TINZT academic scholarships

The TINZT Tourism Academic Scholarships are open annually to young New Zealanders about to commence their final year of tertiary study in a tourism-related course. Up to two scholarships may be awarded per year to  applicants completing either level 4-6 qualifications, or completing level 7 and above. 

Valued at $4000, each scholarship comprises a $2500 payment towards the recipient’s final year of study in a tourism-related tertiary course, along with attendance at Tourism Summit Aotearoa. The recipients will also receive a day of placement and networking with tourism operators and organisations, a TIA mentor, and continued support from TIA post-study to encourage industry engagement.

Scholarships are not being offered in 2023.


2021 TINZT Scholarships

The recipients of the 2021 Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Academic Scholarship were announced at the Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Wellington.

The scholarships, managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), were awarded to:

  • Alexia Williams, New Zealand School of Tourism
  • Sophie Galletly, WelTec

Alexia and Sophie were both present at the Summit to receive their scholarships from TINZT Chair Gráinne Troute, who is also TIA Chair.

“The importance of attracting and retaining a strong and capable workforce has never been more important to the tourism industry,” says Ms Troute. “I’m honoured to have awarded this scholarship to such smart young Kiwis. It gives me faith in the sustainable future of the industry.”

“These academic scholarships are an important way of reinforcing to some incredible young talent that tourism still offers fantastic job opportunities. The prize will help kickstart their careers.”

Ms Troute says the scholarships attracted applications from students all over the country.

Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a Scholarship Panel before the two winners were selected.

“This year’s scholarships were hotly contested, but our two winners stood out as having the academic and personal qualities our industry is seeking. They both demonstrated an excellent understanding of the industry and will be outstanding ambassadors for the TINZT scholarship programme. We look forward to welcoming them to the industry when they graduate next year.”

About the winners


Alexia Williams (Tainui, Ngati Tamainupo)

Alexia Williams of Cambridge is studying towards a Tourism and Travel Diploma at the New Zealand School of Tourism. Having spent several years involved in local community organisations like Kōhanga Reo, Alexia is approaching tourism well-grounded in kaupapa Māori and aspires to use these skills in her future career in the industry.


Sophie Galletly

Sophie Galletly of Upper Hutt is studying towards a Diploma in Tourism Travel at WelTec. Despite only finishing college last year she has extended her record of achievement, topping her current cohort and earning a place amongst the highest achieving students of the past five years.


Email events@tia.org.nz or phone 04 499 0104 if you require any further information.

Read what past scholarship winners had to say


"The scholarship has been fantastic. Not only has it helped me get ahead financially, it has also given me a chance to spend time learning more about the industry."

Georgia McLean, studying a tourism management degree at Victoria University of Wellington

"Winning the TINZT scholarship has allowed me to meet some inspirational people who work in the tourism industry, which has motivated me to work harder at my tertiary education as I want to work with them in the future." 

Samantha McGhie, studying a Bachelor of Management Studies, majoring in marketing, at the University of Waikato

"Being one of the recipients of this scholarship has helped hugely with my studies, giving me the motivation to achieve my goals." 

Aleesha Crouch, studying for a WINTEC certificate in Tourism and an International City & Guilds Diploma

Contact us

e: info@tinzt.org.nz

t: 04 499 1014 | 0800 TIA HELP (842 4357)