NGO Study Awards

NGO Social Work Study Awards - 2010 Application Round

Applications for the Social Work Study Awards can be made by any social worker employed by an Non-Government Organisation who is enrolled in or intending to enroll in a course that is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).

These awards are administered by Family and Community Services, a service line of the Ministry of Social Development.

In the 2010 round, there will be a minimum of 65 new study awards available. Selection will be:

• based strictly on merit and will require candidates to meet minimum criteria
• based on the written application form provided.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than 4 December 2009.

About The Awards

Students can receive up to $3,500 per year and up to $10,500 over the duration of the award to help with their course fees.

For employers, there is a contribution of up to $4,500 per year, and up to $13,500 over the duration of the award for "study support", such as backfilling the employee's position while they are studying. Employers can also get up to $8,750 to help with the cost of backfilling the staff member while they are on their three month placement in their final year of study.

Each study award has a maximum possible value of $32,750.

Who Can Apply

Applications can be made by any NGO social worker who is enrolled in or intending to enrol in a course that is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).   Generally these will be Level 7 (bachelor) qualifications in social work and may also include:

• Level 8 (post-graduate) social work qualifications or
• Recognised Level 6 (diploma) social work qualifications where the applicant commenced studying prior to January 2006.   

A list of recognised courses is available on The Social Workers Registration Board website.

As a part of the application process the employee will need to show they are a ‘fit and proper person' and ‘of good character and reputation', as set out in the Social Workers Registrations Act 2003.

Preference will be given to full time employees (ideally 20 hours or more per week), and who have previously studied or are currently studying at a tertiary level.  Applicants who do not meet these criteria are still eligable to apply and will be considered on their merits alongside other applicants. 

These awards are not available to support further study where the applicant already has a social work qualification that meets the educational requirements for registration, or who are already fully registered.

Making an Application

Applications open on Monday 30 June 2009 and close on Friday 25 September 2009.  The application is a joint process by an NGO employer and their employee.  it is recommended that employers and employees complete the application together. 

A series of pre-application workshops will be held during the August to September 2009 application period.  This will explain more fully the information contained in the Applicants Booklet and Application Form, and will give an opportunity to have questions answered, or just to have a discussion about the awards. 

Further information is available on the Family and Community Services Website