School-leaver scholarships

Introducing our new school-leaver scholarships for study in 2024—the Pakohe Scholarship, the Kahurangi Scholarship, and the Mana Pasifika Scholarship.

The Wellington Pakohe scholarship honours the university's commitment to sustainability, by providing unique opportunities to engage with sustainable initiatives including a tailored mentoring programme.

The Wellington Kahurangi and Wellington Mana Pasifika Scholarships strengthen our university community, by supporting and celebrating exceptional Māori and Pasifika students.

The University’s Tangiwai, Totoweka, Raukaraka, Pakohe, Kahurangi, Mana Pasifika, and Kahotea scholarships have been developed to support and encourage school-leaver students who embody the key attributes that the University values: excellence, leadership, diversity, sustainability, and commitment to community.

Six of the scholarships are named for a different type of pounamu (greenstone). Māori consider pounamu to be a taonga that can protect and act as a source of strength for those who possess it.

Tangiwai Scholarship—for excellence

The Wellington Tangiwai Scholarship celebrates academic excellence. These scholarships will be offered to the top school-leaver applicants enrolling in any of the University’s Bachelor degree programmes.

Scholarships are valued at $5,000 to $10,000, for the first year of study which can be put towards accommodation costs at a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence, or as a contribution towards your first-year living costs.

Totoweka Scholarship—for equity and support

The Wellington Totoweka Scholarship recognises the University's commitment to equity issues in supporting students to have access to education. The University encourages strong academic applicants who are Māori, Pasifika, from refugee backgrounds, have a disability, identify as LGBTQIA+ and Takatāpui or come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Scholarships are valued at $5,000 to $10,000, for the first year of study which can be put towards accommodation costs at a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence, or as a contribution towards your first-year living costs.

Raukaraka Scholarship—for leadership

The Wellington Raukaraka Scholarship recognises the University's commitment to supporting school leavers who demonstrate leadership qualities. Scholarships will be awarded competitively based on academic merit, leadership, commitment to community and sporting and cultural achievements.

Scholarships are valued at $5,000 to $10,000, for the first year of study which can be put towards accommodation costs at a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence, or as a contribution towards your first-year living costs.

Pakohe Scholarship—for sustainability

The Wellington Pakohe Scholarship recognises the University's commitment to supporting students who have demonstrated sustainability qualities that align with our aim to be a global thought leader, by integrating sustainability into all we do.

Scholarships are valued at $5,000 to $10,000 for the first year of study which can be put towards accommodation costs at a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence, or as a stipend to contribute towards your first year living costs.

Kahurangi Scholarship—for exceptional Māori Students

The Wellington Kahurangi Scholarship recognises exceptional Māori students. We encourage applicants who have achieved academically and within the areas of culture, community involvement, and leadership.

The scholarship package includes full accommodation costs for the first year on the Marino Floor in Joan Stevens hall of residence, where tikanga Māori (Māori cultural practices) and te reo Māori (Māori language) are part of everyday life. There is dedicated pastoral support, plus $5,000 towards tuition fees in the second and third years of study. For students who are not in a hall, a $15,000 fees contribution can be taken evenly across three years.

Mana Pasifika Scholarship—for exceptional Pasifika Students

The Wellington Mana Pasifika Scholarship recognises exceptional Pasifika students. We encourage applicants who have achieved academically and within the areas of culture, community involvement, and leadership

The scholarship package includes full accommodation costs for the first year in a Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence. There is dedicated pastoral support, plus $5,000 towards tuition fees in the second and third years of study. For students who are not in a hall, a $15,000 fees contribution can be taken evenly across three years.

Kahotea Scholarship—for outstanding achievement

The Wellington Kahotea Scholarship recognises exceptional students and is valued at up to $35,000 over three years of study. The University encourages applicants who have achieved exceptional academic results or other high achievement within the areas of culture, community involvement, leadership or equity.

Up to 30 scholarships will be awarded to exceptional students. The package includes full accommodation costs for the first year at a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington hall of residence, plus $5,000 for three years paid as stipend or towards tuition fees. For students who are not in a hall, this can be taken evenly across the three years or weighted higher over the first year.