Paper marae suspended from the ceiling by string.

ECE and support staff scholarships

NZEI Te Riu Roa ECE and support staff scholarships

 

Scholarship applications for 2027 are now open!

Submit your application anytime from Saturday 7 February until Saturday 9 May 2026.

The scholarships are set up to advance the strategic direction of NZEI Te Riu Roa by providing an opportunity for early childhood education and support staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge within the workplace and in education generally.

  • To apply, read more here.
     
  • For past recipients, see 2024.
     

Who is eligible?

  • You must have been a full financial NZEI Te Riu Roa member for at least one year. 
     
  • You will need to continue to meet the eligibility criteria during the scholarship year.
     
  • You work as ONE of the following at the time of application:
  1. A teacher employed in an early childhood service
  2. A support staff worker employed by an early childhood service
  3. A support staff worker employed by a primary, area, or secondary school

Scholarship timeline

 

  • Saturday 7 February 2026 – Applications open.
     
  • Saturday 9 May 2026  Applications close.
     
  • September 2026 – All applicants advised of outcomes.
     
  • October 2026 Scholarship recipients announced at Hui-ā-Tau, the NZEI Te Riu Roa Annual Conference. Recipients receive first instalment of scholarship money.
     
  • End 2026 – Recipients presented with scholarship certificates by their area council/branch/aronui tomua.
     
  • June 2027 Final instalment of scholarship money, following receipt and acceptance of milestone report.
     
  • December 2027 – Recipients complete their projects.
     
  • February 2028 Final report due.