The Complete New Zealand Scholarship Directory 2025-26 for Year 13 Students Attending University in 2026

Scholarships for Year 13 Students Going to University NZ

Updated 9 May 2025

Summary

This page provides a complete list of all scholarships available to 2025 Year 13 students who are intending to study at university in 2026. We update it regularly.
We estimate that an individual school leaver could comfortably find 4-10 relevant scholarships to apply for.

How To Use This Guide
While this page may be overwhelming in size, it is logically presented by category, and our tips below helpfully suggest how to find the scholarships that fit your background, step by step.

Firstly, click on your intended University below and see the school leaver scholarships available.
Secondly, go through all of the Private scholarships below - these are offered to Year 13 students nationwide.
Finally, look at the region-specific scholarships you can apply for simply for living within your region.
If you are eligible, look at the Māori and Pacific Island scholarships.
Outside of this page, we suggest tand hat if your parents are members of Rotary or the Lions Clubs, that you contact the local branch as many award scholarships.
Further to that, it is worth contacting your local City Council or District Council - many award scholarships to local citizens.
Make sure to read our tips for getting a scholarship - it was put together by teachers and students like you who were successful in securing a scholarship.

Please note: While we have taken the utmost care in putting together this guide, you use it at your own risk and we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented. We recommend confirming closing dates directly with the scholarship provider well in advance. All of the scholarships listed in our guide link to the scholarship provider’s website for further details and/or online application forms.

Top Tip - Keep Focused and Pick the Most Suitable Scholarships

We know you're probably time-poor right now, so we've made this resource easy to use.
To get the best results, we recommend saving the links of 5-15 scholarships as a starting point so you have some idea of the requirements without being overwhelmed, and make a note of their due dates.
If anything is confusing, contact the scholarship provider so that you're properly prepared.

Not a New Zealander?

If you are living outside of a New Zealand and do not have New Zealand residency or citizenship, this guide is not for you.
We recommend consulting the New Zealand Government Scholarship Programme from the Ministry of Foreign affairs and Trade.

Looking for information about Student loans? This guide is not for you. Read our Student Loans guide.

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Scholarships List - Fast Links

Click on the headings below to jump down to to the scholarship section. When you're done with one section, click on Back To Scholarship Index to come back to this list.

New Zealand University Scholarships

Private Organisation Scholarships

Company-funded Scholarships

Regional Scholarships

Specific Scholarships

Application Guidance

Tips For Scholarship Success

Scholarships - Four Must-Know Facts

What is a School Leaver Scholarship and how does it help me?

Scholarships are offered by universities, companies and private organisations to students from all over New Zealand. The purpose of a scholarship is to help finance a student's educational journey to reduce the value of the individual's student loan.

Scholarship money is particularly useful for helping to pay course costs, living costs, and food costs among other things. It is important to note that different scholarships might only help in specific areas.

There are hundreds of scholarships available every year to Year 13 students. Provided you are eligible, you are in with a chance of being awarded one.

It's essential to know that scholarships are competitive, have limited numbers and follow strict deadlines. To have the best chance of success, it is crucial you get onto them early. School holidays are the ideal time to look and apply for scholarships as you don’t have the distractions that come with term time.

What are the different types of School Leaver Scholarships and which ones should I be looking at?

Scholarships are varied - they each have a particular purpose. Many are provided privately through trust funds, companies and some individuals. The most important thing to know is that many scholarships are specific to your planned area of study. For example, if you plan to study for a commerce degree (BCOM) or major in History (BA), you won't qualify for an engineering scholarship. Your options will vary based on what you plan to study.

Our scholarship guide is helpfully set out to cover universities, region and private options. You can then create a shortlist for the ones you're eligible for. Eligibility is a huge factor, which we address next.

Explaining "Eligibility" for better scholarship shortlisting

Many scholarships are especially for students with/for:

Specific gender, age or ethnicity
Member of an indigenous or other special group
Academic or sporting excellence
Study in a certain field or at a certain level
Demonstrated Community Involvement
Demonstrated Leadership - in school and out of school
Region you grew up in or plan to study in
Financial hardship

Reading the eligibility criteria will give you an idea of whether or not it is worth pursuing a particular scholarships. Because of the vast range in eligibility criteria, we have avoided classifying any scholarships and invite readers to determine if they're eligible by examining the full details of each scholarship.

How do I find this year's available Scholarships?

MoneyHub has put together what is arguably New Zealand’s most comprehensive list. But we’re not the only Scholarship resource. After exhausting this guide, we recommend you:

Ask Locally - reach out to your Year 13 head teacher or relevant School administrator and ask about school-specific scholarships. Many schools have school-awarded scholarships which may be lower in value than others listed on this page, but are nevertheless still worth applying for.
Contact your intended university's Careers Advisory Office - their teams are in the know about recently released scholarships for school leavers.
Search GivMe for further scholarships - this private resource is available in schools and libraries throughout New Zealand, GivMe has the master list for the mainstream and obscure scholarships. Book in time, bring a pen and paper and find scholarships that suit your situation.

New Zealand University Scholarships

New Zealand University Scholarships:

University of Auckland Scholarships

Things to know

All scholarship applications are completed electronically for the University of Auckland.
Most of the scholarships on offer have the same timeline - applications open in July and close in September, as described in the helpful PDF at the bottom of this page.
However there are many scholarships and grants on offer constantly, and you can find them on the university's website by following these steps:

Access the University of Auckland's Scholarships and Awards dedicated site.
Type "first year" "school leaver" "1st year" (all three terms, including the quote signs) and click on the search button, this will retrieve all relevant scholarships available but they might not be currently receiving applications. If you want to filter only the scholarships you can apply for today, use the following search terms:
- "first year" AND "Application status: Apply now"
- "1st year" AND "Application status: Apply now"
- "school leaver" AND "Application status: Apply now"
You can also apply any relevant filters to your search as per the screenshot below.

Many scholarships exist outside of those listed in "School Leaver" list, which you can find with the search terms described above, we have detailed some of them below.

Top Achiever Scholarships

Total Value: $20,000 including a guaranteed place in the University of Auckland Hall of Residence.
Purpose: To recognise and reward exceptional academic performance combined with outstanding sporting, artistic, cultural and/or leadership achievements – it’s a varied assessment.
Number Available: Up to 250 scholarships awarded per year for students in their first year of full-time study for an undergraduate degree programme.
Application closing date: August 2025
Full Scholarship details can be found here

Māori Academic Excellence Scholarships

Total Value: $20,000 including a guaranteed place in the University of Auckland Hall of Residence.
Purpose: to recognise and reward exceptional academic performance combined with outstanding sporting, artistic, cultural and/or leadership achievements among Māori students.
Number Available: Up to 25 scholarships awarded per year for Māori students commencing their first year of full-time study for an undergraduate degree programme.
Application closing date: August 2025
Full Scholarship details can be found here

Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships:

Total Value: $20,000 including a guaranteed place in the University of Auckland Hall of Residence.
Purpose: to recognise and reward exceptional academic performance combined with outstanding sporting, artistic, cultural and/or leadership achievements among Pacific students.
Number Available: Up to 25 scholarships awarded per year for Pacific students commencing their first year of full-time study for an undergraduate degree programme.
Application closing date: August 2025
Full scholarship details can be found here

Academic Potential Scholarships-School Leavers:

Total Value: $20,000 paid over 3 years for tier one; second and third tiers offer a smaller scholarship
Purpose: The scholarship recognises students who have achieved academically, but are experiencing hardships or who may have been disadvantaged due to their personal circumstances.
Number Available: Up to 250 scholarships awarded per year for students with at least an NCEA rank score of 200 in Year 12.
Application closing date: August 2025
Full scholarship details can be found here

Scholarships

Lane Capital Scholarships
Value: $5,000 for 4 years
Number on offer: 4
Closing Date: December 2025
Eligibility: First undergraduate degree in Architecture, Business and Economics, Engineering or Science at the University of Auckland.

Ralph and Eve Seelye Undergraduate Scholarships
Value: $5,000 per annum for one year
Number on offer: Up to 10
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: Students currently in Year 13 at a decile 1-3 New Zealand secondary school and intending to enrol in a full-time degree programme at the University of Auckland.

Sanders Memorial Scholarship
Value: $1,200 per annum for 3 years
Number on offer: 1
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: Child of a member of Mercantile Marine or Navy entering first year of any full-time programme.

University of Auckland International Scholarships – New Zealand School Leavers
Value: $5,000 for one year
Number on offer: up to 10
Closing Date: January 2025
Eligibility: New full-fee paying international school-leavers in New Zealand undertaking an undergraduate degree, commencing in Semester One

The University of Auckland Scholarships for Students from Refugee Backgrounds
Value: $5,000
Number on offer: Up to 3
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: The primary purpose of the scholarship is to mitigate the economic barriers faced by students from refugee backgrounds so that they can access undergraduate study and the transformative potential of a tertiary qualification.

Faculty of Arts Scholarships
Ellen Castle Undergraduate Scholarship in the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences
Value: $5,000 per year for 3 years
Number on offer: 1
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: Students currently in Year 13 at a decile 1-3 New Zealand secondary school and intending to enrol in a full-time BA majoring in a subject in the Schools of Humanities and/or Social Sciences at the University of Auckland

Jean Heywood Scholarship
Value: $3,000 over 3 years
Number on offer: 1
Closing Date: September 2025
Eligibility: Past pupils of Epsom Girls' Grammar intending to enrol in Mathematics or Statistics for 1st year degree programme

Faculty of Arts Auckland Schools Scholarship
Value: Up to $5,000
Number on offer: Up to 15
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: For full-time enrolment in the first year of a BA or BA conjoint degree by students from Decile 1-4 secondary schools in the Auckland area.

Faculty of Business and Economics
Business School Inspiring Futures Scholarships
Value: $5,000
Number on offer: Up to 6
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: Students from Decile 1 to 3 schools entering first year of a BCom or BProp degree at the University of Auckland

Kelly Undergraduate Scholarships and Toi Uru Roa: The Paul Kelly Maori Undergraduate Scholarships
Value: $8,000
Number on offer: Up to 10 - 5 for Undergraduate students of Business and Economics and 5 Maori students studying undergraduate degree in Business and Economics
Closing Date: April 2024
Eligibility: The main purpose of the Scholarships is to encourage the development of a cadre of future leaders of business and society by promoting academic excellence and assisting outstanding students to reach their full potential.

Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries
Taurus Charitable Trust Entry-Level Scholarships in Music
Value: $4,000
Number on offer: Up to 2
Closing Date: 1 November 2025
Eligibility: School Leavers who are intending to enrol full-time in a Bachelor of Music or conjoint degree in the School of Music at the University of Auckland

Murray Wren Undergraduate Scholarship in Architecture
Value: $15,000 per annum for up to 3 years
Number on offer: 1
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: School Leavers who are intending to enrol in a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at the University of Auckland

George Turner Wilson Music Trust Scholarships - Junior Awards
Value: $2,500
Number on offer: Varies
Closing Date: 1 May 2025
Eligibility: Secondary School level students requesting lessons at the School of Music

Canterbury Architects' Scholarship
Value: $3,000
Number on offer: 1
Closing Date: 1 December 2025
Eligibility: 1st year of undergraduate architecture degree programme

Beatrice Ratcliffe Entry-Level Scholarship in Music
Value: $5,000
Number on offer: 1
Closing Date: November 2025
Eligibility: Year 13 at a New Zealand Secondary School and intending to enrol full-time in a Bachelor of Music or conjoint degree in the School of Music at the University of Auckland in the following year

Faculty of Education and Social Work
Faculty of Education and Social Work Start Smart Entry Level Undergraduate Scholarships
Value: $2,500
Number on offer: 20
Closing Date: January and October 2025
Eligibility: Full-time study in first year of an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree or conjoint in the Faculty of Education and Social Work

William and Betty Bell Scholarship
Value: Up to $1,600
Number on offer: 1
Applicable study: First year of first undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Education and Social Work
Closing Date: 31 January 2025

Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Pong, Tams and Ko Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Value: Up to $8,000
Number on offer: One or more
Closing date: January 2025
Applicable study: Undergraduate degree
Eligibility: Domestic and international students with sensory, physical, medical, and/or learning difficulties/disabilities.

University of Auckland Faculty of Law
University of Auckland Faculty of Law Entry Level Scholarships
Value: $1,000 per year for two years
Number on offer: Up to 10
Closing Date: October 2025
Eligibility: First year of study for a LLB or LLB conjoint degree
Purpose: The main purpose of the Scholarships is to encourage and support high achieving school leavers to pursue law studies at the University of Auckland.

Planning to study with the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Engineering?

There may be scholarships not listed on the University of Auckland's website.
We suggest you contact the relevant faculty to ask about funding availability well in advance of the end of 2025.

Back To Scholarship Index

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Auckland University of Technology [AUT] Scholarships

We have reviewed the Year 13/future student Scholarship offering from AUT.
We can confirm that the scholarships are presented in a logical manner and will be easy for any Year 13 student to decipher.
According to our discussion with AUT's Careers team, entry level scholarships for 2025 are one-year scholarships to support full-time study, paid towards accommodation or a living allowance.
All scholarships are listed on the AUT Secondary schools scholarships page and a complete list of AUT scholarships is also available
Please ensure "Undergraduate (first-year only)" is selected to ensure accurate results, as per the image outlined below.

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Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

University of Waikato Scholarships

We have reviewed the Year 13/future student Scholarship offering from the University of Waikato.
We can confirm that the scholarships are presented in a logical manner and will be easy for any Year 13 student to decipher.
For further details on every available scholarship, refer to the University of Waikato's dedicated scholarship page making note of the criteria and application date deadlines.
Please ensure the "Entrance/School Leaver" filter is ticked to ensure accurate results, as per the image outlined below.

Back To Scholarship Index

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Massey University Scholarships

We have reviewed the list of scholarships available to school leavers planning to study at Massey University.
We take a view that Massey University's organisation of scholarships for school leavers is expertly presented when compared to the majority of every other New Zealand university, therefore we have no desire to qualify the information.
Like our own scholarship page, Massey has outlined their information in list form and you can access them in their entirety here: Massey University School Leaver Scholarship List.
Please note that the General Scholarships list is constantly changing and does require students to look for wording such as "first-year student" to locate the relevant school leaver scholarships. If you have any questions about the eligibility of a particular scholarship, we recommend you contact the scholarship provider.

Back To Scholarship Index

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships

victoria wellington university scholarships

Victoria University of Wellington offers a comprehensive suite of scholarships to school leavers, who intend to enrol full time in a VUW Bachelor programme.
The university has an online database, with the option to filter by category, study area and level as shown in the screenshot below.
You can view the most up to date sch olarships relevant for school leavers and fist year students here .

We highlight some of those scholarships below, which school leavers can apply for. All Victoria University of Wellington applications are completed online.

Wellington Pakohe Scholarship (Sustainability)

Value: Between $5,000 and $10,000, access to conferences and industry events, mentorship from the University's Director of Sustainability, and an opportunity to participate in sustainability-focused initiatives.
Number offered: Dependent on applications.
Application closing date: Applications for 2025school-leaver scholarships open on Friday 16 June 2025, and close on Friday 1 September 2025
Eligibility: Students who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and align with the university's goal of being a global leader in sustainable practices.

Wellington Raukaraka Scholarship (Leadership)

Value: Between $5,000 and $10,000, includes opportunities to participate in the Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programmes, attend conferences and networking events, and connect with diplomatic and not-for-profit sectors.
Number offered: Dependent on applications.
Application closing date: Applications for 2026 school-leaver scholarships open on Friday 16 June 2025, and close on Friday 1 September 2025
Eligibility: Students who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated leadership qualities and potential to be New Zealand’s leaders of the future.

Wellington Tangiwai Scholarship (Academic Excellence)

Value: Up to 300 scholarships valued between $5,000 and $10,000 for enrollment in any of the University's Bachelor's programmes.
Number offered: Up to 300.
Application closing date: Applications for 2026 school-leaver scholarships open on Friday 16 June 2025, and close on Friday 1 September 2025
Eligibility: Top school-leaver applicants who have displayed strong academic performance, distinguishing themselves as New Zealand’s scholars of the future.

Wellington Kahotea Scholarship (Outstanding Achievements)

Value: Up to $35,000 over three years, including full accommodation costs for one year in a Victoria University of Wellington Hall of Residence and a stipend for three years
Number offered: Dependent on applications
Application closing date: 1 September 2025
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, who have exceptional academic results and have achieved within the areas of culture, community involvement, leadership or equity

Wellington Tangiwai Scholarship (Excellence)

Value: $5,000 and guaranteed placement in a Victoria University of Wellington Hall of Residence
Number offered: Varies
Application closing date: 1 September 2025
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, who have excelled academically

Wellington Totoweka Scholarship (Equity and Support)

Value: $5,000 and guaranteed placement in a Victoria University of Wellington Hall of Residence
Number offered: Varies
Application closing date: 1 September 2025
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers who are Māori, Pasifika, from refugee-backgrounds, have a disability, or come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds

Tongarewa Scholarship (International)

Value: $10,000
Number offered: Varies
Application closing date: 1 September (For Tri 3 2024), 30 November (For Tri 1), 1 June (For Tri 2)
Eligibility: International secondary school leavers who are excelling academically overseas

Wellington International Excellence Scholarship

Waitaha-A-Hei/Victoria University of Wellington Scholarship

Value: Varies
Number offered: Two per year
Application closing date: 15 September
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, who are a registered beneficiary with Te Kapu o Waitaha

Norman Kirk Memorial Trust Pasifika Scholarship

Value: $6,000 ($2,000 per year, up to three years)
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 15 September
Eligibility: Pasifika secondary school leavers, who are enrolling in full time study and are facing financial hardship

Graduate Women Wellington – First in Family Scholarship

Value: $5,000 stipend, plus up to $5,000 towards tuition fees per annum
Number offered: One or more per year
Application closing date: 15 November
Eligibility: Female secondary school leavers, who are the first in their family to attend University

W.H. (Bill) Vaughan Trust Scholarship in Mathematics

Value: Up to $1,500 each
Number offered: Up to two
Application closing date: 31 January
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, who are enrolling in a Mathematics major

Andrea Brander Accommodation Scholarship

Value: $1,500 towards accommodation costs
Number offered: Two per year
Application closing date: 1 November
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, who are facing financial hardship

Ballinger Rongotai Scholarship

Value: Up to $4,500
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 31 October
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers from Rongotai College, majoring in Science, Mathematics or Engineering

The Deane Music Scholarship

Value: $40,000 across three years
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 31 October
Eligibility: Māori or Pasifika secondary school leavers, enrolling in a New Zealand School of Music undergraduate degree and are facing financial hardship

Weir House Alumni Scholarship

Value: $5,000 towards accommodation fees at Weir House
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 1 November
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, who are facing financial hardship

Jane Ferguson Scholarship

Value: Varies
Number offered: Varies
Application closing date: 31 March
Eligibility: Female orphans of academic merit, who are struggling financially

Margaret Nielsen Music Scholarship

Value: Up to $1,000
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 31 March
Eligibility: Students enrolling in a Bachelor of Music in Classical Music Performance

Rebekah Wilson Scholarship for Sonic Arts

Value: $1,000
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 1 October
Eligibility: Students enrolling in a Bachelor of Music, to study Sonic Arts

Clare Galambos-Winter Scholarships in Violin Performance

Value: $3000
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 1 October
Eligibility: Violin (or cello) performance students

Colin Aikman Award

Value: Up to $10,000
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 30 October
Eligibility: Students intending to study law, with a focus on constitutional law, human rights, international law or other legal issues affecting the South Pacific

Fehl Charitable Trust (FCT) Scholarships

Value: $3000
Number offered: Two annually
Application closing date: 31 March
Eligibility: Students demonstrating a commitment and contribution to music, who are facing financial hardship

GFS (Girls Friendly Society) Pasifika Scholarships

Value: Up to $12,000
Number offered: One per year
Application closing date: 31 October
Eligibility: Female Pasifika students, who are facing financial hardship

Latin American Academic Achievement Scholarship

Value: $5000 towards tuition fees
Number offered: Varies
Application closing date: 1 September 2024 (For Tri 3 2024), 1 December 2024 (For Tri 1 2025)
Eligibility: Latin American International students who are studying full time

Murray McNae Scholarship

Value: $15,000
Number offered: One
Application closing date: First Friday after the start of Term 4
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers who attended Mana College, intending to study towards a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Engineering and are facing financial hardship

Ormond Wilson Scholarship

Value: $1200
Number offered: One
Application closing date: 1 December
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, intending to study under either the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science, who are facing financial hardship

Swafford Family Scholarship

Value: $2000
Number offered: One
Application closing date: 31 March
Eligibility: Students majoring in Education and enrolled in full time study

Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship in Pacific Studies

Value: Up to $6000
Number offered: One
Application closing date: 30 October
Eligibility: Pasifika students, majoring in Pacific Studies

New Zealand International School Leaver Grants 2024

Value: $10,000 for tuition fees over 2 years
Number offered: Multiple
Application closing date: See application process
Eligibility: International school leavers, who completed one full year at a secondary school in New Zealand

William Purdie Bursary

Value: Varies
Number offered: One
Application closing date: 1 October 2024 (offered in even numbered years)
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers, who attended either Marlborough Boys’ College or Marlborough Girls’ College

Fisher Trumpet Scholarship

Value: $3,000
Number offered: One
Application closing date: 31 March
Eligibility: Students going into their first or second year of a Bachelor of Music specialising in the trumpet

Nga Ara Matua Scholarship

Value: $2,500
Number offered: One
Application closing date: Round one: 16 April; Round two: 1 October
Eligibility: Māori students registered with the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board

Roger Robinson Scholarship for Student Runners

Value: $5,000
Number offered: One
Application closing date: 31 October
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, who fit the criteria for a competitive runner

Te Manawa O Te Ika A Maui Scholarship

Value: $2,500
Number offered: One
Application closing date: First round: 16 April; Second round: 1 October
Eligibility: Māori students registered with the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board

Victoria University of Wellington OBU Scholarship for Pasifika Students

Value: $30,000
Number offered: One
Application closing date: 31 October
Eligibility: Pasifika students

Back To Scholarship Index

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

University of Canterbury Scholarships

We have reviewed the Scholarship offering from the University of Canterbury and can confirm that the scholarships are presented in a logical manner
You can view all the scholarships available to University of Canterbury here, by clicking on the button "View all Scholarships". On the top right of the results page, there is also an option to sort by scholarship name, start date for accepting applications and deadline dates.
The University has a dedicated page to browse through the various scholarships, simply filter by Level of Study, and choose "School Lever (First year undergraduate). You can also filter by College, Domestic / International students, Subject of Study, Equity Award, Award Type and Application Closing month.

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Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Lincoln University Scholarships

Lincoln University has a dedicated page to browse through the various scholarships, simply filter by "New to Lincoln", to view the most up to date scholarships you can apply for, as shown in the screenshot below.

Lincoln University Excellence Scholarship

Value: $30,000 over three years (includes tuition fees and a stipend)
Number offered: at Vice Chancellor’s discretion – 2 offered in 2025
Application closing date: 15 August 2025
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers who have exceptional academic results

Lincoln University Future Leader Scholarship

Value: $6,000 for one year
Number offered: at Vice Chancellor’s discretion – 20 offered in 2025
Application closing date: 15 August 2025
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers with exceptional academic results and have shown leadership in community or school involvement. Scholars may be invited to have a scholarship the following years of study.

Sport Scholarships

Value: $6,000 for one year
Number offered: at Vice Chancellor’s discretion – 40 offered in 2025
Application closing date: 15 August 2025
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers who are representing their sport at a minimum of regional level OR current students. Scholars may be invited to have a scholarship the following years of study.
Categories: Basketball, Cricket, Elite, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Rugby (the Elite category is for students who compete nationally in a sport not already mentioned e.g. yachting, triple jump, target shooting, etc.)

Māori and Pasifika Accommodation Scholarship

Value: $5,000 for one year towards Halls accommodation
Number offered: at Vice Chancellor’s discretion – 20 offered in 2024
Application closing date: 15 August 2024
Eligibility: Secondary school leavers who are of Maori or Pasifika descent and will be living in the Halls of Residence on campus.

Tihi Kahuraki Scholarship

Value: Up to $7,000 for tuition fees and up to $12,000 for on-campus accommodation cost per year
Application closing date: 31 March
Eligibility: First year Māori students who show strong leadership and engagement in their whānau, hapū, marae or community.

Note: Lincoln advises that all of these scholarships are also viewable through this link (which is found directly from their homepage under ‘scholarships’).

Back To Scholarship Index

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

University of Otago Scholarships

We have reviewed the Year 13/future student Scholarship offering from the University of Otago.
We can confirm that the scholarships are presented in a logical manner and will be easy for any Year 13 student to decipher, the Univeristy has a page dedicated to Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships.
For further details on the application process, please refer to the University of Otago's scholarship page making note of the criteria and application date deadlines. Most of their scholarships start receiving applications in July and close mid-August, but check the details for the individual scholarships.

Highlights include:

$6,000 awarded to every Dux attending the university
Sports-based scholarships awarding up to $16,000
$6,000 scholarships for any recipient of the annual Otago Daily Times Class Act awards

Back To Scholarship Index

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Overseas University Scholarships

We have included overseas university opportunities funded by New Zealand based Scholarships. Beyond this list, you can apply directly to any overseas university for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Sir Douglas Myers Scholarship (Cambridge University)

Valued at ~$200,000 over 3 years, with one awarded last year
Closes: December 2025 (tbc)

Girdlers’ Scholarship (Cambridge University)

Valued at ~$200,000 over 3 years, with one awarded last year
Closes: December 2025 (tbc)

Robertson Scholars Leadership Program (Duke University, USA)

Valued at ~$200,000 over 3 years, with one awarded last year
Closes: December 2025 (tbc)

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Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Private Organisation Scholarships

MESNZ Bill Buckley Scholarship (Engineering Students)

Up to $5,000 available each year for tuition fees
This scholarship is available to assist students commencing study towards a MESNZ/EngineeringNZ accredited engineering degree, diploma or certificate from any year level.
Applications are sought from candidates interested in maintenance engineering as a career.
Closes August 2025 (tbc)
More details

EngineeringNZ Edna Waddell Scholarship (Female Engineering Students)

Edna Waddell scholarships are for women entering their first year of undergraduate full-time study in engineering or technology at New Zealand universities.
4 scholarships up to $5,000 are awarded annually to school leavers who have not previously studied engineering or technology at university level.
Closes: September 2025 (tbc)
Full details

Zespri Science Scholarship (for Massey University)

The scholarship is worth up to $15,000 (over three years) towards tuition fees
Number available: 5
Aimed at students intending to enrol in the first year of the Bachelor of Horticultural Science degree at Massey University in the year of award
Students must be enrolled full-time, either internal or distance mode. Applicants currently employed in the kiwifruit industry and enrolled part-time will be eligible.
Application opens 13 August 2025, closes 5 October 2025
Full details

Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships (for those identified as female or of Māori descent)

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is offering scholarships for female students enrolling in a Bachelor of Forestry Science or Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Forest Engineering at University of Canterbury. You may be able to enrol at another university for your first year, but you will need that course approved by the University of Canterbury's School of Forestry.
Number available: 8
Value: $8,000 a year for 4 years (the length of the degree) to help with tuition fees and living costs
Internship: The scholarship includes a paid internship of between 4 to 10 weeks with an appropriate employer in the forestry sector.
Closes: 15 August 2025 (tbc)
Full details

FMG Agriculture Scholarship (Agricultural Students)

$5,000 per year for a period of three consecutive years, with 2 scholarships awarded per year. Also $5,000 towards Halls of Residence or Living Costs in the first year of University
Only for students intending to study agriculture at Lincoln University, Massey University or Waikato University.
Closes: December 2025 (tbc)
Full details

Keystone Trust School Leaver and Existing Tertiary Scholarships

13 Keystone Study Awards are available for high school students moving into tertiary study.
The C3 Construction Keystone Trust School Leaver Scholarship for a school leaver studying a Bachelor of Construction at Unitec, Massey and AUT
Each scholarship is worth $5,500 in addition to mentoring and networking opportunities.
21 Existing Tertiary Scholarships
Applicable to students specialising in property fields, including construction, property, engineering and architecture.
Study Awards close 1 September and Key Partner Scholarships close 1 August
Full details

DairyNZ Undergraduate Scholarships

Value: $3000 towards fees per year (years two and three). Applications are open to school leavers.
Open date: September 2025, Closing Date: December 2025 (tbc)
Eligibility: Students need to be registered in an agriculture or agricultural-related full-time course at either Lincoln University or Massey University by 31 March in the year of the award and satisfactorily complete course work in each year preceding re-application.
Full details: DairyNZ Undergraduate Scholarships

Prime Minister’s Athlete Scholarship (High Performance Sporting Achievements/Carded Athletes)

Eligible to:

A Carded Athlete within a HPSNZ Targeted Sport or within a HPSNZ Campaign Investment Sport
An athlete within a Targeted Sport who is likely to become carded within the next 6 months or
At the discretion of HPSNZ, an athlete in a non-Carded Campaign Investment Sport.
The scholarship helps emerging athletes to pursue tertiary study and elite-level sport development at the same time.
Each scholarship offers a maximum of up to $10,000 per year towards fees and financial contribution towards other study costs (up to a maximum of $5,000 per year)
Closing: November 2025
Full details

PwC Scholarships Program

5 PwC school Scholarships will be offered to support students who are facing financial and personal hardship circumstances restricting the student’s ability to enter tertiary education. This Scholarship is focused on giving local talent the best start possible by providing financial support during university and having a PwC mentor.
2 Scholarships will be offered to young Māori talent, these are new scholarships and were created in partnership with our Manukura Māori Business Team.
More information on PwC's eligibility criteria can be found here
$7,000 towards university fees and course related costs over the course of the degree. Additionally, a mentor is provided as well as the opportunity to apply for a paid Summer Internship
Any number of students are allowed to apply (providing they are eligible) to the Scholarship Programme; there is no cap in terms of applicant numbers per school
There is an opportunity for students with financial or personal hardship to highlight their circumstances as part of the online application. This is for students who without a Scholarship may struggle to attend University.
Applications open July 20th, close August 7 (tbc)
Full details

Cashin Scholarship - Employees and Family Members of Ryman Healthcare

Valued at $5,000, to be used for costs related to any tertiary education course.
The scholarship is open to all employees of Ryman Healthcare and their immediate family. Any Ryman employee, their children or even grandchildren could qualify.
If you work at a Ryman facility even part time as a student, you qualify to apply.
Full details (historical post, email Ryman if you meet the eligibility)
Closes: December 2025

Sullivan Scholarship (Medical Students)

Valued at $3000 ($600 per annum for five years)
This scholarship is available to members of the Roman Catholic Church who will attend medical school at either the University of Auckland or the University of Otago.
Closing: December 2025
Full details

Ernest William File Scholarship (Children of RMTU Union Members Only)

Number Awarded: 2
Value: $2,000 for one year
Purpose: The scholarship is to assist the sons and daughters of members of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) in their first year studying for a degree at a New Zealand university.
Closes 1 April 2025
Full details

KiwiRail Scholarships (Kiwirail Employee Families Only)

Number Awarded: Up to 10
Value: $2,000 for one year
Purpose: For sons and daughters of KiwiRail staff for a degree or diploma at any NZ tertiary institution.
Closes: 1 December 2025
Full details

Fulton Hogan Scholarships
1. Engineering Scholarships

Fulton Hogan offers scholarships to engineering students at Canterbury and Auckland Universities.
Scholarship students spend their summer breaks working in different operational groups across Fulton Hogan.
On completion of their engineering qualification, the new graduates start a career with Fulton Hogan.
Total value: Varies
Further details and deadlines

2. Commercial and Business Scholarships

Fulton Hogan offers scholarships to commercial or business undergraduate students (preferably accounting majors) studying at Canterbury and Otago Universities.
On completion of their qualification, graduates begin a career with Fulton Hogan.
Total value: $3,750 (1st year NZ$750, 2nd year NZ$1,000 and 3rd year NZ$2,000)
Further details and deadlines

Hubbards Foods Massey Scholarship

Total Value and Availability: One Massey University Food Technology Scholarship each year to 1st year students enrolling at Massey University. The scholarship contributes $1,000 per year, for the four years of study.
Closes February 2025 - more details

Unison Engineering Scholarship

Unison offers a scholarship up to the value of $10,000 per year of study, to one student currently studying for a Bachelor of Engineering degree, majoring in Electrical, Electronic or Mechatronics at either the University of Auckland or University of Canterbury.
Value: Up to $10, 000 per year of study (to a maximum of 4 years) + (where possible) vacation work, and student employment upon graduation.
Number Awarded: 1
Further details

First Foundation Scholarships

First Foundation gives preference to students who are in year 12, will be first in their immediate family to attend university, display leadership qualities, have a proven academic record (endorsed with minimum of Merit), demonstrate resilience and who represent the ethnic diversity of low decile schools.
The foundation funds numerous scholarships per year
For what's on offer this year, contact the First Foundation.

John McLaren Youth Award (Diabetes Youth New Zealand Scholarship)

Number awarded: 3 per year (TBC)
Value: $1,500 (TBC)
Criteria: Applicant must be diagnosed with diabetes, and be a financial member of either DYNZ, Diabetes NZ, or a local diabetes society
Closes - TBC - currently we await guidance from Diabetes NZ as to whether this will be offered again in 2025/2025 but have included it for relevance.

Rural Women New Zealand

Numerous scholarships available for school-aged young women from all over New Zealand

Horticulture and Agriculture

HATA has gathered information about a wide range of scholarships that can help you fund your study or training in areas relevant to New Zealand's food and fibre sectors.
More details: HATA Scholarships

Mensa New Zealand Incorporated

Number available: Up to 3
Value: $500
Requirement: The application process involves a 550 word essay on why they believe that their course of study will assist them to:
- Identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity; or
- Encourage research in the nature, characteristics and uses of intelligence
Closing: 31 August 2024 (tbc)
More details: Download the PDF
Contact: [email protected]

CBA Media Scholarships – Scholarship for students wanting to study media

Valued at $4,000 (x3 scholarships) to be used for costs related to any tertiary education for media.
This scholarship is to encourage and support Christian students studying for a career in media.
The Scholarship is open to students wanting to pursue studies in media, communication, journalism, film, radio and audio engineering.
Open Date: 31 August 2025
Closing Date: 10 October 2025
Details: CBA Scholarships

Zonta South Auckland Young Woman’s Study Award

Number available: 1
Value: $1,000 for one year
Purpose: To support a South Auckland young woman school leaver for tertiary study
Requirement:
- A New Zealand resident, female student aged 16 to 25 years
- Live in the area bounded by the Tamaki Estuary in the north, the western coast from Port Waikato up to Manukau Harbour and Pokeno in the South, excluding the area east of the Southern Motorway and north of a line from Redoubt Road to its corner with Mill Road and then directly to the coast at the Wairoa River estuary.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- With evidence of enrolment in or application for a post-secondary school course in 2026 at Level 3 or above.
- Able to provide evidence of success in the student’s most recent study.
- Provide contact details for two referees - one for an academic reference and one for a character reference.
Closing date: 31 August 2025
More details: Download the PDF
Contact: [email protected]

Zonta South Auckland Young Woman’s Leadership Award

Number available: 1
Value: $1,000 for one year
Purpose: To support a South Auckland young woman with proven school and /or community leadership with further study
Requirement:
- A New Zealand resident, female student aged 16 to 20 years
- Live in the area bounded by the Tamaki Estuary in the north, the western coast from Port Waikato up to Manukau Harbour and Pokeno in the South, excluding the area east of the Southern Motorway and north of a line from Redoubt Road to its corner with Mill Road and then directly to the coast at the Wairoa River estuary.
- Provide a CV with evidence of either success in the applicant’s most recent endeavours at school or beyond or leadership in the school setting and / or community projects
- With a plan for how the award will be used to assist in enhancing leadership skills through further study, attending a course or participating in an experience; the costs of this, and the anticipated benefit to yourself and/ or the community.
- Provide contact details for two referees - i.e. academic and/or leadership and/or character
Closing date: 31 August 2025
More details: Download the PDF
Contact: [email protected]

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Regional Scholarships

These scholarship are available to students living in a specific region. For example, if you go to school in Auckland, you would apply for the Auckland Region Scholarships.

Northland Region Scholarships

Kauri Museum Mervyn Sterling Scholarship

$2,000 awarded annually by the Otamatea Kauri and Pioneer Museum Trust Board for the study in the fields of environmental, ecology, natural heritage and Northland history
Any Year 12 student with strong affiliations with the old Otamatea county area is eligible to apply
Closes: December 2025

WRMK Lawyers Scholarship Programme

1 WRMK Scholarship to support an aspiring law student in the North, who has demonstrated academic ability and leadership, but is facing significant financial need or has life circumstances that present barriers to studying at university.
$10,000 cash contribution, to be paid in two parts: $3,000 on successfully gaining entrance to a New Zealand university with the intention to study law; and $7,000 to be paid on successfully being accepted into Law School in the second year of your studies.
Work experience: upon completion of the second year of study, Scholarship recipients will be invited to undertake a 6-8 week paid work experience programme during the summer of 2025-26.
Mentor: scholarship recipients will be matched with a mentor from WRMK who will support them during their studies.
Applications close August 26th 2025
Full details

Tū i te ora Scholarship

Northland Regional Council’s Tū i te ora Scholarship recognises and supports students to undertake study, research or training that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions – providing a springboard for future environmental leaders and champions, whilst contributing to council’s vision ‘Our Northland – together we thrive’.
There are six scholarships available – each includes $4,000 to assist with study costs plus paid work experience with Northland Regional Council from mid-November 2025 to mid-February 2026.
Three scholarship packages are dedicated to Māori (who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau).
Criteria: The scholarship is available to students who are a NZ citizen or permanent resident, residing or have a family that reside in or have whakapapa (a genealogical connection) to Te Taitokerau, studying at an undergraduate or higher qualification level, enrolled (or intend to enrol) in a recognised tertiary course of study that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions. Applicants must be enrolled (or intend to enrol) for semester one of 2025.
Applications must be submitted online with the correct supporting documentation by Thursday 13 February 2025.
Full details

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Auckland Region Scholarships

Sir George Elliot Tertiary Scholarship

$25,000 in total, with 3 awarded annually.
Only one applicant is accepted per Auckland school
Successful applicants will be likely to succeed in their proposed course of study, have dominated academic potential and ability, demonstrated personal qualities of leadership, shown potential for contributing to the community and/or have a clear need for financial support
Closes: September 2025 (tbc)
Full details

Waikato Region Scholarships

David Johnstone Charitable Trust Scholarships

Value: $5000
Number Available: 12+
Applicability: Students attending high schools in Waikato-Coromandel Region for first-year study at the University of Waikato and Wintec. Each secondary school is able to nominate one student in each of the following categories:
Waikato University - Science (Bachelors of Science, Engineering, Science & Technology, or Computing and Mathematical Sciences) or Teaching. There are no specifications for Waikato Institute of Technology studies.
Closes August/September 2025 (tbc)
Contact your school's careers office for more details (alternatively contact them via facebook)

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Bay of Plenty Region Scholarships

Bay of Plenty Education Trust

The BoP Education Trust makes a scholarship available to every secondary school in the Bay of Plenty, from Katikati to Opotiki.
For schools with 1,000+ students, two scholarships are available.
The recipients are determined by the individual schools - the scholarship is awarded at the sole discretion of the BoP Education Trust's Trustees on recommendation by each school's Principal.
Value: The scholarship is a four year scholarship with a total value of $6,000 - payable over three years, $2,000 each year.
The scholarships are for exemplary students about to embark on university education in the fields of science, technology and emerging industries.
More details

Rotorua-Specific Scholarships
The Geyser Community Foundation awards several scholarships throughout the year. These include:

Norman Steele Memorial Scholarship Fund

Number available: 1
Total value for 2025: $2,500
Applicable to: Students who have completed one year of full time study in medicine at a registered Medical School in New Zealand
Qualification: Students must Whakapapa to Te Arawa
Closing 30 January of each year
Full Details

Speech NZ Scholarships

Number available: Up to 4
Total value: Unspecified
Applicable to: Students who have already completed up to two modules towards Associate of Speech New Zealand and intend to study for an Advanced Associate
Opening 1 September 2024
Closing 30 October 2024
Full Details

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Tairawhiti (Gisborne) Region Scholarships

RocketLab Scholarship (Year 13 Graduate)
Value: $20,000. Number available: 1
Eligibility:

Rocket Lab’s annual tertiary scholarship offers New Zealand’s future innovators, scientists and engineers an opportunity to get a head-start in STEM careers.
The Rocket Lab Scholarship offers $20,000 across four years of study for one outstanding student pursuing a degree or course in STEM education. The Scholarship also pairs recipients with a Rocket Lab mentor towards the end of their degree to enable them to learn from the country’s leading space and engineering experts at Rocket Lab.
Rocket Lab scholars must demonstrate an interest in science, technology or engineering and be involved in cultural, community or leadership activities. Any applicant with a strong connection to the Māhia and wider Wairoa District will be prioritised over applicants in other regions of NZ.

Further details: RocketLab

Poverty Bay Agricultural & Pastoral Association Scholarship
Value: $2,000. Number available: 1
Eligibility:

The Scholarship aims to assist a student enrolled in a full time programme related to the primary industries, at a New Zealand University or Tertiary Institute in New Zealand.
The Poverty Bay A&P Scholarship recipient will receive $2,000 payable towards their course costs/accommodation.
The recipient will be from the Gisborne or East Coast region and wish to be involved in the primary based industry. (e.g. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fishing)

Further details: A&P Gisborne Scholarship

McDonald’s Te Tai Tokerau Scholarship (for AUT).
Value: $10,000.00 (paid over three years). A ‘work ready’ payment of $2,500.00 will be paid to those students who graduate from their programme and who have met the TOR’s for this Scholarship

Application closing date: Friday, 28 August 2025 (tbc)
Interview date: Monday, 21 September 2025 (tbc)

Eligibility:

Applicant must be accepted into a bachelor’s degree at AUT in the year of study;
Applicant must be of NZ Māori descent (Cook Island Māori not eligible);
Applicant must be on-track to achieve University Entrance;
Applicant must be from the Northland region or the Gisborne Wairoa area
There must be only one applicant per school;
No applicant will be considered if they are not the selected candidate of the nominating school.

Next Steps: Contact your school's career advisor to understand the selection process, visit the sponsor's website.

Eastland Wood Council (Forestry students)

Value: $1,500. Number available: 2
Eligibility: Eastland Wood Council annually offers two scholarships for either those wanting to enter the industry or those already in forestry and keen to upskill or retrain, work in the region and/or whakapapa to Tairāwhiti.
Last year’s two scholarship recipients reflect the spectrum of opportunities in forestry – one completing a tertiary qualification and the other working in the industry and upskilling.
2025 Applications: Applications for the 2025 scholarships are open from 1 June 2025 until 1 October 2025 (tbc).
More details: Visit this page to download the application form below or email [email protected] if you have questions.

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Hawke's Bay Region Scholarships

Diana and Colin Crombie Scholarship

Value: $9,000 (over three years).
Number available: 2
Eligibility: The Diana and Colin Crombie Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to students from Napier Boys’ High School
and Napier Girls’ High School who are going on to any kind of tertiary education and must not be eligible for a student allowance.
Applications open October 2025
Further details available here

Central Hawke’s Bay Environmental Advancement Scholarship

Value: $2,000 (over 3 years).
Number avilable: 1
Eligibility: Any study following high school in environmental fields
Application closing date: 15 October 2025

Hawkes Bay Forestry Group Forestry Scholarship

Value: $5,000
Number available: 1
Further details and application form

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Taranaki Region Scholarships

The Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) Tertiary Scholarship

Number available: Numerous
Total value: Up to $2,000
Specifics: The Scholarship shall be open to all students whose parents or caregivers reside in the TET area. Preference will be given to those students who attend a school in the TET area.
The application must be endorsed by the school principal or senior school teacher.
The Scholarship is available for students attending any tertiary institution but is NOT available for agriculture or horticulture courses.
Applications open August 2025, closes October 2025 (tbc)
More details

Taranaki Scholarships Trust Board

Number available: Numerous
Total value: Up to $1,000
Closes July 2025
For more details, speak to your school's head of careers (no website available)

Taranaki Careers and Training Expo Trust

Number available: Numerous
Total value: Up to $1,000
Closes September 2025 (tbc)
More details

PKW Tertiary Grants Programme

Number available: 3
Total value: $2,500
Applicability: Whakapapa to at least one of the eight iwi of Taranaki
Be endorsed by a living PKW shareholder
The course of study should have a Kaitiakitanga focus
Applications open 4 March 2024, close 31 March 2024. Contact PKW

Summary / Eligibility / Number on offer	NZD	Application period
The Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) Tertiary Scholarship - The application must be endorsed by the school principal or senior school teacher. - The Scholarship is available for students attending any tertiary institution but is NOT available for agriculture or horticulture courses. Number on offer: Many	$2,000	Start: tbc End: October 2025
Taranaki Scholarships Trust Board (no website available) For more details, speak to your school's head of careers (no website available) Number on offer: Many	$1,000	End: September 2025
Taranaki Careers and Training Expo Trust Number on offer: Many	$1,000	$1,000
PKW Tertiary Grants Programme For Maori students planning to study at a tertiary institution	$2,000+	tbc

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Manawatu-Wanganui Region Scholarships

Central Energy Trust Bursaries

Total value: Up to $5,000 in total, paid over 3 years. Number available: 16+
Must be planning to study at either Massey University, UCOL, Te Wanaga O Aotearoa or Inernational Pacific United NZ.
Applications open September 2025
Further details

Jacobs Florentine Education Trust

Total value: Unspecified. Number available: 1-2
Must be planning to study law
For the closing date and further details, contact Jacobs Florentine

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Wellington Region Scholarships

Johnsonville Youth Grants Trust

Total value: Ranges, from $500 to $2,000. Number available: 20+
Only open to current Students of Newlands, Onslow and Tawa Colleges. Each College runs its own application system
The trust exists to help the young people living within the Tawa to Crofton Downs area, excel in life through monetary grants in the following areas: Sport, Academia, Arts and other professional endeavours.
See more details and closing date

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Nelson and Tasman Region Scholarships

McKee Trust Tertiary Scholarship

Total value: $2,000 per year for three years. Number available: 4 to 5

Must attend Collingwood High School, Garin College, Golden Bay High School, Motueka High School, Murchison School, Nayland College, Nelson College, Nelson College for Girls, Waimea College or Tapawera Area School.

Every application must be accompanied by a statement from the Principal of the school, supporting the application and approving the proposed course of study.
Closes September 2025.

OneFortyOne Scholarship Program

Total value: Full and partial scholarships available + the opportunity for work experience in the Nelson-Marlborough Region of New Zealand during the university’s summer break
Students must be from the Nelson-Marlborough region and commencing study in one of the following areas: Science (Forestry), Forest Engineering, Environmental Science, Resource Management, Applied Geographical, Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering (or mechatronics), Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture.
Applications open November 2025

Sir Wallace Rowling Scholarship

Total value: $3,000. Number available: 2
Area Specific: There are two Sir Wallace Rowling scholarships. One is awarded to a student from one of the rural schools (Tapawera, Murchison, Motueka, Takaka and Collingwood), and one is awarded to a student from the urban schools (Richmond, Stoke and Nelson).
Criteria: the student’s permanent home address must be connected to the Network Tasman distribution system.
Must attend Collingwood High School, Garin College, Golden Bay High School, Motueka High School, Murchison School, Nayland College, Nelson College, Nelson College for Girls, Waimea College or Tapawera Area School.
Note: It is up to each school to nominate a student. Individuals can not apply themselves.
Closes October/November 2025

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Marlborough Region Scholarships

OneFortyOne Scholarship Program

Total value: Full and partial scholarships available + the opportunity for work experience in the Nelson-Marlborough Region of New Zealand during the university’s summer break
Students must be from the Nelson-Marlborough region and commencing study in one of the following areas: Science (Forestry), Forest Engineering, Environmental Science, Resource Management, Applied Geographical, Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering (or mechatronics), Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture.
Applications open November 2025

We also recommend contacting your careers officer at either Marlborough Boys’ College, Marlborough Girls' College or Queen Charlotte College for school-specific scholarships.

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West Coast Region Scholarships

Westland Milk Products

Total value: Annual scholarship grant range is to $3,000 per year for Bachelor's/Honours students up to a maximum of three years
Number available: Many
Student must be from the West Coast region and be planning to study Biological sciences, Food technology/Biotechnology, Chemical and Process Engineering, Applied Sciences (e.g. Environmental Science), Nutrition, Business Management, Commerce (particularly Marketing and Accounting) or Information Technology/Computer Science
The program also includes guaranteed holiday work from November to February each year.
Applications open in October, close mid-November 2025

Dennis Moore Memorial Scholarship

Total value: Up to $10,000. Number available: 1 (tbc)
Applications open in August, Close November 2025 (tbc)
Note: The value and number of scholarships awarded is not defined
Download Application form

West Coast District Health Board Scholarship

Total value: Up to $5,000. Number available: 10+
Criteria: Studentships are offered to students who are currently enrolled at a recognised NZ university or polytechnic.
Applicants must have resided on the West Coast of the South Island for a minimum of one year and be currently studying in your chosen career (both clinical or non-clinical) but with a view to work in the health sector
A percentage of the Studentships will be available to students with Maori or Pacific Island heritage
Closes November 2025 (tbc)

Evelyn Cooper Scholarship (Greymouth High School Students Only)

Number available: 1
Total value: Up to $3,000 ($1,000 per year over three years)
Closes October/November 2025
Contact Greymouth High School's Careers Office for more details

Greymouth Lions Pike River Memorial Scholarship

Total value: Up to $1,000, Number available: 1
Criteria is based on financial need and community involvement.
Application period: Opens September/October, Closes October 31 2025 (tbc)
Contact your Greymouth School's Careers Office for more details

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Canterbury Region Scholarships

Selwyn District Council Educational Fund Scholarships

Value and Number available: Variable. The number of scholarships and the amount of scholarships granted in any one year is determined by Selwyn District Council. In previous years the award has been around $3,000, with more than 5 given out.
Applicability: Selwyn District Council awards scholarships annually to two pupils in year 12 or 13 at Darfield High School, Ellesmere College and Lincoln High School, with six scholarships awarded in total.
Closes: September 2025 (tbc)

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Otago Region Scholarships

Central Lakes Trust Tertiary Education Scholarship Programme

Total value: $2,500 . Number available: Many
For students currently enrolled in the High Schools in its region; Wakatipu and Dunstan High Schools, Mount Aspiring and Cromwell Colleges and Roxburgh Area School. Principals and staff of these schools to determine, based on guidelines and agreed criteria, the student(s) they wish to select for a CLT scholarship.
Scholarships are for individuals wishing to commence their first year full-time tertiary, apprenticeship or vocational training.
3 types of scholarships are available: Tertiary Education Scholarship, Vocational Scholarship and Science and Technology scholarship (by Pioneer Energy Limited). All have a value of $2,500.
Applications open 1 July, close 30 July (tbc).

Tuapeka County Bursary

Value: $1,000+ . Number available: tbc.
Managed by the Clutha District Council, this bursary fund is available to students who reside in the former Tuapeka County and Roxburgh, Tapanui and Lawrence Borough areas.
The scholarship is for assistance at Tertiary Education Institutes.
Preference will be given to applicants with at least 1 year’s tertiary education.
Applications close January 31

Queenstown Lakes-Specific
Margaret Templeton Tertiary Study Scholarship

Total value: $15,000 ($5,000 per year for 3 years). Number available: 1
Applications are based on financial need: Applicant's residential home must be in the Wakatipu basin and proof of parent’s income is required as this is a scholarship set up to support young people who would otherwise struggle to afford tertiary studies.
Closes September 2025 (tbc)
More details: Email the Scholarship's Trusts ＆ Estates Administrator for an application form

Dave Geddes RSA Memorial Scholarship

Total value: $1,000. Number available: 1
Closes September 2025
Contact your school's Careers office

Meyer Cruden Engineering

Total value: $3,000. Number available: 1
Eligibility: Students aged between 16 – 19 years of age who come from the Central Otago/Lakes District
Applicants must be planning to undertake tertiary education in Structural/Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
Application Period: Opens July 2025

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Southland Region Scholarships

NZAS Tertiary Education Scholarship

Total value: $2,000 value per year, or summer employment in subsequent years. Number available: 1
Applicants must be from Southland, completing Year 13 at time of application
Undertake an engineering related discipline at a tertiary institution outside of Southland
Closes October 2025 (tbc)

Southland District Council Centennial Bursary

Total value: Up to $2,000 per year. Number available: 2. Note: The bursaries can be held for one year only.
Applicants must be academically qualified for admission to a tertiary educational institution; no restriction on the particular course of study followed.
Applicants must be about to start the first year of tertiary education (this includes mature students).
Applicants and/or their parents or guardians must currently live in the Southland District Council area and have done so for at least two consecutive years before applying.
Closes December 20.
Application form (PDF).

Elman & Alfred Poole (Southland Boys’ High School & Southland Girls’ High School students only) Health Sciences Scholarship

Total value: $15,000 ($5,000 value per year for three years). Number available: 2
Applicants must have been a Southland resident for three or more years and attend either Southland Boys’ or Southland Girls’ High School in the year of application.
Students must excel in Science at secondary school and intend to enrol in the Health Sciences First Year course at the University of Otago in the year following the closing date with the aim of gaining admission into one of the competitive-entry Health Sciences Professional Programmes.
Closes August 2025 (tbc)

Community Trust of Southland

Please note that the Community Trust of Southland School Leaver Scholarships, which had awarded around $500,000 to Southland students, were eliminated in 2016. There are no plans to reinstate them.

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Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Māori Education Scholarships

The selection of scholarships below apply to both final year secondary school and tertiary-enrolled Māori students. We have included them specifically in their own section intentionally to highlight their availability to eligible Māori students.

Applicants have reported a high likelihood of success; there is a significant number of scholarships available for applicants, offering many opportunities for qualifying students.

Generally, who can apply for a Māori scholarship?

Any full-time Māori undergraduate student currently studying at a recognised New Zealand tertiary institute, unless otherwise noted below.
Every year, the value of scholarships in total is over $1m to high school leavers and undergraduates.
Values for each scholarship range from $500 to $10,000
Preference for most scholarships will be for Māori students displaying academic achievement.

Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships

The scholarships are for exceptional applicants of Māori descent who are undertaking tertiary study in the following year and who possess characteristics that are considered consistent with those of the members of the 28th Māori Battalion.
3 undergraduate awards - $10,000 each per year of full time study, for up to 5 years
Closes September 2024 (TBC)

Sir Apirana Ngata Memorial Scholarships

The Sir Apirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship managed on behalf of the Māori Soldiers Trust. It's funded by the trust's major asset, Hereheretau Station, and aims to promote higher education among Māori.
The scholarships are generally between $1,000 and $3,000 and 29 were awarded in 2017.
Preference is given to descendants of Māori who served overseas during World War I.
Closes May 2024

Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is offering scholarships for Māori students enrolling in a Bachelor of Forestry Science or Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Forest Engineering.
Number available: 8
Value: $8,000 a year for 4 years (the length of the degree) to help with tuition fees and living costs
Internship: The scholarship includes a paid internship of between 4 to 10 weeks with an appropriate employer in the forestry sector.
Closes August 2024

Undergraduate Scholarships Available in 2024 (administrated by the Māori Education Trust)

Important: Applications close 31 March 2024 Students meeting the application criteria can apply for as many Māori Education Trust scholarships as they like from the list below, but will only be awarded one.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Scholarships (administrated by Ngāi Tahu)

Ngāi Tahu offers a number of scholarships for tertiary study and for those engaged or beginning to engage with the iwi
Scholarships are numerous and open throughout the year.

Kia Ora Hauora ("Living in Health") Database

This extensive database is best approached by selecting "Accademic Level" and "Iwi" as many of the scholarships will not be relevant for general study. The database includes scholarships that are not Māori specific.

Leading Light Maori Scholarships

To assist a young Māori student to excel in accounting and contribute to the successful economic development of the Māori community, Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand offers two annual Leading Light Maori Scholarships, awarded twice a year to assist young Māori students to excel in accounting and contribute to the successful economic development of the Māori community
The Ngā Raumanako Māori Scholarship and the NKMoA - $5,000 ($2,500 p.a. over 2 years) plus the opportunity to gain an internship with one of the Ngā Kaitatau Māori o Aotearoa network partners.
Suzanne Spencer Memorial Māori Scholarship - $6,000 ($3,000 p.a. over 2 years), plus the opportunity to have a mentor from the NKMoA network to assist them with their career aspirations.
Applications: open 1 July 2024 (tbc), close 22 July 2024 (tbc)

Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) Scholarships

The TST STEM Scholarships are for exceptional applicants who are of Tūwharetoa descent and undertaking 3 year or higher Tertiary study in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths.
The scholarship opens in February
Number available: 3 scholarships available
Value: $10,000
Closes: End of March each calendar year

Further Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond the list above, we encourage you to check your own Iwi websites for possible funding sources for further study.
It is important for you to check your current Iwi registration is up to date. You can do this with the help of the Iwi index, which indicates your Iwi.

Maori Specific Scholarships
Below are some of the main websites that detail Māori scholarship information and provide specific guidance for applications:

Kia Ora Hauora

Te Puni Kokiri
Takoa

The Deloitte Award – Most Promising Māori Accountant

Value: $1,500 over a period of three years
Additional Benefits: Invitations to Deloitte networking events, mentoring by a member of the Deloitte Māori Business team and a paid internship in 2nd year of relevant undergraduate study
Closes October 2025 (tbc)
Contact Deloitte Careers for more information

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Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Pacific Islander Education Scholarships

Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards

While this program is not a school leaver scholarship, the awards are complimentary to university study as many include paid internships. We have listed the awards to raise awareness of their existence.
The 2026 awards open in October 2025 - contact the Ministry for Pacific Peoples for more information

Toloa Tertiary Scholarships

Established in 2015, the Toloa Tertiary Scholarships are funded by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to support Pacific students to pursue studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. This includes a wide range of subjects, including food science and technology, microbiology, computer science, engineering, and physical sciences

Capped at $10,000 per year, the Toloa Tertiary Scholarships cover the tuition and compulsory fees for the successful undergraduate recipients in their second, third and fourth year of study.
Applications for the 2025 Scholarships open in September 2025.
Contact the Ministry for Pacific Peoples for more information

Ministry of Health, Pacific Health Scholarships

The Scholarships will pay between 80% and 100% (depending on the number of applications) of the total course fees and will be paid directly to the tertiary organisation once you have been approved for a course.
The scholarships offer up to $10,000 for medical and dentistry students and up to $5,000 for nursing, midwifery, allied health and all remaining qualifications.
The Scholarship does not provide funding for accommodation costs, course-related costs or study leave days.
Preference is given to those studying medicine, nursing, midwifery, oral health and allied health specialties
Applicants need to provide evidence of Pacific Islands descent (passport, birth certificate, reference letter) and be a New Zealand resident or permanent resident
Closes: February 2025 (we expect this to open soon for 2025's Year 13 students heading to university/training in 2026).
Full details

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Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Tips for Scholarship Application

In the preparation of our comprehensive tips section, MoneyHub would like to thank Kay Wallace, HOD Careers at Western Springs College in Auckland for her generous contributions. If you're a teacher or student with tips to share, please contact us - we value every contribution we receive.

Know what’s on offer, and focus on the most suitable options

Sometimes competition for one particular scholarship is very strong and they are usually judged by panels of people. You can increase your chances of receiving one by applying for as many as you qualify for. But, focus most on those that specifically relate to you. For example, if you're an all-round cricket player and there is a relevant cricket scholarship, put more effort into that in comparison to a general scholarship.

Shortlist, and make sure you qualify for what you want to apply for

Make a list or document of the scholarships that match your eligibility. Be sure to double check the dates and allow plenty of time to complete the application. If you think you meet the requirements but are not sure, contact the scholarship provider well in advance to clarify.

Gather your information so you can efficiently complete every scholarship

To apply for a scholarship, you will most likely need to fill out forms and supply documents to support your application. You may also be asked to attend an interview with the selection panel. Some things you may be asked to provide with your application are:

proof of citizenship or residency status (eg birth certificate, passport)
evidence of community involvement, financial hardship or ethnic background
letter of approval from your school
list of referees
record of learning
bank details, IRD number

You need to collect and certify all the necessary documents. If necessary, to certify your documents, take the original and a photocopy to an authorised person* who will check both documents and sign the copy to show it is a true reproduction of the original.

*An authorised person could be a teacher, kaumātua, minister of religion, police officer, registered medical professional, solicitor or Justice of the Peace. This may depend on the individual scholarship, so it is best to check.

Department of Internal Affairs website - for birth certificates, citizenship, and passports

Make the BEST Possible Impression, Every Time

Spend as much time on the application as is necessary to get it right. The competition is so significant that any oversights could see you miss out, even if you were the strongest applicant. What's on paper matters equally to you as a person.

Here is a list of simple tips:

Read widely about the scholarship - know its purpose and background.
Make sure you get as much information about the scholarship as possible by checking information on the Scholarship’s website. You can never have too much information.
If the scholarship is funded by a company, gather as much information and read about that corporation's philosophy and goals.
Read ALL of the instructions carefully
Presentation is very important - first impressions count. Make it professional. Avoid using informal language of any kind.
Supply the documents in the order in which they are requested.
Use the same style of writing and pen throughout the application, do not use ink other than black or blue.
Use neat, legible handwriting and type your application if this is not possible
Apply for each scholarship separately. Do not use the same application to apply for two separate scholarships.

Pick the Best Referees and Strive for the Best Reference

Ensure that your referees are the appropriate people to provide the kind of information for the selection panel.
For example, if they need to know about your sport or leadership capabilities, ensure the referee you provide has worked with you extensively and can specify your qualities in detail. Generic observations are unhelpful. Screen potential referees - your favourite teacher, trusted community leader etc.
Always make sure that your referees know of every scholarship you have applied for so they can provide the appropriate information to each scholarship panel.
Don’t be shy about contacting referees - you need them so don't be afraid to go out there to secure their help.
Referee’s statements or references are also required before the closing date so please ensure referee’s reports meet deadlines - more on this below.

MUST READ - Planning for your references and making sure you meet deadlines

You may be under the impression that adults meet deadlines and are never late, but unfortunately this is not the case in most situations.
Your scholarship application(s) are very important to you, but they are less important to a teacher or other referees, who may be focused on many requests from your fellow students.
For these reasons, we suggest giving referees a due date well in advance of the actual deadline. For example, if your scholarship application on closes 30 September, asking for the completed reference by 15 August gives you plenty of time for follow up, and chasing!
You don't want to miss out on money because your referee went on holiday or got too busy - plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Checklist for your Financial Scholarships Application

When submitting any scholarship application, ensure that you have:

Completed all the necessary forms.
Supplied all the required supporting documents.
Listed names of referees and references (if any) and make sure that you and your referees submit their references by the due date. Be sure to tell your referee what the scholarship is for and send them a copy of the details.

And when you submit, be sure to:

Use a paperclip not a stapler as pages may need to be detached then copied for the panel. Attach documents in the order they are requested.
Be tidy – type or write neatly. Check your spelling.
Be timely – submit your application well before or by the closing date. The selection panel receives many applications and can often be ruthless in the elimination process. They will be looking for any reason to reject an application, and lateness may be one of the very first criteria.

And Finally, A Warning:

Don’t lose out on a scholarship because your application is late, incorrect or messy!
Work hard on it and ensure yourself the best possible chance of winning a scholarship in today’s competitive environment. Try to do everything you can to show that you are deserving of the award.

BEFORE you submit, ask someone else to check your application

Common complaints from scholarship providers are:

Some of the requested documents are not attached (i.e. missing forms or references)
The documents requested are not supplied in the correct format requested
Page(s) of the scholarship application are not filled in
Applicants do not read the questions properly and thus provide inappropriate or irrelevant responses - this is instant rejection territory, so be sure to answer the questions, every time.
Applicants skip questions that they think don’t apply to them. If you are asked a question, you must answer it in some way.
Applicants do not supply their full and correct address and email contact addresses.
The applicants handwriting is illegible. Always write clearly and in block letters.
Inappropriate referee used, such as a parent or sibling.
Referee not meeting the submission deadline - this is more common than you think.

Back To Scholarship Index

Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

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Important: Finishing High School at the end of this year? Our must-action checklist is essential reading.

Related Guides

The Complete New Zealand Scholarship Directory 2025-26 for Year 13 Students Attending University in 2026

Scholarships List - Fast Links

Scholarships - Four Must-Know Facts

What is a School Leaver Scholarship and how does it help me?

What are the different types of School Leaver Scholarships and which ones should I be looking at?

Explaining "Eligibility" for better scholarship shortlisting

​How do I find this year's available Scholarships?

New Zealand University Scholarships

University of Auckland Scholarships

Auckland University of Technology [AUT] Scholarships

University of Waikato Scholarships

Massey University Scholarships

Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships

University of Canterbury Scholarships

Lincoln University Scholarships

University of Otago Scholarships

Overseas University Scholarships

Private Organisation Scholarships

MESNZ Bill Buckley Scholarship (Engineering Students)

EngineeringNZ Edna Waddell Scholarship (Female Engineering Students)

Zespri Science Scholarship (for Massey University)

Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships (for those identified as female or of Māori descent)

FMG Agriculture Scholarship (Agricultural Students)

Keystone Trust School Leaver and Existing Tertiary Scholarships

DairyNZ Undergraduate Scholarships

​Prime Minister’s Athlete Scholarship (High Performance Sporting Achievements/Carded Athletes)

PwC Scholarships Program

Cashin Scholarship - Employees and Family Members of Ryman Healthcare

Sullivan Scholarship (Medical Students)

Ernest William File Scholarship (Children of RMTU Union Members Only)

KiwiRail Scholarships (Kiwirail Employee Families Only)

Zonta South Auckland Young Woman’s Study Award

Zonta South Auckland Young Woman’s Leadership Award

Regional Scholarships

Northland Region Scholarships

Auckland Region Scholarships

Waikato Region Scholarships

Bay of Plenty Region Scholarships

Tairawhiti (Gisborne) Region Scholarships

Hawke's Bay Region Scholarships

Taranaki Region Scholarships

Manawatu-Wanganui Region Scholarships

Wellington Region Scholarships

Nelson and Tasman Region Scholarships

Marlborough Region Scholarships

West Coast Region Scholarships

Canterbury Region Scholarships

Otago Region Scholarships

Southland Region Scholarships

Māori Education Scholarships

Pacific Islander Education Scholarships

Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards

Ministry of Health, Pacific Health Scholarships

Tips for Scholarship Application

Know what’s on offer, and focus on the most suitable options

Shortlist, and make sure you qualify for what you want to apply for

Gather your information so you can efficiently complete every scholarship

Make the BEST Possible Impression, Every Time

Pick the Best Referees and Strive for the Best Reference

Checklist for your Financial Scholarships Application

BEFORE you submit, ask someone else to check your application

How do I find this year's available Scholarships?

Prime Minister’s Athlete Scholarship (High Performance Sporting Achievements/Carded Athletes)