Grants and scholarships can ease financial burden

A bunch of scholarships and grants has meant WITT student Erika Alldridge - Te Atiawa, Taranaki - will finish her Bachelor of Nursing degree debt-free.

She wants her success to inspire other students to take the time to apply so they can ease the financial stress that can come with study. There’s sizeable list of grants and scholarships available, all listed on WITT’s website, with staff support available on how to apply.

Having just started her final year of a three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree, Erika is thrilled with her latest scholarship from Tui Ora (Taranaki’s not-for-profit Kaupapa Māori health and wellbeing service). The Te Māra Kūmara a Rākeiora - Hayden Wano Māori Mental Health Nursing bi-annual Scholarship (2025) covers her fees for the year as well as providing a professional mentor from Tui Ora kaimahi and a two-year contract once she’s completed her study to work for there as a full-time community mental health nurse, a dream role for Erika.

Erika decided it was worth investing time in honing her application skills having done the sums on the longer-term burden of a student debt. She’s been awarded more than 20 scholarships or grants over the past three years to offset the $20K she would have owed. She applied for many more than she received and says the secret is to apply for as many as possible.

Applying for a scholarship can seem daunting. Much like a job application, you must provide information about your education and employment history, your background, community and iwi connections, as well as learning and professional goals.

After her first success in receiving the Methodist Church of New Zealand’s Hahi Weteriana O Aotearoa HAM Memorial scholarship she was motivated to keep applying. The more she succeeded, the more she was inspired to keep applying, despite the time and effort it takes.

She keeps a file of all the certificates and documentation relating to her scholarships and grants so she can share this with her daughter Emma, born last June, in the future as evidence of what’s possible.

As a first-time mum, she took several months out from study. Being a mum has also created new opportunities as a scholarship applicant. “I want to be the best nurse I can be, and I feel being a mum brings that experience and empathy to my professional role.”

Another reason she’s keen to share her success is to be a role model for other mums who want to combine motherhood with study but need some financial support.

Barriers to applying for scholarships

While Erika has overcome the mindset barriers that deter many students from applying, others can learn from her can-do attitude, says Allana Prestney - Ngati Toa, Ngati Raukawa,Te Atiawa - WITT’s Kaitakawaenga, Pastoral Support and Scholarships advisor.

Allana says students can be intimidated by the word ‘scholarship’ because it can imply a level of ivory tower academic achievement to be in the running. The term ‘grant’ is more accurate, as a form of support across a wide range of eligibility criteria.

Better still, think of it as ‘free money,’ she suggests. There are nearly 50 grants and scholarship providers listed on WITT’s website, as well as a separate page just for nursing and health grants. They are funded by a mix of individual donors and charitable trusts, iwi, church, sporting, government and community organisations.

Allana has created a scholarship help and information document as a guide for any student wishing to apply. She says students can save time by writing a personal statement of interest that can then be tweaked and tailored for specific application requirements.

“There’s no guarantee you’ll get it, but it’s worth a go,” she says.

She recommends successful applicants deposit the money into an account and then use it to re-pay their student loan when they’ve completed their study.

Erika encourages people to put aside mental barriers and go for it. “The worst that can happen is they say ’no’. At least you tried.”

She’s expressly humbled and grateful for the grants she’s received. “I wish to thank all who have awarded me with scholarships, for having faith in me, for the support, and for being a part of my nursing journey. I really appreciate every single organisation.”

Nicola Conley, WITT’s Operations Lead Executive, says scholarships are an investment in people and in Taranaki’s future. “They help students focus on learning, build confidence, and take the next step toward meaningful careers. We are sincerely grateful to our scholarship partners whose support is creating real opportunities and lasting impact across our region.”

More info: Click here to find out more about scholarships and grants on WITT’s website.

Some of the scholarships:

• Graduate Women Mānawatū WITT award is funded by Graduate Women Mānawatū Charitable Trust Inc and provides $1000 to student in full-time degree programme.
• Taranaki Foundation administers several scholarships created through local donors, including the Bashford and Nicholls Scholarship worth $4000 a year for students from Taranaki doing agriculture and vet studies.
• Cliff Perrett Memorial Scholarship supports two students nursing students each year (one from South and the other from North Taranaki) to the tune of $3000.
• HAM Memorial supports nursing students with preference to Waitara High School and WITT students
• Perpetual Guardian Trust Funding Hub - A range of scholarships including Alexander & Gladys Shepherd Scholarships Trust for students undertaking study in agriculture.
• BDO Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship - For three talented Māori students in their pursuit to become accountants, while in their final year of study.
• Māori & Pasifika Trade Training - MPTT (Taranaki Futures) - For Māori & Pasifika Students 16yrs - 40yrs studying any of the approved trade qualifications administered through WITT.

Additional:

• Students can also apply for Youth Guarantee scheme which provides fees free education for 16–24-year-olds enrolled in trades training.
• Students who have completed study can apply for the final year Fees Free payment.

Caption: Third year Bachelor of Nursing student Erika Alldridge will be debt-free when she finishes her degree thanks to a number of grants and scholarships.