Fund Details
Empowerment Through Adversity Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)
Award Amount
Tuition fees (domestic) up to 135 points of enrolment per annum, and $5,000 stipend per annum

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 and supports students who have faced significant barriers or personal challenges to entering tertiary education at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

Value/Benefits: 
  • Tuition fees for up to 135 points of enrolment per annum.
  • $5,000 per annum each year for up to three years.
  • Opportunity to participate in the Te Kakau a Māui Programme, a bespoke mentoring and development programme and curated opportunities to contribute to UC’s Wellbeing programme throughout a recipient’s degree.
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:
  1. If it is a Friday, the closing date will shift to Thursday, 6th August
  2. If it is a Saturday, the closing date will shift to Sunday, 8th August
Tenure: Duration of an undergraduate degree programme (3-4 years)

Number Available Annually: Determined annually

Applicable Enrolment During Tenure: Full- or part-time enrolment in a programme for a three-year or four-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree

Citizenship/Residency Requirements: Must be a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand or hold an Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visa

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

Application Information:

Selection will be based on:
  1. personal and/or financial circumstances impacting on the ability to undertake tertiary education;
  2. personal resilience and fortitude necessary to complete an undergraduate degree, aligned to UC's commitment to grow students who are empowered: and
  3. potential to benefit from a Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury education.

Special Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must be citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand or holders of New Zealand residence class visa

Additional Information:

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury established the scholarship in 2024 to recognise students’ lived experience and resilience and provide ongoing support for their personal development and involvement in wellbeing initiatives.

Contact Information:

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

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