University of Auckland School Leaver Scholarships 2026
Starting your university journey in 2026? Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, has just opened applications for its School-leaver and First-Year Scholarships, offering hundreds of opportunities to support students entering undergraduate study. Whether you’re a high-achieving academic, an emerging leader, or someone who has faced personal challenges, there’s a scholarship tailored for you.
Why Apply for University of Auckland School Leaver Scholarship?
Each year, the University of Auckland invests millions of dollars in scholarships to make higher education more accessible. These awards are not just about grades – they also consider leadership, sports, arts, cultural involvement, and personal circumstances. By applying, you increase your chances of reducing tuition costs, securing accommodation, and starting university life with financial and academic support.
List of Auckland Scholarships for School Leavers in 2026
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Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – A prestigious award valued at $30,000 for students with exceptional academic performance.
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Top Achiever Scholarship – Recognizes students with outstanding results plus achievements in sports, arts, leadership, or community service.
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Māori Academic Excellence Scholarship – Supports Māori students who combine academic success with cultural engagement, leadership, or community contribution.
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Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarship – For Pacific students excelling in academics and actively contributing to their communities.
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Academic Potential Scholarship – School Leavers – Designed for students who show academic promise, while also considering personal circumstances that may have impacted their education.
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Waka Moana Scholarship – For Māori students demonstrating strong engagement in Te Ao Māori, community service, leadership, or the arts.
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Vaka Moana Scholarship – For Pacific students showing strong cultural, community, or leadership involvement, alongside academic ability.
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High Performance Sports Scholarship – Valued at $10,000, for students balancing academics with competitive sporting excellence.
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Kōkiri Raumati Scholarship – Supports students joining Summer Start, Tōia ki Waipapa, or UniBound programmes, including accommodation and tuition fee coverage.
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International School Leaver Scholarship – For international students who attended secondary school in New Zealand and are enrolling in their first undergraduate year.
Who Can Apply for University of Auckland School Leaver Scholarships?
- Final-year secondary school students (school-leavers) planning to begin at the University of Auckland in 2026.
- New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and eligible international students (depending on the scholarship).
- Students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, cultural engagement, or resilience in overcoming challenges.
Application Timeline
If you are planning to apply for the University of Auckland School-Leaver and First-Year Scholarships 2026, make sure to keep track of the important dates below. Missing a deadline could mean missing out on this valuable opportunity.
- 21 May 2025 – Online scholarship applications officially open for all school-leaver and first-year scholarships.
- 13 August 2025 – Scholarship applications close at 11:59pm (NZT). All required documents and endorsements must be submitted by this date.
- September 2025 – Scholarship selection committees begin reviewing and assessing applications.
- Early October 2025 – Successful applicants will be notified of the scholarship outcomes via email.
- January 2026 – Final eligibility checks will be carried out using NCEA, CIE, or IB results to confirm scholarship offers.
- Additional deadlines – Faculty-specific scholarships remain open until 9 October 2025, so students interested in subject-specific awards should also apply before this date.
By marking these dates in your calendar and applying well before the closing date, you can increase your chances of securing financial support for your studies at the University of Auckland in 2026
How to Apply?
- Apply for admission to at least one programme at the University of Auckland.
- Access the online scholarships portal (Community Force) about 24 hours later.
- Complete one application form, where you can select multiple scholarships (Top Achiever, Māori Academic Excellence, Pacific Academic Excellence, Academic Potential, Waka Moana, Vaka Moana).
- Provide details of your achievements and arrange an endorser (school referee) to verify your information.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Tip: Apply early, confirm your endorser in advance, and also submit your accommodation application alongside your scholarship application.
Why This Matters?
Scholarships from the University of Auckland don’t just offer financial support – they’re an investment in your future. They provide recognition, open doors to leadership networks, and help you make the most of your first year at one of New Zealand’s top universities.
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
