What Grade Is Best for a Scholarship? Here’s What Actually Works

There’s a myth floating around that you need straight A’s to win a scholarship. It’s not true. And chasing perfect grades alone might cost you more than it’s worth.

Grades matter-but not the way you think

Scholarships don’t just look at your report card. They look at your story. A student with a B average who started a food drive for homeless teens in their town has a stronger chance than someone with all A’s who never left their room. That’s because scholarships are about potential, not just past performance.

Most scholarship providers care about three things: academic effort, personal initiative, and how you’ll use the money. Your grade is just one part of that picture. In fact, many scholarships set minimum thresholds-not perfection. For example, the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s Targeted Assistance Scholarships require a B average or higher. But they also ask for a personal statement, references, and proof of community involvement.

So what grade is best? The answer isn’t 95%. It’s good enough to qualify-and high enough to stand out.

When to start aiming for scholarships

Most students wait until Year 13 to look for scholarships. That’s too late.

By Year 10, you should already be building your profile. That’s when many local, regional, and private scholarships open their doors. For example, the Rotary Club of Wellington offers scholarships to Year 10 students showing leadership in environmental projects. You don’t need top marks-you need consistent action.

By Year 11, you’re entering the window where most academic scholarships begin reviewing applicants. This is the time to focus on subjects that align with your future goals. If you want to study engineering, don’t just get a B in math-get an A in physics and join the robotics club. If you want to study nursing, volunteer at a community health center. Grades open the door. Experience walks you through it.

Year 12 is your last chance to fix a weak grade. If you struggled in Year 11, use Year 12 to show improvement. Scholarship committees notice upward trends. A student who went from a C in English to an A in Year 12 tells a story of growth. That’s powerful.

The real cutoff: what grades do scholarships actually require?

There’s no universal grade. But here’s what most scholarships in New Zealand and similar systems actually look for:

• Minimum requirement: B average (70-79%)-this is the floor for most national and university-based scholarships.
• Competitive range: A- average (80-89%)-this puts you in the top 20% of applicants.
• Elite scholarships: A+ (90%+)-these are rare and often tied to specific fields like science, music, or sports.

For example, the University of Auckland’s International Excellence Scholarship requires an A+ average. But it also requires a detailed portfolio, letters of recommendation, and proof of leadership. The grade alone won’t get you in.

On the flip side, the Tertiary Education Commission’s Equity Scholarships prioritize students from low-income backgrounds, even if their grades are a B or lower. They look at hardship, resilience, and future potential-not just test scores.

What matters more than your grade

Let’s say two students apply for the same scholarship. One has a 92% average. The other has an 81% average but runs a free tutoring program for refugee students, writes poetry published in a local journal, and works 20 hours a week to help pay for their family’s medical bills.

Who gets the scholarship? The second one. Every time.

Scholarship panels are made up of real people. They’re tired of reading applications that sound like robot resumes. They want to see humanity. They want to know: What have you done with the opportunities you’ve had?

Here’s what actually moves the needle:

• Community service: Tutoring, mentoring, volunteering at shelters, organizing clean-ups.
• Leadership: Leading a club, starting a project, being elected to student council.
• Overcoming adversity: Working while studying, caring for family members, navigating financial hardship.
• Special talents: Music, art, sports, coding, writing-anything you’ve pursued seriously.

These aren’t extras. They’re the reason scholarships exist. They’re designed to help students who might not have money but have drive.

How to pick the right scholarship for your grade

Not all scholarships are created equal. Some are grade-heavy. Others barely care. Here’s how to match your profile:

1. If your average is below 70%: Focus on equity-based or need-based scholarships. Look for ones that mention “financial hardship,” “first-generation student,” or “underrepresented community.”
2. If your average is 70-79%: Target scholarships that value community work or personal growth. Many local Rotary Clubs, churches, and small foundations give these out.
3. If your average is 80-89%: You’re in the sweet spot. Apply for academic scholarships but also include ones that ask for a portfolio or essay. Your grades get you in the door. Your story gets you the money.
4. If your average is 90%+: Don’t just apply for the big-name ones. Apply for niche scholarships too-like those for students interested in Māori culture, environmental science, or Pacific Island heritage. These have less competition.

Use the Tertiary Education Commission website to filter by eligibility. You can sort by grade level, field of study, and financial need.

What to do if your grades aren’t where you want them

If you’re in Year 11 or 12 and your grades are slipping, don’t panic. You still have time.

First, talk to your teacher or guidance counselor. Ask: “What can I do this term to show improvement?” Many schools offer reassessment options, especially if you’ve shown effort.

Second, build your non-academic profile. Start a blog. Join a club. Volunteer once a week. Document it. These things matter just as much as a test score.

Third, apply for scholarships that don’t require top grades. There are hundreds of small, local scholarships that only ask for a 500-word essay and a reference letter. They’re not advertised widely-but they’re out there.

One student from Dunedin got a $2,000 scholarship just because she wrote about how she learned to cook for her younger siblings after her mom got sick. No A’s. Just honesty.

Final checklist: Are you ready?

Before you submit any application, ask yourself these five questions:

• Did I meet the minimum grade requirement? (Check the fine print.)
• Do I have a clear, personal story that shows who I am beyond the numbers?
• Have I included real examples of my work or service-not just listed them?
• Did I ask someone to proofread my essay? (A teacher, parent, or friend.)
• Did I submit before the deadline? (Late applications are automatically rejected.)

If you answered yes to all five, you’re ready. Don’t wait for perfect grades. Start now.

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