1. 1

   Check that you are eligible for the grant/scholarship

   Give the information a good read through to make sure you qualify. Talk to your family or doctor if you are not sure. You can also contact the scholarship/grant provider to double check.

2. 2

   Check what documents you need to supply and by when

   When starting your application, take note of:

   • the forms you need to complete and information you need to give

   • the personal documents you need to supply

   • whether you have to supply references, or a list of referees

   • the closing date for applications.

   You don’t want to miss the application deadline, so you might want to mark it down on your calendar, diary, or set a reminder on your phone.

   You may need to provide a copy of your birth certificate or passport. You can order a birth certificate and/or passport from Internal Affairs if you don’t currently have one.

   • Internal Affairs website - how to order a birth certificate

   • Internal Affairs website -  how to request or renew a passport

3. 3

   Contact referees early

   If you have to supply references, contact your referees early on so they have time to write your references. Let them know what scholarships you’re applying for.

4. 4

   Get your document copies certified

   You will probably be asked for certified copies of your documents – copies that someone trustworthy has checked and signed as accurate copies.

   Find out who can certify your documents for each scholarship, as it varies. Certifiers could include:

   • teachers

   • kaumātua

   • ministers of religion

   • police officers

   • registered medical professionals

   • solicitors or Justices of the Peace.

   Go to the Yellow website to find a Justice of the Peace near you.

   To get your copies certified:

   • photocopy your documents

   • take the originals and photocopies to the certifying person, who will check and sign the copies.

5. 5

   Make a good impression in your application

   It’s important to make a good impression in your application. Make sure you:

   • find out about the organisation awarding the scholarship and tailor your application to their goals

   • fill in all sections tidily

   • check your spelling

   • attach all documents in the order they are requested. Double check that you have provided everything that was asked for

   • ask someone to check your work before submitting or sending it.

   Make sure you keep a copy of your application for your records.

6. Finished!

These tips have been adapted from careers.govt.nz.

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