Scholarship Fund 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 launched the fund to help build opportunities and support for directors in the not-for-profit community to grow their governance capability via access to important professional development. To get this opportunity off the ground in 2023 and 2024, executive search and consulting company SWR Group provided funding to unlock places on IoD’s sought-after five-day Company Directors’ Course (CDC) and one-day Essentials courses. However, there are many options and opportunities available.

Is there a cost to participate in the Scholarship Fund?

There is no cost to apply. 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-and-a-half-day Company Directors’ course. 

What is the selection process?

Applicants are shortlisted and a selection panel including the IoD’s General Manager Brand, Strategy and Engagement, a representative from the Scholarship fund supporter and an independent IoD member choose the final awardees.

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 must 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.

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 through social media.

What if I’m not selected?

Applicants who are not selected for the Scholarship Fund in the year they apply 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 two reference checks if you are shortlisted to assist with the selection process. One of these references must be 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, the award of a scholarship is based on your application and the course cannot be transferred to anyone else.