New Zealand-based senior executives and business owners keen to gain international exposure can expect to get government funding through the 2014 Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships.
The recipients of last year’s 10 scholarships studied at prestigious international institutions such as Stanford, INSEAD (The Business School For The World), Harvard, and the London Business School.
The scholarships are designed to grow skills and business capability to make New Zealand firms more internationally competitive, says Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.
“The knowledge gained from the world’s top business schools by our senior executives will benefit the companies they return to and in turn, help to grow the New Zealand economy and jobs,†Steven says.
“Our distance from overseas markets and the size of our economy can be a challenge to firms wanting to enter international markets. The scholarships help to develop the global mindset of our business leaders.
“Many of our smaller companies can have difficulty when expanding into overseas markets because they lack the knowledge or contacts.
“These scholarships provide an opportunity for recipients to learn best international practices and develop valuable networks they can bring back to their business. I encourage smaller firms to apply for the scholarships.â€
Applications for Asia-Pacific learning institutions are given preference. This region offers the most potential for New Zealand to increase exports and build networks and distribution channels.
The scholarships cover up to 50 per cent of course-related costs. Applications for the scholarships close on 30 April. For more information, visit the ministry’s website.
What does the scholarship cover
The government will reimburse half of the course costs and other study-related costs. All study-related costs can include:
- course fees
- airfares (economy)
- accommodation
- other costs such as textbooks.
 Who can apply
Applicants must be:
- New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
- working in a New Zealand-based registered company which is looking to internationalise or intensify their operations overseas
- applying for a course relevant to their work (minimum of four weeks) at an internationally-recognised institution
- returning to their business after the course.
(Photo credit: Rachael Voorhees)
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