Whether you are looking to study before you join or would like the option of further study as a serving member of the Air Force, we can help.

If you are passionate about gaining a degree and show potential to be an Officer, we can help get you off to a flying start. Commit to a career with us, and not only do we pay you a living allowance while you study, but we will also pay your course fees. All you have to do is study hard, enjoy yourself, get your degree, then come and do Officer training when you graduate.

Each year we sponsor selected candidates through their studies. If you are planning on studying Engineering, Logistics or International Relations, talk to us first. Not only will you get the financial benefits, but we will give you the opportunity to work on an Air Force base during your holidays to get a taste of things to come.

We also sponsor post-graduate studies in specialist areas such as Psychology and Medicine. So even if you are already a graduate, you can still benefit from our support of your academic work.

As a serving member of the Air Force you can apply for Educational Study Assistance so you can further develop your academics. This can be through almost any recognised institute so long as what you intend to study is relevant to your trade and the Air Force.

If all this sounds good to you, get in touch and ask us for more information.

Engineering Scholarship Schemes

The following schemes are available for those wanting to become an Air Force Engineering Officer.

• The University Graduate Scheme – this is suited to Tertiary Graduates in their last year of study or following completion of their BE, BEng Tech and in exceptional cases a DIP Eng. On completion of you your tertiary qualification you will complete initial training with the service you have enlisted in. You will then go on to complete further service specific engineering training prior to becoming a qualified engineering officer in the NZDF. During your service you will be reimbursed (in addition to your salary) an annual monetary sum equivalent to your fees ($6000 approx) for each year of tertiary study you have completed prior to enlistment in the NZDF.

• The Bursary Scheme – this is suited to students who are currently completing BE, BEng Tech or DIP Eng at a tertiary institution. On successful acceptance into the service of your choice the NZDF will give you a living allowance (approximately $8000 p.a) and pay for your university fees for the remainder of your degree. Being accepted into this scheme will not disrupt your Tertiary studies as you will complete initial training after you have completed your engineering degree/diploma. Life continues as a normal tertiary student but your fees are paid for, and you get a living allowance! You will be required to give a return of service to the NZDF on completion of you degree. This is based on an “every year paid for by the NZDF we require a year service after your degree”. So if we paid for the last two years of your degree we expect two years service once you graduate university.

• The Salaried Scheme - this is suited to students who are about to commence an engineering tertiary qualification. If you are accepted into the NZDF as an engineering officer, you will attend university full time and be paid a salary whilst you do this! You will complete initial training prior to commencing your tertiary qualification. On completion of your BE, BEng Tech or DIP Eng qualification you will be required to give a return of service (this is on a year for year basis from the date you graduate).

The majors in which the NZDF is likely to provide sponsorship are, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Software, Materials, Aeronautical Engineering and Mechatronics, however other majors will be considered by the individual services (Navy, Army and Air Force).

Prior to commencing a NZDF scholarship scheme you will be required to apply and complete a number of academic testing, fitness testing and interview sessions to determine if you are suitable to become an Engineering Officer.