NZAS #2 |New Zealand ASEAN Scholarship Award: My Unexpected Surprise!

Act without Expectations

Inspired by Daily Prompt: Expectation

While most couples expect to receive surprises from their loved ones on Valentine’s Day, I never truly expect that the my mailbox would surprise me with the Scholarship Letter of Offer on February 14! It is sure a great surprise! From now on, I am very much inspired to share about my NZAS milestones in order to inspire other aspiring scholars around the globe.

Coming from a financially challenged family, it has been a ‘ wish upon a star’ to study abroad with full scholarship but nothing is impossible for those who truly believe. Every morning, before I start my work at the office, I would always check international news for updates and current events. One morning, I came across a news article with New Zealand ASEAN Scholarship Award (NZAS) on it. I became interested (since ‘to be a full-time scholar abroad’ was part of my Vision & Goals for 2016). So, I challenged myself to apply for one. It was never easy. I never expected to make it to the end but my heart was at peace no matter what the result be. Thankfully, after several months the long wait is finally over. Indeed, it’s WORTH THE WAIT!!! I GOT THE SCHOLARSHIP! Glory to God. 🙂

TIMELINE OF APPLICATION
April 29: Submitted application
April 30: Received response to inquiry
June  03: Passed the initial screening
June 04: Moved forward to the next stage
July 11:    Took online assessment
August 8: Passed online assessment stage
August 11: Schedule of panel interview
August 12: Submitted supporting documents
August 24: Took the interview
September 23: Shortlisting Outcome (RC)
December 19: Scholarship Team notification
January 31: University notification
February 2: Scholarship Team notification (PC)
February 10: New Zealand Scholarship Letter of Offer

Nothing comes easy. One thing for sure,  it will teach you character (if you recognize it)–patience. Expect that there are many applicants–many are called, but few are chosen. What brought me here are: Prayer and constant supplication, Planning, Goal-setting, and Research. I prepared and set specific targets to achieve it step by step. Throughout the process of waiting, I’ve learned many lessons. My character while waiting has been strengthened and I am so glad that I have finally received the Scholarship offer the day I  expected the least. When it seems to be hopeless, pray for patience, peace and joy. Keep moving, DON’T GIVE UP. (Jer. 29:11)

*I hope to help other aspiring NZAS scholars by sharing my personal experiences on my NZAS journey. ^_^ Everybody has a story.


20 thoughts on “NZAS #2 |New Zealand ASEAN Scholarship Award: My Unexpected Surprise!

Add yours

  1. Oh you did it! Congratulations for a great opportunity! 🙂
    So happy for you! This is God’s will that you passed! What an amazing God! 🙂

    I applied this for this year’s scholarship. Still waiting for results. Praying fervently for God’s will to unfold. 🙂

    Looking forward to read your experience. God bless dear! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Congratulations and thank you very much for sharing!
    I’m currently awaiting the results of the online exam. I was just wondering if you have any idea how they use the abstract reasoning results in the selection process? I’m asking because i failed to finish the exam within the time limit and I’m afraid that it could be a reason for my decline. Thank you for your insights.

    Like

    1. Hi Paul,
      It’s actually difficult to determine because qualified applicants are usually given different schedules i.e. 4-8 applicants will be interviewed for a day (something like that). Anyway, it doesn’t matter how many.. just stay focused and aim to make it. Cheers! 🙂

      Like

  3. Hi! I was recently accepted for an MA at the University of Auckland and now I’m waiting for the applications for NZAS. May I ask for your assistance on how the process goes and how to do well in the said process? I’m so inspired by you! Thanks in advance! Cheers!

    Like

      1. Hi! Yup! I’ll start applying on the second intake since that’s the schedule for PH. Any tips on how to do well in the application proceedings of the scholarship and also what to expect?

        Thank you! 🙂

        Like

  4. Hello Maam, i would like to ask some queries. I received email from NZ immigration asking me to submit visa requirements after a week. my question, is this the next step after taking psychometric test? Thank you.

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    1. Hi Ren,

      I have to clarify something first. Have you applied for a visa independently? You should only lodge a visa application once you receive a formal scholarship offer from MFAT (preferably with letter of offer from your university). If you have not received a scholarship offer yet, you should not be applying for a visa to avoid unnecessary expenses. Please read and follow instructions from MFAT carefully before taking any action. 🙂

      Like

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