Who can make a request to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust?

People who are New Zealand citizens or ordinarily resident in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue may request a fellowship if they have not previously received a fellowship. Proof of permanent residency will be required.

Please note that there are restrictions on who can apply for Partnered Fellowships. The Trust may also consider a fellowship request to visit New Zealand for a purpose that will contribute to a profession, industry, occupation or trade in New Zealand and benefit New Zealand in general.

Winston Churchill Fellowships are open to people at all stages in their careers, in any profession, industry, occupation or trade. All subject areas are considered. There are no qualification requirements, but applicants need to show how they will share their travel learnings with their peers and communities.

The Trust would like to receive more requests for fellowships in agriculture, science or technology and / or for learning from cultures in the Pacific and Asian regions. It welcomes more requests from people living in communities outside of New Zealand's larger cities, and from New Zealanders from all ethnic backgrounds, including Māori and/or Pacific peoples.

How do I apply for a Fellowship?

Applications for fellowships are made online when a funding round is open. You will need a 'Real Me' login to be able to access the Fellowship application form. The link below will take you to a page that asks for your 'Real Me' login or enables you to apply for a 'Real Me' login. Please follow the instructions on the page to make a request for funding.

For more information and assistance with 'Real Me' telephone 0800 824 824.

There is one funding round each year. The funding round opens on the first Wednesday in May, and closes on the last Wednesday in July (2019-2021, or, the first Wednesday in August (2023-2024)

The funding round opens on the first Wednesday in May, and closes on the last Wednesday in July (2019-2021, or, the first Wednesday in August (2023-2024).

Only one request may be made to a funding round. Unsuccessful fellowship applicants may apply to a future funding round. Fellowship recipients may not reapply.

In your application you will need to:

Describe your project in less than 100 words
Outline your proposed itinerary
Explain why your project is needed
Describe the expected benefits to you, the area you work and/or have an interest in, and the benefits to New Zealand on your return.
Outline your experience relevant to the project
Explain how you will share the findings from your Fellowship experience.

The following supporting documents must be uploaded in your request:

a proposed itinerary for your fellowship project, which shows places to be visited, dates, and proposed activity at each place
a budget showing itemising costs and sources of funding. Costs will include travel, accommodation, travel insurance and daily expenses. Income will show the Fellowship amount requested, as well as contributions from other sources such as a personal contribution.
evidence of your New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue citizenship or permanent residency
your curriculum vitae
a letter from two referees commenting on your ability to successfully achieve your fellowship plans and how your fellowship proposal will benefit you, and on your return, benefit the community and New Zealand

Plus any partnered fellowship required document. These are:

requests for a Winston Churchill McNeish Writers Fellowship must include a writing sample.
ANZSOG Fellowship requests must include a letter of support from the applicant's Chief Executive, and one from the applicant's iwi.

A fellowship request that does not include the required supporting documents will be declined as it will not have enough information to be considered for a fellowship grant.