Ninja Kiwi Scholarship Guidance

NINJA KIWI - SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION

This one-year scholarship of £1,500 is aimed at a well-rounded individual who is considered academically bright, driven, ambitious and interested in working in the games industry.

The Ninja Kiwi Scholarship is open to students who are entering Year 4 of one of the following Games courses:

Computer Arts
Computer Game Applications Development
Computer Games Technology
Game Design and Production

The successful candidate will also undertake a four-week paid placement at Ninja Kiwi as the culmination of their scholarship.

The candidate will join one of the development teams; however, this will depend on their experience and the course that they are studying. There will also be opportunities to work in other areas of the organisation such as creating marketing materials and extra tools.

Students who are shortlisted for the scholarship will be asked to attend an interview which is likely to take place in February 2026. Further information on the work placement will be discussed during the interview.

WHAT KIND OF FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?

One £1,500 scholarship will be awarded to the successful applicant. The award will be paid in two instalments -

First instalment: January 2026
Second instalment: April 2026

Paid 4-week summer work placement – pay will be agreed prior to the successful student being asked to accept the scholarship. The placement will begin at the end of May 2026 or early June 2026 in the Dundee Office. Hours of work will be Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Exact dates tbc.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Completed applications and evidence should be submitted to the Advisory Service through the live form available on Connect, accessible with your student account. WHERE IS THIS? LINK NEEDED.

If you have any difficulties with your application or are unable to access the application, please contact advisory at advisory@abertay.ac.uk

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for this scholarship applicants must meet all the following criteria:

Be starting Year 4 of any of the above games’ courses mentioned.
Be able to take part in the 4-week work placement at Ninja Kiwi. Exact date to be confirmed but it is anticipated that the students must be available to start at the end of May 2026 or beginning of June 2026.
Be able to demonstrate in the application form that that they are ambitious and keen to work in the games industry.
Be willing to attend an interview likely in January 2026.
Be willing to take part in publicity materials for the scholarship if successful.
Be willing to meet a Ninja Kiwi Representative and/or write a letter of thanks for the scholarship if successful.

AWARD CONDITIONS

Applicants must be willing and able to meet the following award conditions if successful:
1. To write a Thank You letter addressed to the Award Donor.
2. To give permission for elements of your Thank You letter to be quoted for promotional materials.
3. To meet with the Donor at the Donors request.
4. To take part in promotional activity relating to this Award.
5. To undertake a work placement opportunity in May or June 2026.

This will be discussed at the interview.

WHO ARE NINJA KIWI EUROPE?

Ninja Kiwi is one of the world’s leading developers and publishers for web and mobile. Founded as Digital Goldfish in 2005 by two graduates from Abertay University, the company went on to be acquired in 2012 by New Zealand based Ninja Kiwi. They have accumulated over 100 million downloads on the AppStores. Their hit franchises include Bloons, Bloons TD and SAS: Zombie Assault. Ninja Kiwi office in Dundee is co-managed by Abertay graduates David Hamilton and Barry Petrie.

DECISION MAKING PANEL

Decision panel members may access your student record and utilise their knowledge of your academic performance as part of the decision-making process. This panel will be comprised of the following:

A representative from Ninja Kiwi.
A representative from The Division of Games and Arts.
A representative from Student Services.

EVIDENCE AND DEADLINE

Closing date for applications: 31st October 2025

Evidence - optional:

Your CV (optional).
Reference from an employer.

APPLICATION QUERIES AND ASSISTANCE

Staff in the Advisory Service can offer support and guidance with the application process including:

Feedback on the first draft of your personal statement by email or at a Drop In.
Application checking face to face at a Drop In
Advice on where to look for opportunities.
Eligibility queries for awards that we administer.
Evidence queries

If you wish to access feedback service, please make contact at least 4 weeks before the application deadline to ensure that there is adequate time for a member of staff to look at your email and for you to make alterations based on any feedback provided.

See our ‘Scholarships and Bursaries Application Guide’ for advice on how to make a strong application:

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To check available drop in time or submit a query visit: Abertay Connect

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email at the earliest opportunity and usually within 2 months of the deadline unless otherwise stated.

Students are responsible for making sure their application forms are complete and that the supporting evidence meets the application criteria. Incomplete applications will not be considered.