The Hodson Trust Scholarship, established in 1969, empowers ambitious undergraduate students from New Zealand with the financial support and mentorship necessary to pursue their academic aspirations at prestigious universities around the globe. With a generous annual stipend and access to invaluable guidance from the Hodson Trust team, this scholarship provides a transformative opportunity for exceptional individuals to unlock their full potential.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Hodson Trust Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
- Be enrolled full-time at a recognized tertiary institution
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement
- Exhibit strong leadership qualities and community involvement
- Possess a compelling vision for contributing to New Zealand society
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Hodson Trust Scholarship offers a remarkable array of benefits, including:
- Financial Assistance: A substantial annual stipend to cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and other academic costs
- Mentorship: Dedicated mentorship from Hodson Trust staff, providing guidance on academic, career, and personal development
- Networking Opportunities: Access to an extensive network of scholarship alumni and industry professionals
- Support Services: Comprehensive support services, including access to advising, tutoring, and career planning assistance
Application Process
Applications for the Hodson Trust Scholarship open annually in April and close in September. The selection process is competitive, with a rigorous assessment of academic merit, leadership potential, and alignment with the scholarship’s values. Applicants are shortlisted based on their written applications and invited for interviews.
Impact and Success Stories
Over the past five decades, the Hodson Trust Scholarship has made a profound impact on the lives of countless New Zealand students. Alumni of the program have gone on to become leaders in various fields, including:
- Academia: Professors, researchers, and university administrators
- Business: Entrepreneurs, executives, and industry leaders
- Government: Policymakers, diplomats, and elected officials
- Arts and Culture: Artists, musicians, and writers
- Community Service: Nonprofit leaders, social workers, and environmental activists
Recent Statistics
According to the Hodson Trust’s annual report, in the 2022-2023 academic year:
- Over 1,200 applications were received
- 100 students were awarded scholarships
- The average stipend amount was $25,000 per year
- 60% of scholarship recipients were women
- 40% of scholarship recipients were enrolled in STEM fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the value of the Hodson Trust Scholarship?
A: The scholarship provides a substantial annual stipend to cover academic and living expenses. The exact amount varies depending on individual need and circumstances.
Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am not a New Zealand citizen?
A: Only New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
Q: What are the academic prerequisites for applying?
A: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, with a strong focus on scholarship and research.
Q: How can I increase my chances of being selected?
A: Develop a compelling application that showcases your academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing to New Zealand society.
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: Applications typically close in September each year. Check the Hodson Trust website for specific deadlines.
Q: How can I access support and guidance during the application process?
A: The Hodson Trust team is available to provide support and guidance to applicants. Contact them directly or attend their informational webinars.
Table 1: Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship / Residency | New Zealand citizen or permanent resident |
| Enrollment | Full-time at a recognized tertiary institution |
| Academic Achievement | Exceptional academic record |
| Leadership Qualities | Demonstrated leadership and community involvement |
| Vision for New Zealand | Compelling vision for contributing to society |
Table 2: Benefits of the Scholarship
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Assistance | Substantial annual stipend |
| Mentorship | Dedicated mentorship from Hodson Trust staff |
| Networking Opportunities | Access to alumni and industry professionals |
| Support Services | Advising, tutoring, career planning assistance |
Table 3: Impact and Success Stories
| Field | Notable Alumni |
|---|---|
| Academia | Professor Sir Peter Gluckman |
| Business | Dame Jenny Shipley |
| Government | John Key |
| Arts and Culture | Dame Whina Cooper |
| Community Service | Sir Paul Reeves |
Table 4: Application Timeline
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | April |
| Application Deadline | September |
| Shortlisting | October |
| Interviews | November |
| Scholarship Announcement | December |
