School-leaver scholarships
Application round for 2027 study
Applications for the 2027 school‑leaver scholarships are now closed.
Our school-leaver scholarships have been developed to support students who embody the key attributes that the University values—excellence, leadership, diversity, sporting achievement, sustainability, and commitment to community. Offering much more than just financial assistance, our scholarships are designed to create communities of students who share the same ambitions, goals, backgrounds, and values.
Our scholarships for school leavers
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Kahurangi Māori Student Scholarship
For Māori students. Valued at $7,000 or up to $32,000.
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Mana Pasifika Scholarship
For Pasifika students. Valued at $7,000 or up to $32,000.
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Mātātoa Sports Scholarship
For sporting achievement. Valued at $7,000.
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Pakohe Sustainability Scholarship
For efforts in sustainability. Valued at $7,000.
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Raukaraka Leadership Scholarship
For leadership. Valued at $7,000.
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Tangiwai Excellence Scholarship
For academic excellence. Valued at $7,000.
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Totoweka Equity Scholarship
To support all students to have access to education. Valued at $7,000.
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Kahotea Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
For outstanding achievement. No application necessary. Valued up to $37,000.
Application help and advice
Guaranteed accommodation
All scholarship recipients who apply for accommodation at a university hall of residence are guaranteed a place. This means you can use your scholarship funding to live in one of our eight central city halls of residence—make new friends, benefit from additional support, and live in an environment that encourages your academic success, plus have some fun, of course.
Explore our halls of residence
International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarships
The International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarships recognise high-achieving international school-leaver students who have completed at least two full years of study—specifically Year 12 and Year 13—at a New Zealand secondary school.
Scholarships will be awarded competitively based on academic excellence.
International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarships are valued at $10,000 for fees paid in the second year of study.
All International school-leavers may also be eligible for the VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship, subject to meeting those conditions. Scholarships are valued at $15,000 towards tuition fees for a student’s first year.
Study overseas during your degree
As well as applying for a scholarship, if you’re interested in studying overseas, you can apply for a spot on our Wellington Global Exchange programme before you start university—and you could receive a grant for your tuition fees. These grants can be held alongside one of our other school-leaver scholarships.
Learn more about our International Experience Grant.
More scholarship opportunities
Check out our scholarships database to find more awards for school-leavers and first-year students, funded by faculties and generous donors.
You can also search for scholarships offered by other New Zealand organisations.