Brief Description:

To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2027 application form. Applications open 11 June 2026 and close 6 August 2026

This scholarship recognises the value of student athletes and sport in general to the well-being of the community of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury, and aims to support top-performing players while they are studying at the University.

Value/Benefits: Financial assistance at a value of $7,500 plus access to UC's Performance Academy

Level of Study: Incoming First-Year Undergraduate

Closing Date: 11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August* (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date.)

*If the 7th falls on a Friday or Saturday, the closing day will change as follows:

If it is a Friday, the closing date will shift to Thursday, 6th August
If it is a Saturday, the closing date will shift to Sunday, 8th August

Tenure: One year

Number Available Annually: Determined annually. In any year, up to two (2) additional scholarships may be available for players of association football

Applicable Enrolment During Tenure: The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment in the first year of any undergraduate degree programme at the University

Citizenship/Residency Requirements: Must be a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand or Australia, or hold an Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visa, or be an international student studying at secondary level in New Zealand

Special Requirements: Applicants must be playing at a high level in a sporting code. Where regional or national competitions are reasonably available for their code, applicants must be representatives at one or both levels. By accepting the award, a recipient agrees to, during the year of tenure, trial for membership of a relevant sports club at the University, and, if selected: a. play in a team for that club; and b. be available to represent the University at the applicable University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand tournament, at the recipient’s own expense.

For more information, please read the regulations for this award: click here.

Application Information:

Selection will be based on:

evidence of achievement in the applicant's chosen sporting code; and
quality of achievement at NCEA Level 2, or equivalent university entrance qualification (achievement must be at least NCEA Level 2 at Merit level, or equivalent).

Special Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

be playing at a high level in a sporting code. Where regional or national competitions are reasonably available for their code, applicants must be representatives at one or both levels;
NOT have been enrolled in a degree programme at any tertiary institute.*

*Participation in STAR courses, community education courses offered by tertiary institutions, orientation or general interest programmes run by tertiary institutions for secondary school students does not preclude eligibility for this award.

Additional Information:

Recipients must agree to trial for membership of a relevant sports club at the University of Canterbury, and, if selected, to, during the year of tenure:

play in a team for that club;* and
be available to represent the University of Canterbury at the applicable University & Tertiary Sport New Zealand tournament, at the recipient's own expense.*

*Dispensations may be made on an individual basis (by the Sport and Recreation Manager or the Sport Team Leader).

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Scholarships Office at scholarships@canterbury.ac.nz

Search Filters:

Level of Study

Incoming First-Year Undergraduate

Faculty/School

General (Any Faculty/School)
Arts
Business
Law
Education
Health
Engineering
Science

Domestic/International Students

Domestic
International currently studying in a New Zealand secondary school

Equity Awards

Mature students

Award Type

Any
Scholarship