FAQs

Do applicants need to be a member of the IoD?

You must be a member of the IoD to be eligible for the Scholarship Fund. Not a member? You can join here.

What are the Scholarship Fund's objectives?

The IoD is launching its Scholarship Fund to help build opportunities and support, initially for directors in the not-for-profit community, to enable them to build their governance capability via access to important professional development. To get this opportunity off the ground, executive search and consulting company SWR Group has provided funding to unlock places on IoD’s sought after five-day Company Directors' Course (CDC) and one-day Essentials courses.

Is there a cost to participate in the Scholarship Fund?

There is no application fee to apply for the places on IoD’s Company Directors' Course and Essentials courses. However, the cost of travel to and from your course is not included in your scholarship. 

Accommodation is included for the five-day Company Directors’ Course from Sunday to Friday. 

How many scholarship awardees are selected?

We will select ten awardees to attend their choice of a one-day Essentials course and two awardees to attend a five-day Company Directors’ course. 

What is the selection process?

Applicants are shortlisted by an internal selection process by the IoD. A selection panel including the IoD’s General Manager Brand, Strategy and Engagement, a representative from SWR Group and an independent IoD member, will choose the final awardees.

All applicants will be notified by 7 August 2023 as to whether they have been successful or not.  Selections will be final and no review will be undertaken.

Is the Scholarship Fund open to applicants throughout New Zealand?

Yes. The Scholarship Fund is open to applicants from anywhere in New Zealand.

Can I apply for both the Essentials Scholarship and Company Directors’ Course Scholarship?

The criteria differs for each fund with regards to how many years’ governance experience applicants have. You can therefore only apply for one of the scholarships depending on whether you have fewer than 3 years (Essentials), or a minimum of 3 years (CDC) governance experience. 

What happens after I am selected?

Applicants will be notified by the IoD as to whether your application was successful or unsuccessful by email on or before 7 August 2023.

Will my name be made public if I am accepted into the Scholarship Fund?

The IoD reserve the right to use your information for marketing and publicity purposes as outlined in the terms and conditions within the application form. We will publish a list of successful awardees on the IoD website and social media channels.

What if I’m not selected?

Applicants who are not selected for the Scholarship Fund for 2023 will be able to apply for future awards when they become available.  

Do I need approval or input from my board?

You do not require approval or input from your board. However, for the Company Directors’ Course Scholarship, you will be required to provide a reference if you are shortlisted to assist with the selection process. This reference must be from the chair or another trustee of your not-for-profit board.

What happens if I do not attend my training course within one year?

Due to the demand and availability for course places, you must book and attend your course within one year of it being awarded. 

If I am awarded an Essentials course, can I choose which course to attend?

Yes, we have a range of different one-day Essentials courses to choose from, and the choice is yours (subject to availability). 

Is my course transferrable to someone else?

No, your selection in to the Scholarship Fund is based on your application and the course cannot be transferred to anyone else.