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:

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)

Tenure: Duration of an undergraduate degree programme (3-4 years)

Number Available Annually: 10

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 visas
  • have achieved at least 60 credits (including 10 Literacy or Te Reo Matatini credits and 10 Numeracy or Te Pāngarau credits) at NCEA Level 2 or above, or a corresponding level in an equivalent university entrance qualification.

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

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
        Subject of Study
        • Any (I would like a general award)
          Equity Awards
          • Financial hardship
          • Students with disabilities
          • Part-time study
          • Mature students
            Award Type
            • Any
            • Scholarship
              Application Closing Month
              • August