Ngā Hoe a Kupe Pathfinder Scholarships

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.

Applicants will be shortlisted and invited to an interview.

Scholarship specific documentation

• A personal statement outlining how the applicant has shown resilience or determination in achieving their academic and personal goals; and what they hope to achieve with their degree (maximum 1500 words).
• A reference from the school principal, dean, teacher or careers adviser (to be requested via the online application).
• Endorsement of Māori or Pasifika heritage and evidence of refugee status if applicable.
• A copy of Year 12 and Year 13 results to date.
• A statement of earnings from parents and/or caregivers who provide financial support or a bank statement if self-supporting.

Selection process

An interview panel will include representatives from the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori & Kaitiakitanga, the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, and Future Students.

How and when do students learn of the decision?

All applicants will be advised by email of the outcome of their application. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by email and phone. Successful applicants will receive notification by email and will be officially awarded the scholarship at an event to be advised together with their families in March.

Additional information

The University will provide a comprehensive wrap-around support package to assist recipients with their transition into the first year of study, as well as ongoing support throughout their undergraduate journey. Recipients will also have opportunities to contribute to student life at the University, supporting the development of leadership, social responsibility and employability skills. This includes participation in the Kitea Impact Programme and other extra-curricular opportunities that broaden thinking, learning and engagement.

The scholarship covers full accommodation costs at a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington catered hall of residence for the first year of study, and course fees in the first and second years of study (with the final year to be covered by the Fees Free programme). In addition, recipients who continue to be enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress will receive up to $5,000 in the first year, $6,000 in the second year, and $7,000 in the third year towards course-related and living costs.

A key feature of the Ngā Hoe a Kupe Pathfinder Scholarship programme is the active partnership between the recipient, their whānau/family or support network and the University.

Academic support

Recipients will have access to academic and professional staff to develop an individualised scholar success plan.

Pastoral support

Recipients’ progress will be regularly monitored to ensure they remain on track to achieve their academic and personal goals. This includes scheduled meetings with the Equity Scholarships Programme Manager to discuss progress and address any challenges. Recipients are expected to actively engage with appropriate student support services as needed.

Recipients will have opportunities to connect and network with senior students who have knowledge and experience in their chosen degree programmes, supporting peer learning, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Regulations and conditions

1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30 pm on the closing date for the application to be considered.
2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient gaining NCEA Level 3, University Entrance and admission to a full-year degree programme (this 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.
3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
4. The Scholarship may not be held in conjunction with other awards. Exceptions will be considered by the Deciding Authority on a case-by-case basis.
5. Recipients must live in a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence in the first year of study.
6. Recipients are strongly encouraged to participate in the Kitea Impact Programme to develop leadership, social responsibility and employability skills.
7. Recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for the University and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
8. The Scholarship is a partnership between the University, the recipient and their family and/or a trusted guardian.
9. Financial support in subsequent years is conditional on students continuing to be enrolled full time and demonstrating satisfactory academic progress and engagement with the University community.
10. 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.

Contact

Gail Ah-Hi – Equity Scholarships Programme Manager
Phone: +64 4 886 5629
E-mail: Gail.Ah-Hi@vuw.ac.nz

For questions about the criteria or the application process, please contact:

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