Victoria University of Wellington offers the Tongarewa International Scholarship as a demonstration of its commitment to supporting international students.
The scholarship provides partial tuition fee coverage for new international students commencing undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
It is awarded based on academic merit and is designed to ease the financial burden of studying in New Zealand for high-achieving students from around the world.
Tongarewa International Scholarship 2025 Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Tongarewa International Scholarship |
| Institution | Victoria University of Wellington |
| Eligible Study Levels | First-year undergraduate and all postgraduate programs |
| Who Can Apply | New international students only |
| Scholarship Value | NZD $2,500 – $10,000 (credited toward tuition fees) |
| Number of Awards | Varies |
| Duration | One academic year |
| Application Deadlines | Trimester 1: 1 November Trimester 2: 1 May Trimester 3: 1 August |
| Scholarship Type | Partial, tuition fee-based |
About the Scholarship
The Tongarewa International Scholarship is a partial tuition fee scholarship awarded to new international students who exhibit academic excellence.
This support is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students entering their first year at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington.
The scholarship reflects the university’s dedication to welcoming a vibrant and diverse international student community.
Scholarship Value and Tenure
- Award amounts: $2,500, $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 NZD
- The scholarship amount will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account approximately two weeks after the program commences.
- The scholarship is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Students must pay full tuition fees upfront; the scholarship cannot be used as an initial payment.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be new international students paying full international tuition fees.
- Hold either a conditional or unconditional Offer of Place at Victoria University of Wellington for an eligible degree program.
- Be applying for the first year of an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
- Apply by the respective trimester deadline.
Not Eligible If You:
- Completed secondary education in New Zealand.
- Have completed Victoria University of Wellington’s Foundation Studies or EAP programs.
- Are a Study Abroad, Exchange, or Twinning student from partner universities?
- Are a returning student (already in Trimester 2 or further in the same program).
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online scholarship application before the deadline corresponding to their intake trimester. Applications must include:
- Personal Statement (maximum 500 words) detailing:
- Why do you wish to study at Victoria University of Wellington?
- Your academic and career goals.
- Why do you deserve the scholarship?
- Any leadership experience or community involvement?
- Offer of Place (unconditional or conditional) from the university.
- Applications without an attached Offer of Place will be automatically declined.
For more details and application, visit the official website here.
Selection Process
Scholarship recipients are selected based on:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of the personal statement
A selection panel consisting of university international staff will evaluate all applications. Final decisions are non-negotiable and cannot be appealed.
Additional Information
- The number of scholarships varies each trimester.
- Students cannot defer the award or request early payment.
- The scholarship amount cannot be used to reduce initial tuition payments before arrival or enrollment.
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