Apply Now: The O’Donnell Trust Fund Scholarships (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The O’Donnell Trust Fund Scholarships provide financial support to talented students living within 30km of Palmerston North who want to advance their education in music, ballet, or singing. The scholarships support full-time study at an appropriate university, polytechnic, school, or academy in New Zealand or overseas. Funding can help cover study fees, accommodation, living costs, travel, books, laptops, stationery, and other study-related expenses.

About the O’Donnell Trust Fund Scholarships

The O’Donnell Trust was established by the late Miss O’Donnell to support talented musicians, ballet dancers, and singers from the Palmerston North area. The Trust aims to help students further develop their talents through formal education in New Zealand or internationally. It also seeks to provide opportunities for students to pursue professional qualifications in the performing arts and work toward their long-term career aspirations. Special consideration is given to underprivileged students. What Do the Scholarships Support? The scholarships are intended for students with outstanding talent in: - Music. - Ballet. - Singing. Successful applicants can use the funding to pursue formal full-time education at an appropriate institution in New Zealand or overseas. The programme is designed to help talented students strengthen their skills, obtain professional qualifications, and prepare for future careers in the performing arts. How Much Funding Is Available? Scholarships are awarded between $5,000 and $10,000 per year. Funding can be provided for up to three years, subject to the applicable scholarship conditions. The scholarship may support expenses such as: - Study fees. - Accommodation. - Student loans. - Laptops. - Stationery. - Travel. - Books. - Living expenses. - Incidental expenses. Payments are preferably made directly to the relevant education provider. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the citizenship, residency, talent, study, and course-duration requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be New Zealand-born or naturalised New Zealand citizens. - Be permanent residents living within 30km of The Square in Palmerston North. - Demonstrate outstanding talent in music, ballet, or singing. - Intend to undertake full-time study. - Plan to study at an appropriate university, polytechnic, school, or academy. - Study at an institution in New Zealand or overseas. - Begin the proposed study within 12 months of the closing date. - Undertake a course lasting at least one academic year. Residency Requirement Applicants must be permanent residents living within 30km of The Square in Palmerston North. The residency requirement is specifically connected to the O’Donnell Trust’s focus on supporting talented students from the Palmerston North area. Applicants should provide proof of their residential address as part of the application. Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be either:

- New Zealand-born citizens; or - Naturalised New Zealand citizens. Proof of citizenship must be included with the application. Study Requirements Scholarship recipients must intend to undertake full-time study at an appropriate educational institution.

The institution may be located:

- In New Zealand; or - Overseas. Eligible institutions can include universities, polytechnics, schools, or academies appropriate to the applicant’s chosen field of study. The proposed course must have a duration of at least one academic year, and study must commence within 12 months of the closing date. Areas of Talent The O’Donnell Trust Fund Scholarships are focused on three areas of the performing arts: Music Students demonstrating outstanding musical talent may apply for support to undertake appropriate formal education and training. Ballet Talented ballet dancers can seek funding to further develop their skills through full-time study at a suitable institution. Singing Students with outstanding singing ability may apply for support to undertake formal study and pursue professional development. Consideration for Underprivileged Students The O’Donnell Trust provides special consideration to underprivileged students. Applicants should therefore provide relevant information about their financial position and circumstances as part of the application. This information can help demonstrate the financial need associated with their proposed study and explain how the scholarship would support their educational and career goals. What Can the Scholarship Funding Be Used For? The scholarship funds are intended to support education and related expenses.

Potential uses include:

- Tuition and study fees. - Accommodation. - Student loans. - Laptop costs. - Stationery. - Travel. - Books. - Living expenses. - Incidental expenses. Applicants must provide a proposal explaining how they intend to use the scholarship funding and include an itemised budget. Application Requirements Applicants must submit several documents and supporting materials.

The application must include:

- Proof of New Zealand citizenship. - Proof of residential address. - A CV. - Two references, including one from a teacher. - A cover letter. - A link to a solo-performance video. - A statement describing the proposed course of study. - Information about future career aspirations. - A proposal explaining how the scholarship funds will be used. - An itemised budget. - Details of the applicant’s financial position. Applicants should ensure that the information provided gives a clear picture of their talent, educational plans, financial circumstances, and future career goals. Solo-Performance Video Applicants must provide a link to a solo-performance video as part of their application. The video provides supporting evidence of the applicant’s talent in their chosen performing-arts discipline. Applicants should ensure that the submitted video clearly represents their individual performance. References Applicants must provide two references, including at least one reference