Wellington offers a variety of scholarships for primary school students (Years 1–6), aiming to support academic excellence, cultural involvement, and community engagement. Below is a curated list of opportunities available in the region.
Private and Independent School Financial Assistance
1. Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
- Eligibility: Girls entering Year 6.
- Scholarship Types: Year 6 Scholarship for Academic Excellence, covering 25%–50% of tuition fees for four years.
- Application Deadline: Applications for 2026 closed on 15 May 2025; applications for 2027 will open at the beginning of Term 1 2026.
- Website: Samuel Marsden Collegiate School Scholarships
2. Wellesley College
- Eligibility: New Zealand citizens and permanent residents currently in Year 6 who are not enrolled at Wellesley.
- Scholarship Types: Scholarships awarded based on financial need, ensuring access for families who would not otherwise be able to afford tuition.
- Website: Wellesley College Scholarships
3. St Mark’s School
- Eligibility: Students entering Years 3–8; Māori and Pasifika students entering Years 1–8.
- Scholarship Types: Entrance Scholarships recognizing excellence in academics, sports, performing arts, and service.
- Application Status: Open for the 2026 school year.
- Website: St Mark’s School Entrance Scholarships
4. Scots College
- Eligibility: Co-educational students from Years 1–13; specific scholarship details for primary years are not publicly listed.
- Website: Scots College
5. Chilton Saint James School
- Eligibility: New Zealand domestic students; specific scholarship details for primary years are not publicly listed.
- Website: Chilton Saint James School Admissions
Community and Regional Scholarships
1. Duffy Books in Homes
- Purpose: Provides books to children in low-decile schools to promote literacy and a love of reading.
- Eligibility: Students attending participating schools in Wellington and across New Zealand.
- Website: Duffy Books in Homes
2. KidsCan Charitable Trust
- Purpose: Offers targeted programmes to remove physical barriers preventing children in low-decile schools from getting the most out of their education.
- Eligibility: Students attending partner schools in Wellington and nationwide.
- Website: KidsCan
Additional Resources
- StudySpy: A comprehensive database to search for scholarships across New Zealand. StudySpy Scholarships
- givME: A resource providing information on scholarships and grants; accessible for free at many public libraries. givME Scholarships Database
Conclusion
Wellington offers a diverse range of scholarship opportunities for primary school students, catering to various talents and backgrounds. Parents and guardians are encouraged to explore these options early, as application deadlines and requirements vary. Engaging with schools directly and utilizing available resources can provide further guidance in securing financial assistance for your child’s education.