Mensa New Zealand Scholarship Program 2025
Mensa New Zealand is pleased to offer scholarships to New Zealand students who are commencing tertiary study
Award
Up to two scholarships of $500 each will be awarded at the discretion of the National Committee of Mensa New Zealand.
Purpose of Scholarship
To provide financial assistance to a New Zealand student pursuing their first year of tertiary education in any field, with an interest in human intelligence.
Eligibility
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible for the scholarship. Candidates must:
- Be a current member of Mensa New Zealand, or child/dependent of a current Mensa New Zealand member.
- Be resident in New Zealand.
- Be entering their first year of tertiary education.
- Plan to study at an approved education institution (acceptance letter required before scholarship is paid out).
How to apply
Scholarships are awarded based on a 500-550 word essay that outlines your academic and professional goals and describes how your personal experiences will help you to achieve them.
Application timeline
- Opens: 01 October 2025
- Closes: 10 November 2025
- Judging Period: mid to late November 2025
- Winners Announced: 01 December 2025
Essay requirements
- Length: 500-550 words.
- Content: Clearly detail your goals and how your experiences support them.
- Format: Submit in English as a double-spaced, plain-text entry (typed, no formatting or markup).
- Originality: our essay must be your own work.
- Anonymity: Do not include your name, address, or any other identifying information in your essay.
Additional documentation requirements
- Reference: One letter of reference or recommendation from a teacher, coach, or other adult who is not an immediate relative.
- Resume/CV: A summary of your academic achievements, work experience, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.
Application submission
- Complete the fillable application form below.
- Ensure all required fields are accurately filled out.
- As part of the submission process, you must certify that your essay and all information provided is your own work.
Judging
Understand how your essay will be evaluated to maximize your chances of success.
Evaluation Criteria
- Goal statement: Clearly articulate your academic and professional goals. Include specific steps or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to achieving these goals.
- Persuasiveness: Explain how your past achievements, personal experiences, and future plans increase the likelihood of reaching your goals. Make a compelling case for why you will succeed.
- Writing quality: Your essay will be evaluated on grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization, and overall clarity.
- Originality and authenticity: Ensure your essay is original and reflects your unique perspective. The work must be your own, as certified in the application process.
Selection process
Recipients will be selected by the Scholarship Committee of Mensa New Zealand based on the application materials provided.
All scholarship applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision by 01 December 2025.
The winners may be announced at their school’s prizegiving, if still at high school.
The winners will receive a certificate and, if not already a member, an offer for a free Mensa Entry test.
Payment will be made to the recipient upon notification and in accordance with the tertiary education institution’s scholarship guidelines, and when Mensa New Zealand has received a letter of acceptance or confirmation of study at an approved tertiary education institution.