Are you an international student who wants to pursue your undergraduate or postgraduate studies at one of New Zealand’s leading universities? If so, you may be eligible for the Tongarewa Scholarship, a partial fee-based scholarship that covers one year of tuition fees at Victoria University of Wellington.

The Tongarewa Scholarship is a way of celebrating the university’s commitment to its diverse and talented international student community. Every year, the university awards a range of these scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Tongarewa Scholarship, you must:

• Be an international student who is paying full international fees
• Be entering your first year of an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree programme at Victoria University of Wellington
• Have an offer of place from the university (conditional or unconditional)

You are not eligible for this scholarship if you:

• Completed your secondary education at a New Zealand school
• Completed the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or Foundation Studies Programme
• Are a Study Abroad or Twinning student from one of the university’s overseas partner universities
• Are in your second year of study in the same degree programme at the university

Application Process

To apply for the Tongarewa Scholarship, you need to:

• Complete an online application form by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Provide a personal statement of up to 500 words outlining why you wish to study at the university, your academic goals and why you merit the scholarship. You should also include any leadership positions and details of your involvement in your school or community.
• Provide full transcripts and other documentation relevant to your qualification type.
• Provide an offer of place from the university (conditional or unconditional).

The closing dates for the scholarship are:

• Trimester 1: 1 November
• Trimester 2: 1 May
• Trimester 3: 1 August

You can apply online for Trimester 2, 2024 by 1 May 2024 here. You can apply online for Trimester 3, 2024 by 1 August 2024 here.

Selection Process

The scholarship recipients will be selected based on their academic merit and personal statement. Shortlisted candidates may be requested to provide additional information to support their application. The university reserves the right to make the final decision on the number and value of the scholarships awarded.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Tongarewa Scholarship will provide you with:

• A partial fee-based scholarship that will go towards your tuition fees for one year of study. The scholarship value can be either $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the level and duration of your programme.
• A guaranteed offer of a place in one of the university’s Halls of Residence, provided you submit an accommodation application by the deadline. Living in a Hall of Residence will give you the opportunity to meet new people, enjoy social and cultural activities, and access academic and pastoral support.
• Access to a range of academic and personal services and resources, such as the Student Learning Service, the Student Counselling Service, the Library, the Recreation Centre, and the International Buddy Programme.
• A chance to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand and a hub of creativity, innovation, and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many scholarships are available?

A: The number of scholarships varies each year, depending on the quality and quantity of applications received. The university does not disclose the exact number of scholarships awarded.

Q: How will I know if I have been awarded the scholarship?

A: The scholarship recipients will be notified by email within six weeks of the closing date. If you have not received an email by then, you can assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Q: Can I defer or transfer my scholarship to another programme or trimester?

A: No, the scholarship is not deferrable or transferable. You must enrol in the programme and trimester for which you have applied and been offered the scholarship.

Q: Can I apply for other scholarships or grants at the university?

A: Yes, you can apply for other scholarships or grants at the university, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and do not breach the terms and conditions of the Tongarewa Scholarship. However, you cannot hold more than one partial fee-based scholarship at the same time.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Tongarewa Scholarship?

A: You can find more information about the Tongarewa Scholarship on the university’s website here. You can also contact the Scholarships Office at scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz if you have any queries.