The University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships provide significant financial and accommodation support for outstanding Pacific students who plan to pursue undergraduate studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. The scholarship is designed to recognise students with excellent academic achievement as well as strong involvement in community, cultural, leadership, sporting and extracurricular activities.
The University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships offer benefits worth up to NZ$27,000, including catered accommodation, financial support and access to student services. The programme aims to help talented Pacific students transition successfully into university while reducing the financial burden of higher education.
About the University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships
The University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded annually to Indigenous Pacific students who have demonstrated strong academic performance and active participation in cultural, community and leadership activities.
The scholarship supports students entering a degree programme or a Certificate in Health Sciences followed by a degree at the University of Auckland. Successful applicants receive both financial assistance and accommodation benefits to support their studies.
The University also considers personal circumstances and barriers that may have affected applicants’ educational opportunities when assessing applications.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships provide benefits worth up to NZ$27,000 in total.
Successful applicants will receive:
- One year of catered accommodation in a University of Auckland Hall of Residence
- NZ$5,000 paid in instalments across three years
- A private room in university accommodation
- Resident support services
- Academic mentoring programmes
- Pastoral care services
- Access to activities and events within the residence halls
- Free membership to Hiwa Recreation Centre
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an Indigenous Pacific student
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Be enrolled in Year 13 at a New Zealand secondary school or kura
- Intend to enrol full-time in a degree programme or Certificate in Health Sciences followed by a degree at the University of Auckland in 2027
- Or plan to take a gap year in 2027 and begin studies in Semester One 2028
Australian citizens and permanent residents must also hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency status to qualify.
Selection Criteria
The University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships recognise students who have achieved success both academically and through extracurricular activities.
Applicants may strengthen their applications if they have:
- Participated in Pacific cultural activities
- Reached the finals of academic competitions
- Competed in sporting competitions
- Participated in arts competitions
- Held senior leadership positions at school
- Demonstrated cultural leadership within their community
- Received community-based honours or awards
- Participated in leadership development programmes
Additional Considerations
The University acknowledges that some students face barriers to higher education and takes the following circumstances into account:
- Being the first person in the family to attend tertiary education
- Coming from a refugee background
- Living with a disability
- Having family care responsibilities
- Attending a rural or regional school
- Demonstrating financial need through StudyLink student allowance eligibility
- The Equity Index Number of the applicant’s secondary school or kura
How Academic Results Are Assessed
Academic performance is assessed using Year 12 results.
The University considers:
- NCEA Level 2 or higher results
- Cambridge International Education (CIE) results
- International Baccalaureate (IB) results
- Predicted Year 13 scores
- Equivalent recognised qualifications
Scholarship Application Process
Applicants must complete the online scholarship application form and provide information about:
- Academic achievements
- School leadership activities
- Community involvement
- Cultural participation
- Sporting achievements
- Arts participation
- Personal development activities
Students should ensure that all sections of the application are completed before submission.
Scholarship Outcome and Acceptance
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship application in early October through the email address provided during the application process.
Successful applicants may receive an offer for:
- Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarship
- University of Auckland 140th Anniversary Academic Scholarship
- University of Auckland 140th Anniversary Kupenga Rau Māori and Pacific Scholarship
- Other faculty-specific scholarship opportunities
Recipients will receive instructions on how to accept their scholarship offer and complete accommodation requirements.
Accommodation Benefits
Students awarded the scholarship will also receive a Hall of Residence offer through the University Accommodation Portal.
The accommodation package includes:
- Catered residence accommodation
- A private room
- Student support services
- Academic mentoring
- Residential activities and events
Scholarship recipients are not required to pay accommodation deposits or administration fees, as these costs are covered by the scholarship.
Why Apply for the University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships?
The University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships provide an outstanding opportunity for Pacific students to pursue higher education at one of New Zealand’s leading universities. With funding worth up to NZ$27,000, free catered accommodation, mentoring support and leadership development opportunities, the scholarship helps students focus on academic success while becoming part of a supportive university community.
Application Deadline
Not Specified
APPLY HERE
University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarships Application Portal