What is a scholarship?

A scholarship provides financial support for students’ studies. It can also provide:

  • Access to support groups/useful networks
  • Internships
  • Employment opportunities
  • Priority entrance to university accommodation 

Types of scholarships

  • University Scholarships
  • Community Scholarships
  • School Scholarships
  • New Zealand Examination Scholarship

Link here to all things scholarship.

What is a University Scholarship?

University scholarships are offered by universities to students who are looking to enrol at that university. All of the universities in New Zealand offer scholarships specifically for first-year students. Students who are offered one of these scholarships can use it only at the university that offered it. 

Almost all first-year university scholarships are based on students’ Year 12 results.

Common criteria for scholarships.

  • Academic excellence – Usually Excellence Endorsement or better at Level 2. At the bigger universities, students are likely to need 60+ Excellence credits
  • Sports – These change depending on the university. Generally, regional or national-level sportspeople receive these. 
  • Financial hardship – For students who can demonstrate that cost is a financial barrier to their attendance at university.
  • Cultural - Mostly Maaori and Pacifica 
  • Subject-specific - apply to students studying a particular subject/degree/major at university. 
  • Leadership – Head student team, prefect, sports captains, house captains, etc. 

FAQs

Q. Do universities consider Level 3 results?

Results completed in the year prior (at Level 3) may be considered. 

Q. Where does the money go?

Often, students won’t receive the money, as it will go straight to the cost of fees and accommodation. 

Q. If I get more than one scholarship, can I stack them together?

Usually not. This is case-by-case, though. 

Q. If I take a GAP year, does that mean I can’t get a scholarship?

Not quite. Some universities allow you to defer scholarships for a year if you apply before the GAP year. At some universities, you can apply during your GAP year.

 

Universities’ scholarship information

Scholarships at the University of Otago 

The UoO has a different scholarship application from most. Applicants fill in a single application and the university works out which scholarships the student can apply for: 

The open date for most is 1 July, and the closing is 15 August. Click here for a complete list. 

Scholarships at the University of Canterbury

At UC, applicants choose the scholarships they want to apply for. Applications are made through the MyUC digital platform, accessible once an application has been completed. Click myUC to apply or here for more information. 

Scholarships at Lincoln University

Applicants need to create a myLinc account to apply for scholarships.

Most flagship scholarships close on August 15 each year. Most scholarships at Lincoln require a 2-minute video submission. Allow time to make this. 

Scholarships at The University of Victoria

Applicants complete the necessary forms via the online platform found here. Scholarship applications close on 1 September for the major scholarships. Other scholarships have different closing dates. Click here for a complete list. 

Scholarships at Massey University

To apply for a scholarship at Massey, students must apply to study there. The link to apply to study is here. The link to a list of scholarships is here. Closing dates vary. 

Scholarships at the University of Waikato

Applicants need to create a MyWaikato Account here. Most scholarships close on 31 August. There is a template for scholarship application letters which the university prefers applicants to use. Click here for a full list of scholarships. 

Scholarships at AUT

Applicants need to make an account with the AUT Scholarship Portal. It is not required to apply to study at AUT to do this. The major scholarships all close on 1 September. Click here for the scholarship process and here for a full list of scholarships. 

Scholarships at Auckland

Applicants complete one form to be considered for all the major scholarships. Applications for scholarships close in August. Applicants need to apply for admission to a programme before they can apply. It may take up to 24 hours. Students can easily change this later. Most of the scholarships can be deferred for a year if you are taking a GAP year.