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) |
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$200.00 to be paid to each recipient |
Grade Seven (One per syllabus) |
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$250.00 to be paid to each recipient |
Grade Eight (One per syllabus) |
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$350.00 to be paid to each recipient |
Grade Eight Speech and Drama
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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 |
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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