The University of Waikato in New Zealand is offering a wide range of prestigious scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year, aimed at supporting both domestic and international students at various levels of study. These scholarships are part of the university’s commitment to academic excellence, equity, and global opportunity, providing financial support and encouragement for students to pursue higher education in a world-class learning environment. Whether you are a high-achieving school leaver, an international student enrolling for the first time, or a postgraduate aspirant from the Pacific region, there are numerous scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden of your education and open doors to academic success in New Zealand.
About the University of Waikato
Located in Hamilton, New Zealand, the University of Waikato is a leading institution known for its innovation, strong global rankings, and supportive campus environment. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as business, science, engineering, education, arts, and law. The university’s commitment to cultural inclusiveness, academic integrity, and research excellence makes it a preferred destination for students from around the world.
Undergraduate Scholarships for School Leavers (Domestic Students)
Te Ara Whānui Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to support Māori school leavers in pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of Waikato. It provides substantial financial assistance and encourages indigenous students to achieve their academic goals.
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Target Group: Māori school leavers (all faculties)
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Value: Up to NZD 20,000 over 3 years
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Application Deadline: 31 August 2025
Pacific Excellence Scholarship
The Pacific Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving students of Pacific Island descent who are enrolling as full-time undergraduate students for the first time.
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Target Group: Domestic students of Pacific Island heritage
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Value: Up to NZD 20,000 over 3 years
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Application Deadline: 31 August 2025
Edna Money Future Pacific Leaders’ Scholarship
This scholarship is aimed at supporting academically strong Pacific students who have achieved Merit in their NCEA results and are transitioning to undergraduate study.
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Target Group: Pacific students with Merit-level NCEA results
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Value: Up to NZD 18,000 over 3 years
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Application Deadline: 31 August 2025
Scholarships for International Students
Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
This is one of the most popular and competitive scholarships for international students at the University of Waikato. It aims to attract top-performing students from around the globe who demonstrate academic excellence.
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Target Group: First-time international students enrolling in undergraduate or taught postgraduate programs (excluding PhD and MPhil)
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Value: Ranges from NZD 2,500 to NZD 15,000, applied as tuition fee discounts
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Eligibility: Must have a B+ GPA or higher, enroll full-time, and not have paid tuition or enrolled at Waikato previously
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Deadline: Open year-round
NCUK Bursary
This scholarship is available to international students who have completed a qualification through the NCUK (Northern Consortium UK) and are enrolling at the University of Waikato for the first time.
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Target Group: International students from an NCUK pathway (IFY, IYOne, or MPP)
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Value:
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NZD 15,000 over 3 years for IFY pathway students entering Year 1 of a bachelor’s program
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NZD 10,000 over 2 years for IYOne Business or Engineering students
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NZD 5,000 for MPP students enrolling in eligible postgraduate programs
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Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
Michael Baldwin Memorial Scholarship
This prestigious award supports students from South Pacific nations who intend to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies at Waikato. It reflects the university’s strong connection and commitment to supporting regional development through education.
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Target Group: Students from Pacific nations (excluding New Zealand and Australia)
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Value: Up to NZD 10,000 for tuition costs
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Application Deadline: Varies by intake – check official university schedule
Application Process
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Choose Your Program: Identify the course you want to study and check if it aligns with the scholarship criteria.
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Create a MyWaikato Account: You must apply through the official MyWaikato portal for both admission and scholarship applications.
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Prepare Documents: This may include academic transcripts, proof of nationality or descent, a personal statement, and references.
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Apply Early: While some scholarships are open year-round, others have strict deadlines, such as 31 August 2025 and 31 December 2025.
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Do Not Enroll Before Applying: For most international scholarships, you must not have paid tuition or officially enrolled before applying.
Why Choose the University of Waikato?
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Global Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide.
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Diverse & Inclusive: Strong focus on Māori and Pacific student success and international diversity.
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Affordable Living: Hamilton offers a high quality of life with lower living costs compared to other major cities in New Zealand.
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Innovative Learning: Industry-relevant courses, research-led teaching, and a commitment to student success.
If you’re eligible and interested, begin your application process today and take a confident step towards achieving your educational dreams at one of New Zealand’s leading institutions.