Welcome Back to Wellington Scholarship
History and purpose
The Welcome Back to Wellington scholarship originates from the recognition that for some students who have studied elsewhere, things may not have worked out well and they would love the opportunity to come back to study near their family and friends.
This scholarship is open to 2024 and 2025 School-leavers, giving students the opportunity to settle back into study to enjoy the full experiences that Victoria University offers.
Students applying during their first year of study at a New Zealand tertiary institution will receive:
- Free accommodation in a catered first-year Victoria University hall of residence in Trimester 2, 2026. Applicants interested in this option must apply for accomodation.
OR
- $5,000 towards fees paid in Trimester 2, 2026.
Students applying during their second year of study at a New Zealand tertiary institution will receive:
- $5,000 towards fees paid in Trimester 2, 2026.
Students who have successfully completed courses at diploma or degree level (Level 5 or above on the NZQA framework) at another university, polytechnic, wānanga or private training establishment, may be able to credit previous tertiary education achievements towards one of our qualifications.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must be:
- Graduates of a secondary school based in the Wellington region in 2024 or 2025.
- Intending to enrol in an undergraduate programme in Trimester 2 2026, and have commitment to completion of an undergraduate degree, at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
- New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Resident; a New Zealand Residence Class visa holder; Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Residents residing in New Zealand who meet one of the University’s domestic admission types and have gained University Entrance.
- A current first or second year student at a New Zealand tertiary institution other than Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
- Meeting all other requirements of these Terms and Conditions
Applicants must have applied for admission into Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by the scholarship closing date for their scholarship to be considered.
Selection criteria
Among eligible candidates, selection will be based on academic merit, (year 13 NCEA or equivalent results, or current GPA for Level 5 or above at a tertiary institution if available), commitment to completing an undergraduate degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and a reason for deserving this scholarship.
Application process
A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.
Scholarship specific documentation
- A personal statement outlining your academic journey so far, why you deserve the scholarship, and your intent to study at Victoria University and live in Wellington.
- Evidence of enrolment in a secondary school in the Wellington region.
- Academic transcript (if applicable) and/or secondary school results.
Selection process
Successful candidates will be chosen by a committee comprised of staff from the University Scholarships and Accommodation offices.
Additional information
If you choose to have your scholarship put towards tuition fees, the total amount will be credited directly by the Scholarships Office to your student fees account in Trimester 2 2026. Any remaining funds will remain in the fees account and be allocated to fees for the following year.
If you choose to have your scholarship put towards accommodation at one of our University halls of residence, this will be applied by the accommodation team.
Applicants seeking to credit previous tertiary education achievements towards one of our qualifications are advised to contact the University on 0800 04 04 04 or email info@vuw.ac.nz.
Conditions
- A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
- Applicants must be graduates of a secondary school based in the Wellington region in 2024 or 2025. For the purposes of this scholarship, ‘Wellington region’ refers to the definition provided by the Greater Wellington Regional Council: this includes Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt, Kapiti Coast, South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton, Tararua.
- All payments of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
- The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
- The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
- Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be required. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
- At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.
- The details set out earlier in this document also form part of the Conditions for this scholarship.
Contact
Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04