and skills that connect to the scholarship. Referees can include:

• teachers or school staff who can attest to your character, work ethic and engagement in extra-curricular activities at school
• colleagues with whom you worked closely and who can comment on your interpersonal skills, reliability, and work ethic
• employers or supervisors who have observed your behaviour and character in a professional environment
• mentors who have worked with you can speak to your personal qualities and values
• student association or club members can attest to your personal qualities and commitment to a joined cause
• coaches from sports teams or other extracurricular activities can speak to your teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship
• members of your community who are familiar with your involvement in local activities and events (for example your local church or volunteer organisation).

How to request a letter of reference

Be sure to review the scholarship regulations for any specific guidelines regarding referee letters. It's also important to allow plenty of time for your referees to write their letter.

We recommend you:

• Make the request personally where possible.
• Speak with your referee about your intentions and about the scholarship you are applying for. Explain why you believe you are well-suited for the specific scholarship and highlight how the scholarship aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Once your referee has agreed to write a reference:

• Provide additional information about yourself, your scholarship application, the scholarship regulations document and the deadline.
• Provide information about what the letter should address, for example, the selection panel is particularly interested in leadership skills or research experience.
• Let the referee know how the reference will be submitted. The scholarship will say whether you have to upload the reference letter yourself or if only referee details are required, and the referee must supply the letter directly.

Occasionally, scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement or personal qualities in combination with financial need.

Bursaries and hardship grants are financial support based primarily on financial need. Bursaries may also be based on factors such as academic merit, leadership and research. Hardship grants are specifically for students with unforeseen circumstances that have led to an unexpected change in financial stability.

For scholarships, bursaries and hardship grants you may be asked to provide a statement of your financial situation or provide a budget outlining your annual expenses and predicted earnings.

When providing financial information:

• never provide your actual bank statement
• list your income and expenses on a yearly basis
• make sure to list any other scholarships, bursaries and living allowances
• be realistic with your budget
• provide details for any personal issues which have contributed to your financial stress, for example, accidents or health conditions
• don't include inflation and high costs of living, as they are not considered unexpected financial issues as they apply to everyone.