Scholarships and awards

Learn more about scholarships available to Speech NZ candidates. Scholarships are offered based on grades, diploma and locations, or candidates can be nominated for excellence awards by their examiners.

Grade scholarships

The following scholarships are offered annually. The closing date for applications is 31 December, with scholarship winners notified by mid-February of the following year.

Candidates applying for the below grade scholarships should apply through the website by going to our 'Apply' page.

 

Grade Six
(One per syllabus)
  • Speech and Drama, Performance and Literature
  • Public Speaking and Communication
$200.00 to be paid to each
recipient
Grade Seven
(One per syllabus)
  • Speech and Drama, Performance and Literature
  • Public Speaking and Communication
$250.00 to be paid to each recipient
Grade Eight
(One per syllabus)
  • Speech and Drama, Performance and Literature
  • Public Speaking and Communication
$350.00 to be paid to each recipient

Grade Eight Speech and Drama
The Ciara O'Donnell Award for Grade Eight Speech and Drama

 

For students who have completed their Grade 8.

Any student completing grade 8 may apply for the annual draw.

As a past student of Mary Flaherty, Ciara O'Donnell has established this award for students who have completed their Grade 8. Some of Ciara’s fondest memories of her time at Speech are of Mary’s annual after-exam afternoon teas and gas bags, which acknowledge the support and friendship of Mary (and all teachers) beyond the classroom. 

$100.00 paid to the recipient

$50.00 paid to the teacher for the student and teacher to share afternoon tea together.

Diploma scholarships

The following scholarships are offered annually. The closing date for applications is 31 December, with scholarship winners notified by mid-February of the following year.

Candidates applying for the below diploma scholarships should apply through the website by going to our 'Apply' page.

 

Speech New Zealand Scholarship
ASB Speech and Drama
(One)
Founders’ Scholarship
ASB Public Speaking and Communication
(One)
A scholarship will be awarded to an ASB candidate (either ASB or ASB advanced) who has completed their diploma and gained a distinction pass in all three practical modules. This award takes the form of one free entry for each of the three modules of the LSB Practical examination.

Examiner-nominated awards

The following scholarships are offered annually, and are nominated by examiners throughout the year.

Grade Five Speech and Drama
The Jillian Carpenter Award for Grade Five Speech and Drama
Free entry into Grade Six
 
 
Grade Five Flexi Speaking and Performing
The Gabrielle and Helen Balch Award for Grade Five Flexi Speaking and Performing
 Free entry into Grade Six

The Balch family are honoured to recognise the support Gabrielle Balch gave her daughter, Helen, when enrolling her in speech and drama at just 6 years old and as the Christchurch Local Secretary. Helen went on to be a great supporter of Speech New Zealand, an inspirational teacher and one of the founding writers of the Flexi Speaking and Performing syllabus.

After first establishing this scholarship in 2021, the Balch family wish to rename the scholarship in honour of Helen to acknowledge the passion and dedication Helen gave Speech New Zealand.

Excellence in the Use of Language and Expression
“Melda Townsley Award” for Speech and Drama Performance and Literature
 $100.00 paid to recipient

Mrs Melda Townsley established this award to encourage attention and improvement in the use of English language and expression.

To ensure an equitable opportunity, candidates whose reports are noted as displaying excellence in this area are submitted for an annual draw.

 Excellence in the Use of Language and Expression
“Jill Walker Award” for Public Speaking and Communication
 $100.00 paid to recipient  

Location-based scholarships

Otago Speech Communication Scholarship

This scholarship is available to Otago residents only.

Learn more about this scholarship.

Nikau Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is available to Wellington residents only.

Learn more about this scholarship.

Speech New Zealand and Geyser Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is available to Rotorua and Taupo residents only.

Learn more about this scholarship.

Rotorua Civic Arts Trust Scholarship

Awarded in the Rotorua examination centre to students who have been nominated by the examiners during the three tours held in Rotorua each year.

At the end of the year a selection is made of a Senior and Junior student from the nominations made.

 

The Speech New Zealand Board reserves the right not to award any or all scholarships