Helen Graham Primary Industries Scholarship 2025

This round will open at 9:00AM 15 September 2025 (NZST) for submissions.

Helen Graham Primary Industries Scholarship 2025

IMPORTANT: Please read the information below to assist you in completing your application online.

Applicants should carefully consider the criteria which may be varied from time to time.

Helen Margaret Robertson was born in 1930 in South Canterbury. She trained as a teacher in Christchurch, eventually becoming a School Inspector specializing in science. She married Graham Robertson in the mid-1980s and moved to Levin to retire. By this time, Mrs. Robertson had developed Multiple Sclerosis. In 1992, she established the Helen Graham Charitable Trust, the name being a combination of her and her husband's first names. Mrs. Robertson passed away in 1998.

Who is eligible?

  • Current students of Horowhenua College, Waiopehu College, Manawatu College, or Otaki College.
  • Applicants must intend to advance their education in 2026 at an appropriate tertiary education provider and aspire to a career in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishing, veterinary science, or environmental science.
  • Study must commence in the academic year following the application.
  • Applicants must intend to study in the Primary Industries field, which must include papers related to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishing, veterinary science, or environmental science.
  • The definition of the Primary Industries field will be determined by the Trustee and is intended to be broad.
  • The Scholarship will be awarded based on a balance of career-specific merit and financial need.

Funding Available: 

Up to two scholarships of up to $2,000 will be awarded for one year only. There is no option to request a continuation of the scholarship in future years.

Use of Scholarship Funds:

The scholarship may be applied toward:

  • Student loan
  • Tertiary fees (including course fees and Halls of Residence fees)
  • Other study-related expenses (e.g., laptop, stationery, travel)

Note: Preference is given to payments made directly to a tertiary education provider or service provider rather than to the individual.

Restrictions: The scholarship cannot be used to purchase a car or cell phone.

How to apply: 

Complete the application form via Public Trust’s online granting system, SmartyGrants.

A full application requires:

  • Completion of the form
  • Uploading required supporting documents (academic details, proposed course of study, financial information, etc.)

You can save your progress and return to complete the form later. Applications must be submitted before 5pm on 31 October 2025.

Scholarship Terms and Conditions

  • Public Trust is the Trustee for the Helen Graham Charitable Trust.
  • The value of the scholarship is determined annually by the Trustee and Advisory Panel.
  • All applications are reviewed by the Trustee and Advisory Panel. The Trustee’s decision is final.
  • Scholarships are conditional on enrollment in the course of study outlined in the application.
  • Scholarships may be approved subject to conditions. Funds will be held until conditions are met.
  • Successful applicants must submit an Accountability Report by 31 March 2027, including:
    • A brief review of the previous year
    • An outline of the upcoming year of study or career step
    • Examination results from the previous year
  • The Trustee reserves the right to withhold payment in cases of misconduct or significant change in circumstances.

Important dates

  • Applications open: 9am, 15 September 2025
  • Applications close: 5pm, 31 October 2025
  • Outcome advised by: 22 December 2025 (subject to change)

Late applications will not be accepted.

Privacy and Consent

The applicant acknowledges that information provided may be shared during the assessment process or in publishing scholarship results. Personal information will be held by Public Trust for the purpose of assessing applications. Applicants have the right to access and correct their personal information.

Contact us: Any questions should be directed to Public Trust either by emailing the Charities Team at funding@publictrust.co.nz or calling the Charities Team on 0800 371 471.

IMPORTANT: Please read information below to assist you in completing your application online.

Step 1: Determine eligibility

Please ensure you have read the criteria of the Trust.

If you are unsure of your eligibility in applying please contact Public Trust at funding@publictrust.co.nz

Step 2: Register and login to apply online

First time users will need to register.

Note: Please store your login details in a safe place for future reference.

Once registered you can login to the system and start your application.

Step 3: Complete your Application

The application is best viewed/completed on a non-mobile device.

Complete all of the required questions – mandatory questions are marked with an *

Attach all required supporting documents.

All attachments must be attached as PDF, Excel or WORD format.

Supporting materials cannot exceed 25MB in size, as files exceeding this will not upload.

Hint: Save your work regularly so it is not lost if you time out or lose your connection.

You can save your application at any stage and return to it later. Make sure the spell-checker is switched on in your browser to prevent spelling errors.

Step 4: Review and submit your Application

When you are satisfied with your application press the ‘Review’ button to ensure that all required sections of the application have been completed (you must do this before the ‘Submit’ button is enabled).

Remember to submit your application.

Note: Once you have submitted your application no further editing or uploading of supporting documents is possible.

Step 5: What happens next?

You will receive an automated email confirming your submission with a copy of your application attached and information about how/when your application will be assessed.  This will be sent to the email you used to register. 

If you do not receive a confirmation email then your Application has not been successfully submitted (remember to check your spam email folder when looking for the email).

We will contact you if we require any further information to consider your application.

If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

If you encounter any technical difficulties using the online SmartyGrants portal email service@smartygrants.com.au