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Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington: Funding for International Students

Table of Content

  1. Overview of Tongarewa International Scholarship 
  2. Purpose of the Scholarship
  3. Who Is Eligible?
  4. Application Process
  5. Selection Criteria & Award Distribution
  6. Important Conditions & Regulations

Victoria University of Wellington proudly offers the Tongarewa International Scholarship—a recognition of the university’s commitment to welcoming international learners and celebrating academic excellence across the globe. This scholarship supports new international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate studies in New Zealand’s capital city.

Scholarship Overview

  • Level of Study:

    • First-year undergraduate students

    • Postgraduate coursework or research programmes

  • Tenure: One academic year

  • Scholarship Type: Partial tuition fee scholarship

  • Who Can Apply: International students

  • Number of Awards: Varies each year

  • Award Value: NZ$2,500 to NZ$10,000

  • Closing Dates:

    • Trimester 1: 1 November 2024

    • Trimester 2: 1 May 2025

    • Trimester 3: 1 August 2025

Purpose of the Scholarship

The Tongarewa Scholarship showcases Victoria University of Wellington’s global outlook by providing financial support to exceptional international students. These competitive scholarships help offset tuition costs for one year and aim to attract talented individuals who demonstrate strong academic achievement and leadership potential.

Who Is Eligible?

To be considered, applicants must:

  • Be new international students paying full international tuition fees

  • Have received an Offer of Place (unconditional or conditional) for an eligible programme at the university

  • Be enrolling in the first year of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies

Applicants are not eligible if they:

  • Completed their high school education in New Zealand

  • Previously studied in the EAP or Foundation Studies programme at the university

  • Are returning or second-year students in the same programme

  • Are participating in Study Abroad, Exchange, or Twinning programmes

Application Process

You’ll need to apply online through the university’s scholarship portal before the deadline. Be sure to prepare the following documents:

  1. Personal Statement (up to 500 words), explaining:

    • Why you chose to study at Victoria University of Wellington

    • Your academic aspirations

    • Why you deserve the scholarship

    • Leadership roles and community or school involvement

  2. A copy of your Offer of Place (conditional or unconditional) – failing to include this will lead to automatic disqualification.

Ensure your complete application is submitted by 4:30 PM on the deadline date.

Selection Criteria & Award Distribution

  • Scholarships are awarded competitively, based on:

    • Academic excellence

    • Quality of the personal statement

  • Decisions are made by a university-appointed panel from Wellington University International.

Award Tiers:

  • NZ$2,500

  • NZ$5,000

  • NZ$7,500

  • NZ$10,000

Scholarship funds are applied directly to your tuition account approximately two weeks after classes commence.

Important Conditions & Regulations

  • Tuition must be paid in full upfront—the scholarship will be credited later.

  • Deferral is only allowed within the same calendar year (not to future years).

  • Can be held in combination with other scholarships.

  • If a student withdraws or does not meet academic standards, partial repayment may be required.

  • If the student’s fee status changes from international to domestic, the award will be revoked.

  • Recipients are expected to serve as student ambassadors, representing the university in events and marketing activities.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

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