2026 Welcome Back to Wellington

History and purpose

The 2026 Welcome Back to Wellington scholarship originates from the recognition that not all students from Wellington who leave to study elsewhere are satisfied with their choices and would love the opportunity to come back to study near their family and friends. This scholarship is open to 2024 secondary school-leavers.

Students will receive:

• 1-year full accommodation costs* in a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence in 2026 worth up to $20,000.
• Depending on specific hall availability and the applicants age at application, accommodation will either be in a catered hall or independent living hall of residence.

This scholarship gives students the opportunity to settle back into study and enjoy the full experiences that Victoria University offers without the worry of accommodation costs.

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?

Applicant must:

• Be graduates of a secondary school in the Wellington region in 2024.
• Have resided in the Wellington region (as defined in the Conditions section below) for at least the final two years of their secondary school study.
• Have completed their first year at a New Zealand tertiary institution other than Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
• Have applied for admission and accommodation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington at the time of submitting their scholarship application.
• Be enrolled in their second year of full-time study for an undergraduate programme by 20 February 2026 and have commitment to completion of an undergraduate degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Students who meet the above eligibility criteria and who have already enrolled for 2026 study and/or have been offered a place in a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence may apply.

Selection criteria

Selection will be based on academic merit, demonstration of prior residency in the Wellington region, 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.

Apply online

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.
• Academic Transcript.

Selection process

Successful candidates will be chosen by the Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Undergraduate Scholarships Committee and staff from Accommodation Operations.

Additional information

Applicants will be notified by 20 January or before (depending on time of application).

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the scholarship as soon as possible as spaces are limited and adequate time is allowed for the assessment of Transfer of Credit.

*Full accommodation costs exclude the initial deposit (including bond and other hall fees) that is due when accepting an offer of accommodation. Remaining payment will be made directly by the Scholarships Office to the hall of residence in early February.

Conditions

1. Applications close 4.30 pm 12 January 2026.
2. The scholarship covers 1-year full accommodation costs in a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence in 2026 credited in March 2026.
3. Applicants must have been resident in the Wellington region during their final two years of secondary school study.  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.
4. All payments of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme of study (full-time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full-time). No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
5. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
6. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
7. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
8. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
9. At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04