Scholarships, grants and awards for Pasifika students
There are many scholarships, grants and awards available to Pasifika students, so it pays to do some research to find the best one for you.
What's on this page?
Where can I find out about scholarship applications?
Contact the Pasifika liaison at universities or polytechnics to find out more about scholarships for Pasifika peoples. You can also approach community and church leaders, as they often have information about scholarships and funding opportunities for Pasifika students.
There are also websites and publications that have Pasifika scholarship information.
I am a bit disappointed that I didn't try for scholarships before. Sometimes you don't apply because you think you are not good enough. What people have to realise is that some scholarships don't even have any applicants.
Salainaoloa Wilson
Tertiary Student
givME database of scholarships
Search the givME database and find scholarships that are right for you
givME is a searchable database of over 4,000 scholarships. You can enter in your details and the database will match you with possible scholarships you could apply for.
You can use givME for free at:
- about 240 secondary schools
- most universities and many polytechnics
- public libraries
- some community centres.
Below are some givME database Pasifika scholarships. They are only a small selection of those listed in the database.
Pacific Health Scholarships Provider: Victoria University of Wellington Website: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/study/student-finance/scholarships |
Value: $10,000 for Medical and Dentistry students $5,000 for all remaining qualifications (refer to list of eligible q |
Closing date: Next: 6 February 2018 |
New Zealand Pacific Scholarships Provider: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/scholarships/types-of-scholarships |
Value: See 'Additional Information.' |
Closing date: Next: 14 March 2018 Applications open February 1 and close March 14. |
New Zealand Regional Development Scholarships Provider: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/scholarships/types-of-scholarships |
Value: Support for tuition, living costs and return airfares. |
Closing date: Next: 14 March 2018 Intake 1 applications: Open 1 February and close on 14 March. Intake 2: Open 15 February and close 28 March. |
First Foundation Scholarship Provider: First Foundation Website: http://firstfoundation.org.nz/ |
Value: Tertiarty Fees |
Closing date: Next: 1 June 2018 Online support assessment starts by June. |
Awarua Trust Scholarship Provider: The Awarua Trust Website: http://www.awaruatrust.org.nz |
Value: Up to $2000 (or more by approval). |
Closing date: Next: 30 June 2018 Scholarship applications will be considered twice a year, in July and December. |
Scholarship stories
Read about Pasifika students who have received scholarships.
- Stuff website - Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Award helps Jarimar Schuster work towards his goals
- Pacificstem website - Toloa Scholarships help four young students study science, technology, engineering and maths
- Stuff website - winners of Kupe Scholarships in teaching want to be role models for future students
Find out more
Careers New Zealand website
Updated 25 Aug 2016