Applications for scholarships for 2026 are now open!
Te Whare Wnanga o Waitaha | 厙ぴ勛圖 offers a range of scholarships specifically for incoming first-year students to nurture personal growth and support future success. These scholarships celebrate and recognise academic and sporting excellence, leadership, cultural and community involvement, and overcoming of barriers and personal challenges.
Each scholarship has different eligibility criteriasuch asthe subject area, level, and/or qualification youplan to study at UC; your age, gender, ethnicity, and citizenship;and which high schooland/or regionyou are coming from.
Incoming First-Year Scholarships are available specifically for:
- Mori and Pacific students
- Studentswho can demonstrateleadershippotential
- Students with financial hardship or other personal circumstances
- Students moving away from home to study at UC (withaccommodation costs)
- International Students.
Scholarships help ease the financial stresses of study, accommodation, and student life, enabling you to place more focus on your studies and access additional resources and opportunities. Recipients have found that the benefits of this are far-reaching and lifelong, including:
- Increased confidence and self-worth
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Sense of belonging and recognition
- Social integrations and friendships
- Motivation and empowerment
- Mental wellbeing.
How to Apply

Check out our 'Apply for Incoming First-Year Scholarships' webpage for further details.
Applications are now open and close 7 August
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"Scholarship support is more than just financial aid- its a catalyst for networking, new experiences, and open doors. Also, knowing someone else believes in your ability to find success and wants to help you get there is incredibly motivating.
Personally, scholarship support has allowed me to experience life in a hall, where I met many amazing people and learned so much about myself. It also allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies and explore club activities without the pressure of a part-time job. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received and the ways it has shaped my journey at UC.
If I could give any advice to other students, it would be to apply for everything youre eligible for, because you have a better shot than you think. Its one of those things where theres nothing to lose but everything to gain."
2024 Helen Macmillan Brown Bursaries
2024 UC Engineering Top Achievers Scholarship
2024 UC Hiranga Scholarship
2024 厙ぴ勛圖 Alumni Scholarship
2024 AIMS Scholarship
Incoming First-Year Scholarships available in 2026
Check through the following pages or use the Scholarship's Database to find scholarships that you may be eligible to apply for.
We recommend you apply forallthescholarships you are eligible for, as it is possible to be awarded more than one scholarship at a time.
Check the scholarships database
See what scholarships were available for new students in 2026.
What previous recipients had to say:
Without the worry of tuition fees, I have had the ability to move out of home and experience life in more noteworthy ways. Gaining the scholarship gave me more faith and confidence within myself and my abilities. I have also had the chance to grow and learn as a person through the groups held within the scholarship.
G Rainbow, Law
The Te Kakau a Mui scholarship has benefitted me by allowing me to focus on my studies without the worry of tuition fees later on in my degree. It has provided priceless help and support during my transition into tertiary education and guided me on my path into my engineering degree. I have enjoyed meeting likeminded rangitahi as part of the scholarship, creating connections and friendships through workshops, and sharing ideas and stories together.
K Jones, Mechatronics