Call for Submissions: Kiley Tertiary Scholarships 2026 (New Zealand)

The Kiley Family Memorial Trust is accepting applications for the Kiley Tertiary Scholarships 2026, offering NZD 3,000 scholarships to eligible New Zealand students pursuing full-time tertiary studies in agriculture or agriculture-related fields. The scholarships primarily support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in the Taranaki, Whanganui, and Wellington regions and help cover tuition and other education-related expenses.

Students beginning or continuing studies at recognized New Zealand universities, polytechnics, or training institutions may apply. Successful recipients can reapply annually and receive support for up to three years, subject to continued eligibility.

About the Kiley Tertiary Scholarships

The Kiley Tertiary Scholarships were established by the Kiley Family Memorial Trust to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing higher education in agriculture and related disciplines.

The programme supports students who are either:

Beginning tertiary education in agriculture.
Continuing an agriculture-related degree or course.
Studying a programme that includes agriculture as a significant component.

The scholarships are available for study at recognized New Zealand tertiary education providers, including:

Universities.
Polytechnics.
Agricultural training schools.
Other approved tertiary institutions.

The initiative aims to encourage educational success while helping students manage the costs associated with higher education.

Scholarship Objectives

The Kiley Tertiary Scholarships aim to:

Support students pursuing agriculture and agriculture-related education.
Reduce financial barriers to tertiary education.
Encourage academic achievement.
Assist students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Promote careers within New Zealand’s agricultural sector.
Support students from the Taranaki, Whanganui, and Wellington regions.

Scholarship Value

Successful applicants will receive:

NZD 3,000 per scholarship.

Several scholarships will be awarded each year.

Recipients may reapply annually and receive scholarship support for up to three years, provided they continue to satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Eligible Expenses

Scholarship funding may be used for approved education-related costs, including:

Tuition fees.
Course fees.
Hall of Residence fees.
Student loan repayments related to study.
Laptops and computer equipment.
Books.
Stationery.
Travel related to study.
Other approved educational expenses.

Applicants must clearly identify all proposed expenses in their application.

Expenses Not Covered

The scholarship does not fund:

Personal mobile phones (cell phones).
Other non-educational personal expenses.

The Public Trust generally prefers scholarship payments to be made directly to the education provider.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all programme requirements.

Eligible Year 13 Students

Applicants may apply if they:

Are currently in Year 13.
Attend a secondary school in:
- Taranaki Region.
- Whanganui Region.
- Wellington-based Catholic secondary schools.
Intend to begin full-time tertiary study in the following academic year.
Plan to study agriculture or an agriculture-related course.

Eligible Current Tertiary Students

Current tertiary students may also apply if they:

Normally reside in the Taranaki, Whanganui, or Wellington regions.
Are continuing towards completing their degree.
Are studying agriculture or a course that includes agriculture.
Will continue full-time study for the full academic year.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Apply as individuals.
Study at a recognized New Zealand tertiary education provider.
Complete a full academic year of study.
Be New Zealand-born or hold valid New Zealand citizenship.

Scholarship Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed using several factors, including:

Financial need.
Academic achievement.
Commitment to agriculture or agriculture-related studies.
Personal or family circumstances.
Information provided in the application.
Supporting documentation.
Any additional enquiries undertaken by the Trustee.

Preference Will Be Given To

Priority consideration is provided to:

Students from less well-off backgrounds.
Applicants experiencing financial hardship.
Students with strong academic records.
Applicants who may struggle to meet education costs.

Why These Scholarships Matter

Agriculture remains one of New Zealand’s most important industries, yet many students face financial barriers when pursuing higher education.

The Kiley Tertiary Scholarships help by:

Reducing education expenses.
Supporting future agricultural professionals.
Encouraging talented students to complete their qualifications.
Increasing access to higher education.
Investing in the future of New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

Meet the regional eligibility requirements.
Plan to study agriculture or an agriculture-related field.
Will undertake full-time study.
Hold New Zealand citizenship or were born in New Zealand.

Prepare Supporting Information

Applicants should gather:

Academic information.
Details of their chosen course.
Financial information where applicable.
Supporting documentation requested in the application.

Prepare an Education Budget

Clearly explain how scholarship funding will be used, including:

Tuition fees.
Accommodation.
Books.
Equipment.
Travel.
Other study-related costs.

Submit an Individual Application

Applications must be submitted directly by the student.

Scholarship Conditions

Successful recipients should note that:

Scholarships are conditional upon enrolment in the approved course.
Some scholarships may include additional conditions.
Funds may be held by the Public Trust until conditions are met.
The Trustee’s decision is final.
No correspondence regarding scholarship decisions will be entered into.

Tips for Applicants

To strengthen your application:

Clearly explain your interest in agriculture.
Demonstrate financial need with relevant information.
Highlight academic achievements.
Provide a realistic study budget.
Ensure all supporting documents are complete.
Explain your future education and career goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Submitting incomplete applications.
Omitting required supporting documents.
Including ineligible personal expenses.
Providing unclear financial information.
Failing to demonstrate how agriculture relates to your course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Kiley Tertiary Scholarships?

The scholarships provide financial assistance to New Zealand students studying agriculture or agriculture-related courses at recognized tertiary education providers.

How much is each scholarship worth?

Each successful applicant receives NZD 3,000.

Can students receive the scholarship more than once?

Yes. Eligible students may reapply annually and receive support for up to three years, subject to continued eligibility.

Who can apply?

Eligible Year 13 students and current tertiary students from the Taranaki, Whanganui, or Wellington regions studying agriculture or agriculture-related courses may apply.

What expenses can the scholarship cover?

Funding may be used for tuition fees, accommodation, books, laptops, stationery, travel, student loans, and other approved education-related expenses.

Are mobile phones covered?

No. Personal items such as cell phones are not eligible for funding.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Applications are assessed based on financial need, academic achievement, eligibility, supporting documents, and other relevant information considered by the Public Trust and the Settlor.

Conclusion

The Kiley Tertiary Scholarships 2026 provide valuable financial assistance for students pursuing agriculture and agriculture-related education in New Zealand. With scholarships worth NZD 3,000 and the opportunity to receive support for up to three years, the programme helps talented students overcome financial barriers and continue their academic journey.

Students from the Taranaki, Whanganui, and Wellington regions who are committed to agriculture and demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future education and careers.