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Scholarships for Pacific Students

04 September 2024

UC offers a range of scholarships specifically available to Pacific students studying at  both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Check out what is available.

HOW TO APPLY

UC supports Pacific students studying at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. 

UC offers a range of scholarships studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, either specifically available to Pacific student applicants, where preference may be given to a Pacific applicant, or there is at least one scholarship potentially ring-fenced for a Pacific student. 

Discover some of the UC administered scholarships for students of Pacific descent below.  These scholarships are subject to funding availability and are reviewed each year. Also use our scholarships database to search for all scholarships currently available.

Incoming First-Year

Scholarship NameScholarship Information
Go Waitaha Canterbury

Details: For students with strong academic potential but facing challenges to affording university accommodation costs. Applicants must be Year 13 students or gap year students attending a school and/or living outside the Greater Christchurch area. Applicants must be eligible to receive StudyLink Student Allowance and recipients must be in receipt of a Student Allowance. Dependent on achievement of Merit or higher at NCEA Level 2, or an equivalent university entrance qualification. At least two scholarships are reserved for Pacific students.

Value: $15,000 towards accommodation fees and priority consideration for a place in a hall, plus educational outdoor recreational field trips and a personal and professional development programme in the first year of study.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

Tuihono UC | UC Online: Pacific Scholarship

Details: The scholarship aims to to help Pacific students to successfully study and thrive in university study. Applicants must be intending to enrol in a short course, micro-credential, certificate, or full programme with Tuihono UC | UC Online. Applicants must be Pacific (see the UC definition in Glossary of Terms); be entering tertiary study for the first time or are returning to study after several years; and be citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand or holders of Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visas, residing in Aotearoa New Zealand at the time of study.

Value: The scholarship provides financial assistance at a value of up to 50% of the cost of tuition fees, plus, if funds permit, a stipend.

Closing date: Awards are advertised when available.

UC Business School First Year Scholarship for Excellence

Details: To recognise academic and extracurricular achievement of students in secondary education within Aotearoa New Zealand and supports study in a programme for a BCom degree at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Sixteen scholarships available, of which, two are reserved for Pacific students.

Value: Financial assistance at the value of $5,000.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Computer Science High Achievers Award                                    

Details: To recognise and support high-achieving students who are entering their first year of a BSc degree programme majoring in Computer Science at UC. Six scholarships are available, of which  one is reserved for a Pacific student.

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $2,000 for on year.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form. (NOT OFFERED FOR STUDY IN 2025)

UC Engineering Pacific Scholarship

Purpose: This scholarship recognises and supports high-achieving Pacific students entering their first year of a BE(Hons) degree programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury.  Applicants must be Pacific, and must not have been enrolled in a degree programme at any tertiary institute.

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $5,000 (Category A); $3,000 (Category B); or $1,000 (Category C), for up to 120 points of enrolment.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Kaitoko Pacific Scholarship

Details: To recognise high academic achievement, as well as leadership potential and involvement in Pacific community and/or Pacific cultural activities, amongst intending first-year Pacific students at the University of Canterbury. Applicants must be prospective first-year Pacific undergraduate students who achieved Merit at NCEA Level 2 or a corresponding level in an equivalent university entrance qualification.

Value: $7,500 towards tuition fees in the first year that fees are payable, as well as an opportunity to participate in a UC-sponsored leadership programme. 

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law First Year Award for Excellence

Details: To recognise academic and extracurricular achievement of students during their secondary education within Aotearoa New Zealand, and supports study in a programme for an LLB degree at UC. Of nine scholarships, one is reserved for a Pacific student. 

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Māpura Bright Start Scholarship

Details: To support academically able students who are entering tertiary study for the first time and whose financial or personal circumstances might have prevented them from considering entry to tertiary education in the absence of the scholarship. Applicants should be new incoming first-year undergraduate students who studied at secondary level in the year of application (or in the previous year if they are on a gap year); who are either Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who have resided in New Zealand for at least the 12 months immediately preceding the closing date of applications; or holders of refugee status granted by Aotearoa New Zealand. Preference is given to applicants with (a) whakapapa Māori; or (b) Pacific students; or (c) current or former holders of refugee status granted by Aotearoa New Zealand.

Value: Tuition fees and all compulsory fees charged by the University (excluding fees associated with summer courses, field-trip fees, penalty fees, late fees, and other optional external charges).

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Mathematics & Statistics Pacific Aspire Scholarship

Details: To recognise and support Pacific students with high potential at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury who are entering their first year of a programme for a BA, BDataSci, or BSc degree and majoring in Data Science, Financial Engineering, Mathematics, or Statistics. Enrolment in specific courses is required. Applicants must be Pacific and must not have been enrolled in a degree programme at any tertiary institute.

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $2,000 for one year.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC School of Forestry High Achievers Award

Details: This scholarship recognises and supports high-achieving students entering their first year of the Bachelor of Forestry Science (BForSc) degree programme at the University of Canterbury. Applicants must have studied at secondary level either (1) in Aotearoa New Zealand, or (2) overseas at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu. International students who meet these requirements are eligible to apply. Up to 5 scholarships are available, of which, one is reserved for a Māori or Pacific student.

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $2,000 for on year.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Takere Scholarship                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Details: To support Māori and Pacific students to successfully transition and flourish in university study and life at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.  Applicants must have whakapapa Māori and / or be Pacific and enrolled in the year following application as a full-time, first year student at UC. Recipients must commit to the Takere programme, including participation in the 5-week live-in academy programme (Takere) from Sunday 5th January - Friday 7th February 2025.

Value: 'Takere Academy': inclusive of free catered accommodation in a student hall of residence for 5 weeks to assist the transition to university life; financial assistance of $1,000 paid as a fortnightly allowance of $300 during the 5 week  'Takere Academy'; and ongoing tailored support and assistance throughout the recipient's first year of university study.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education Pacific Scholarship

Details: To support Pacific students who are entering tertiary study for the first time and who are intending to enrol in a degree programme in Te Kaupeka Ako Faculty of Education at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Applicants must have studied at secondary level either (1) in Aotearoa New Zealand, or (2) overseas at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu. Applicants must be citizens or Aotearoa New Zealand or holders of Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visas.

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

UC Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Heath Pacific Scholarship      

Details: To support Pacific students who are entering tertiary study for the first time and who are intending to enrol in a degree programme in Te Kaupeka Oranga Faculty of Health at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Applicants must have studied at secondary level either (1) in Aotearoa New Zealand, or (2) overseas at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu. Applicants must be citizens or Aotearoa New Zealand or holders of Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visas.

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 15 August - applications must be made on the 'UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships' application form.

Undergraduate

Scholarship NameScholarship Information
Ah Nua Scholarship                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Details: To support undergraduate Asian and Pacific students studying at UC, and primarily aims to provide financial assistance to students experiencing financial and/or personal hardship. Applicants must be full-fee-paying international students enrolled full-time in a Third or Fourth Year of any undergraduate degree. Applicants cannot be citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand or Australia or holders of Aotearoa New Zealand or Australia residence class visas and must be either (a) citizens of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the People’s Republic of China, Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, or Vietnam; or (b) residents of Rapa Nui.

Value: Financial assistance of up to $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 31 October

Bakertilly Scholarship in Accounting                                                                                                  

Details: To support those studying an undergraduate programme in Accounting at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in the first year of a BCom programme majoring in Accounting. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. Check regulations for selection criteria, but all things being equal, preference will be given to Māori or Pacific/Pasifika applicants. Normally, there may be only one holder of the scholarship at a time. The scholarship is advertised as it becomes available.

Value: Financial assistance at a value of $7,500 per annum, for up to 3 years.

Closing date: 31 May

Cotter Tait Scholarship for Māori and Pacific Engineering Students      

Details: This scholarship offers financial assistance and industry connections and advice, to Māori and Pacific undergraduate Engineering students at UC. Applicants must have whakapapa Māori and/or Pacific; and be enrolled at UC in the Third Year of a BE(Hons) programme.

Value: Financial assistance at a value of at least $4,000 for one year; plus an opportunity of mentoring with a member of Collective Success.

Closing date: 31 March

Te Whare Pūrakau Scholarship                            

Details: To support Māori and Pacific students who are studying towards an Indigenous Narrative minor in the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Applicants must have whakapapa Māori and/or Pacific, and/or Indigenous and must be enrolling in TAKI101 in the year of tenure.

Value: Financial assistance at the value of $3,000.

Closing date: 31 January

Three Nations Conference Award  

Details: Applicants must be Māori or Pacific students, or students who are indigenous to states or territories of Australia, whose financial circumstances would otherwise preclude them from undertaking postgraduate study in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at UC. 

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $1,000 for one year.

Closing date: 31 March

Tuihono UC | UC Online: Pacific Scholarship

Details: The scholarship aims to to help Pacific students to successfully study and thrive in university study. Applicants must be intending to enrol in a short course, micro-credential, certificate, or full programme with Tuihono UC | UC Online. Applicants must be Pacific (see the UC definition in Glossary of Terms); be entering tertiary study for the first time or are returning to study after several years; and be citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand or holders of Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visas, residing in Aotearoa New Zealand at the time of study.

Value: The scholarship provides financial assistance at a value of up to 50% of the cost of tuition fees, plus, if funds permit, a stipend.

Closing date: Awards are advertised when available.

UC Business School Second Year Scholarship for Excellence

Details: To recognise academic achievement of students who have completed a first year of study towards a BCom, and supports study in such a programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury for a second year.  Six scholarships are available, of which one is reserved for a Pacific student. Applicants must have successfully completed at least 120 points of enrolment in study at first-year level towards a BCom degree; and be enrolled full-time in the second year of a programme for a BCom that includes at least 60 points at any level from the BCom schedule. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Value: Financial assistance up to the value of $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 31 March

UC Business School Third Year Scholarship for Excellence

Details: To recognise academic achievement of students who have completed two years of study towards a BCom, and supports study in such a programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury for a third year.  Six scholarships are available, of which one is reserved for a Pacific student. Applicants must have successfully completed at least 240 points of enrolment in study at first-year level towards a BCom degree; and be enrolled full-time in the third year of a programme for a BCom that includes at least 60 points at any level from the BCom schedule. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Value: Financial assistance up to the value of $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 31 March

UC Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law Second Year Award for Excellence

Details: To recognise academic and extracurricular achievement of students who have completed a first year of study towards an LLB at UC, and supports study in such a programme for a second year.  Two scholarships are available, one of which is reserved for a Pacific student. Applicants must have successfully completed at least 120 points of enrolment at first-year level towards an LLB degree at UC; and be enrolled full-time in the second year of a programme for an LLB in courses totalling at least 90 points at LAWS 200-level if enrolled for a double degree, or 120 points at LAWS 200-level if enrolled for the LLB only. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Value: Financial assistance up to the value of $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 31 March

UC Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law Third Year Award for Excellence

Details: To recognise academic and extracurricular achievement of students who have completed two years of study towards an LLB, and supports study in such a programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury for a third year.  Two scholarships are available, one of which is reserved for a Pacific student. Applicants must have successfully completed at least 210 points of enrolment at any level towards an LLB degree at UC; and be enrolled full-time in the third year of a programme for an LLB in courses totalling at least 75 points of Law courses above 100-level if enrolled for a double degree, or 105 points of Law courses above 100-level if enrolled for the LLB only. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Value: Financial assistance up to the value of $5,000 for one year.

Closing date: 31 March

Postgraduate

Scholarship NameScholarship Information
Stan & Jessie Holland Memorial Scholarship in Ecology & Environmental Science

Details: This scholarships supports full-time Māori and Pacific postgraduate research students in Ecology or Environmental Science at UC. There may be only two holders of the scholarship at a time: normally one master's student and one PhD student. Applicants must have whakapapa Māori and/or Pacific.

Value: Financial assistance with the costs associated with university study, to a value of $21,000 per annum; up to a total of 1 year (Masters) or 3 years (PhD).

Closing date: 01 November

Three Nations Conference Award 

Details: Applicants must be Māori or Pacific students, or students who are indigenous to states or territories of Australia, whose financial circumstances would otherwise preclude them from undertaking postgraduate study in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at UC. 

Value: Financial assistance to the value of $1,000 for one year.

Closing date: 31 March

Doctoral

Scholarship NameScholarship Information
Stan & Jessie Holland Memorial Scholarship in Ecology & Environmental Science

Details: This scholarships supports full-time Māori and Pacific postgraduate research students in Ecology or Environmental Science at UC. There may be only two holders of the scholarship at a time: normally one master's student and one PhD student. Applicants must have whakapapa Māori and/or Pacific.

Value: Financial assistance with the costs associated with university study, to a value of $21,000 per annum; up to a total of 1 year (Masters) or 3 years (PhD).

Closing date: 01 November

UC Pacific Doctoral Scholarship

Value: The scholarship provides financial assistance at a value of NZ$30,000 per 120 points of thesis enrolment (increased to $32,000 in 2025) + tuition fees for thesis enrolment only, at the Aotearoa New Zealand domestic rate; for up to a total of 360 points.

Details: Candidates must have been offered admission to a doctoral programme at UC and be Pacific students. Applications must be made on the 'UC Doctoral Scholarships' application form.

Closing date: 25 October for students commencing doctoral studies between 1 February and 1 July 2025. Details of subsequent rounds will be announced by late December 2024.


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