Melissa Braganza
I am currently studying the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies (Level 5) – Religious Education (NZCCS-RE) through Te Kupenga while serving as the Director of Religious Studies (DRS) at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, Thorndon. This programme is providing me with a rich foundation in theology, scripture, spirituality, and religious education, with seven papers completed over several years through flexible online learning. The combination of quizzes, assignments, liturgy planning, research, and discussion forums with teachers from across Aotearoa has made the learning both practical and inspiring, and the tutors have been incredibly supportive throughout my learning.
Learning about Catholic identity, the role of the teacher in a Catholic school, stages of faith development, theology, and gaining a fresh understanding of both the Old and New Testaments has strengthened my confidence in leading Religious Education. These studies have enabled me to support our staff more effectively as we implement To Tātou Whakapono, the new Religious Education curriculum. They have also enriched my teaching of Te Rongopai themes, improved my planning with colleagues, and helped me create meaningful liturgies and learning experiences that nurture the faith of our students and strengthen the Catholic Special Character of our school.
I am sincerely grateful to the Catholic Foundation for the scholarship, which has made it possible for me to continue my studies. I also thank the Archdiocese of Wellington, particularly Kelly Ross, Vicar for Education, for making this opportunity available to catholic teachers in catholic schools, and my principal, Bernadette Murfitt, and colleagues at Sacred Heart Cathedral School for their ongoing encouragement and support.
Chris Senior
Receiving the scholarship funded by the Catholic Foundation has been a profound blessing, acting as the key that opened the door for me to explore further education in Catholic Education. Without this generous financial support, embarking on this academic path would have been far more challenging. The scholarship not only alleviated the financial barrier but also served as a powerful vote of confidence in my educational journey, inspiring me to dive deeply into my studies at Te Kupenga.
The learning experience at Te Kupenga has been exceptional, particularly due to the high quality of their online delivery. The courses are meticulously well-balanced and designed with working professionals in mind, making them completely manageable alongside my normal workload. This flexibility has allowed me to maintain my professional commitments without compromising the quality of my education, providing a seamless blend of theory, reflection, and practical application.
Ultimately, this opportunity has caused massive growth in my personal learning and my overall understanding of Catholicism. Through the rich curriculum and supportive academic community, I have gained invaluable insights that have deepened both my faith and my capacity to contribute meaningfully to Catholic Education. I am incredibly grateful to the Catholic Foundation for their investment in my future and for enabling this transformative chapter of my life.
Ivy Abella
Studying at Te Kupenga has been a deeply rewarding experience that has strengthened both my theological knowledge and my confidence in teaching Religious Education. The learning has encouraged me to engage thoughtfully with my studies while deepening my understanding of faith, service, leadership, and Catholic identity. Each course has broadened my perspective and equipped me with new knowledge and practical skills that I will carry forward into my teaching, future ministry, and involvement within my community.
Receiving the scholarship funded by the Catholic Foundation has made a significant positive difference to my studies. By easing the financial pressure associated with further education, the scholarship has allowed me to focus more fully on my academic commitments and to take advantage of the opportunities available through Te Kupenga.
Kathryn Powick
As an educator who has worked in Catholic education for over twenty years, my greatest passion has always been sharing my faith with the students I teach. Over the last four years in a Director of Religious Studies role, that passion has grown into something bigger, a desire to support the teachers I work alongside as they educate in Catholic schools. To do that well, I knew I needed to deepen my own learning and understanding of Catholic education, so I could bring real knowledge and skill back to the staff I support.
Like many of us juggling family life and finances in the current economic climate, finding the funds to extend my learning was not an easy task. So when I saw the scholarship on offer from the Catholic Foundation to study with Te Kupenga, I jumped at the opportunity. The application process was straightforward, and the support I received to get started with my first papers made all the difference. Thanks to the scholarship, I am able to complete two papers in Theology. While some of the content was familiar ground, I gained real value from hearing other students’ perspectives and considering different viewpoints and from thinking through how these ideas translate practically into a Catholic education setting.
Catholic Foundation Scholarships for 2027
Five scholarships worth $4,000 each are available to young Catholic students attending a Catholic college or Catholic students at non-Catholic secondary schools who are entering tertiary study or vocational training.
The scholarships will pay $2,000 in the first year of tertiary study or vocational training and subject to receiving a satisfactory report on the first year’s study or training. A further $2,000 will be paid for the 2nd year.
Applications are open now, and will close on 31 October.
No late applications will be accepted, and applications forms are available on the Catholic Foundation website: www.catholicfoundation.org.nz.