Starting your university journey in 2026? Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, has opened applications for its School-leaver and First-Year Scholarships, offering hundreds of opportunities to support students entering undergraduate study. Whether you’re a top achiever, an emerging leader, or someone who has faced challenges, there’s a scholarship designed to help you succeed.
Why Apply?
Every year, the University of Auckland invests millions in scholarships to make higher education more accessible. These awards look beyond grades, also considering leadership, sports, arts, cultural involvement, and personal circumstances. Benefits include:
- Tuition support
- Accommodation assistance
- Recognition of academic, cultural, and leadership achievements
- A strong start to university life with financial and academic support
List of Scholarships Available in 2026
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – Prestigious award valued at $30,000 for exceptional academics.
- Top Achiever Scholarship – For students excelling in academics plus sports, arts, leadership, or service.
- Māori Academic Excellence Scholarship – Supporting Māori students with academic and cultural contributions.
- Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarship – For Pacific students excelling academically and in community engagement.
- Academic Potential Scholarship – School Leavers – For students showing promise while overcoming personal challenges.
- Waka Moana Scholarship – For Māori students active in Te Ao Māori, leadership, or the arts.
- Vaka Moana Scholarship – For Pacific students with strong cultural and leadership involvement.
- High Performance Sports Scholarship – Valued at $10,000 for those balancing academics with elite sports.
- Kōkiri Raumati Scholarship – For students joining Summer Start, Tōia ki Waipapa, or UniBound programmes, covering fees and accommodation.
- International School Leaver Scholarship – For international students who completed secondary school in New Zealand.
Who Can Apply?
- Final-year secondary school students planning to begin at the University of Auckland in 2026.
- New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and eligible international students.
- Applicants demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, cultural engagement, or resilience.
Application Timeline
- 21 May 2025 – Applications open
- 13 August 2025 – Applications close (11:59 pm NZT)
- September 2025 – Selection committees review applications
- Early October 2025 – Successful applicants notified
- January 2026 – Final eligibility checks (NCEA, CIE, or IB results)
- 9 October 2025 – Deadline for faculty-specific scholarships
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to at least one University of Auckland programme.
- Access the online scholarships portal (Community Force) within 24 hours.
- Complete one application form to be considered for multiple scholarships.
- Provide achievements and arrange a referee endorsement.
- Submit before the deadline.
Tip: Apply early, confirm your endorser in advance, and also submit your accommodation application alongside your scholarship form.
Why This Matters
These scholarships are more than financial support—they are recognition of your achievements and an investment in your potential. They open doors to leadership networks and help you thrive in your first year at one of New Zealand’s top universities.
Apply Here for the University of Auckland School Leaver Scholarships
