University of Auckland Offers Up to NZD 20,000 for International School-Leavers Educated in New Zealand
The University of Auckland’s International School Leaver Scholarship is open for students preparing to begin undergraduate study in 2027. Up to 20 awards, each worth as much as NZD 20,000, are available as contributions towards first-year tuition.
This opportunity is specifically for international students who attended a New Zealand secondary school or kura. It is not a general scholarship for all overseas school-leavers.
Benefits and eligibility
The award lasts one year and contributes towards compulsory fees. Applicants must be entering the first year of their first undergraduate degree. Students already undertaking Auckland undergraduate study, apart from the Summer Start International exception, and distance learners are excluded.
The regulations assess academic merit and the personal statement. Payment requires full-time enrolment and the stated entry standard: at least 270 NCEA rank points, 330 CIE rank points, or 36 IB points. Recipients must study full-time for at least two semesters. Leaving early can trigger repayment, so applicants should review the tenure conditions alongside the headline value.
How to apply
Open the official scholarship page, read the linked regulations, and use its “Apply now” button to access the university’s application system. The official listing confirms that applications opened on 9 September and currently remain open.
The university advises checking the form early for reference or endorsement requirements. Every required section must be complete by the deadline. Avoid leaving requests to school staff until the final day, and retain your submission confirmation.
Deadline and decisions
Applications close on 21 October 2026. The official guidance states midnight on the specified date unless another time is provided; use the application system’s New Zealand time-zone information. Selection-committee outcomes are normally communicated about eight weeks after closing.
This is a fee contribution, so a realistic study plan should separately account for any remaining tuition and living costs. The maximum advertised amount is not an automatic entitlement for every recipient. If offered funding, check the acceptance deadline in your award letter.
Read the official scholarship regulations before submitting. Verified on 14 October 2026.
