This is a sponsored article by the New Zealand Defence Force.
TL;DR Scholarship by the New Zealand Army. Get up to $40,000 of your course fees reimbursed and a starting salary of $60,050 when you become an Army Officer.
Have you graduated or you’re getting close to graduating but still have no idea what to do after uni? So many of my friends are in the same boat so don’t stress if you feel like you’re the only person without a plan!
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has a new scholarship opportunity for students. Their Tū Ako Scholarship will help YOU become an Army Officer and it’s so much more than being in a uniform and carrying a gun! From roles in engineering, medical, nursing, legal, communication, dental, and more. They’re looking for you to join them!
Introducing, the Tū Ako Scholarship
What is the Tū Ako Scholarship?
The Tū Ako (higher learning) scholarship is a new scholarship by the NZ Army for tertiary students. A lot of skills you’ve learnt at university could make you the perfect fit in the army and they want to make the decision even easier for you.
What do you get?
Successful applicants will receive a starting salary of $60,050 (that’s a decent graduate paycheck!) when they become an Army Officer. On top of that, they’ll get their course fees reimbursed up to $40,000! You’re pretty much graduating without a student loan and getting an awesome salary!
Who can apply?
The Tū Ako Scholarship is available to all recent university graduates in New Zealand. You can also apply if you’re in the final two years of your study.
How do I apply?
You’ll need to submit an application through the Defence Careers website and complete their recruitment process to make sure you’re suitable for a career in the NZ Army. This includes academic, aptitude and fitness testing; medical and security screening (including a police background check); several interviews and an officer selection board.
Find out more or apply here.
What will I do as an Army Officer?
Officers are the leaders of the New Zealand Army. They are the managers and strategists. Their decision-making skills and problem-solving abilities enable them to plan and execute tasks in wide-ranging conditions. It is their job to earn trust and respect, and to display the strength of character to inspire their soldiers in potentially difficult situations.
Defence Careers website (https://www.defencecareers.mil.nz/army/careers/browse-roles/army-officer/)
What are the perks?
Apart from the awesome salary, you can get:
- Free medical and dental
- 5 weeks of annual leave
- Access to additional compensation and housing allowances
- Defence discounts at selected stores and services
But I would say the best perk is the privilege of being able to serve our country, make great friends for life and honestly, you’ll never be out of shape with all the sports, gyms, and swimming pools available! You can learn more about what’s life like in the uniform at https://www.defencecareers.mil.nz/army/life-in-uniform/.
What happens if I’m selected?
If you’re selected, you’ll have to complete the New Zealand Commissioning Course at Waiouru. The course is designed to produce competent, fit, durable and determined leaders ready to command soldiers here in NZ and overseas on operations.
After you finish the course and graduate as an Officer, you’ll be assigned to a Corps to enter and commence their career as a NZ Army Officer! There are 9 Corps you can enter such as Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers, Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals and New Zealand Intelligence Corps. Huge variety right!
There is no minimum term of employment or return of service for this scholarship.
Convinced? Apply now at Defence Careers.
If I was still studying, I’d definitely consider giving this a shot! How awesome would it be to not have to deal with your student loan, get a great starting salary, and all the perks!