Applications for scholarships for 2026 will open 12 June
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury offers a range of scholarships specifically for incoming first-year students to nurture personal growth and support future success. These scholarships celebrate and recognise academic and sporting excellence, leadership, cultural and community involvement, and overcoming of barriers and personal challenges.
Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria such as the subject area, level, and/or qualification you plan to study at UC; your age, gender, ethnicity, and citizenship; and which high school and/or region you are coming from.
Incoming First-Year Scholarships are available specifically for:
- Māori and Pacific students
- Students who can demonstrate leadership potential
- Students with financial hardship or other personal circumstances
- Students moving away from home to study at UC (with accommodation costs).
- International Students
Scholarships help ease the financial stresses of study, accommodation, and student life, enabling you to place more focus on your studies and access additional resources and opportunities. Recipients have found that the benefits of this are far-reaching and lifelong, including:
- Increased confidence and self-worth
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Sense of belonging and recognition
- Social integrations and friendships
- Motivation and empowerment
- Mental wellbeing.
How to Apply
Check out our 'Apply for Incoming First-Year Scholarships' webpage for further details.
Applications open 12 June and close 7 August
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Cassie Cameron - UC BEng(Hons) / BSc student
"Scholarship support is more than just financial aid- it’s a catalyst for networking, new experiences, and open doors. Also, knowing someone else believes in your ability to find success and wants to help you get there is incredibly motivating.
Personally, scholarship support has allowed me to experience life in a hall, where I met many amazing people and learned so much about myself. It also allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies and explore club activities without the pressure of a part-time job. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received and the ways it has shaped my journey at UC.
If I could give any advice to other students, it would be to apply for everything you’re eligible for, because you have a better shot than you think. It’s one of those things where there’s nothing to lose but everything to gain."
2024 Helen Macmillan Brown Bursaries
2024 UC Engineering Top Achievers Scholarship
2024 UC Hiranga Scholarship
2024 University of Canterbury Alumni Scholarship
2024 AIMS Scholarship
Incoming First-Year Scholarships available in 2026
Check through the following pages or use the Scholarship's Database to find scholarships that you may be eligible to apply for.
We recommend you apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for, as it is possible to be awarded more than one scholarship at a time.
Check the scholarships database
See what scholarships were available for new students in 2026.
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General Scholarships
General Scholarships that are available for students intending to enrol in their first year of any undergraduate degree at UC.
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General Scholarships
General Scholarships that are available for students intending to enrol in their first year of any undergraduate degree at UC.
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General Scholarships
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Māori & Pacific
Scholarships available for students of Māori or Pacific descent who are intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate degree at UC in 2025.
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Māori & Pacific
Scholarships available for students of Māori or Pacific descent who are intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate degree at UC in 2025.
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Māori & Pacific
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International Students
Scholarships available for International Students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate degree at UC.
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International Students
Scholarships available for International Students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate degree at UC.
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International Students
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Scholarships toward Hall of Residence accommodation
Scholarships that contribute towards Hall of Residence accommodation costs, available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate degree at UC.
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Scholarships toward Hall of Residence accommodation
Scholarships that contribute towards Hall of Residence accommodation costs, available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate degree at UC.
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Scholarships toward Hall of Residence accommodation
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Arts, Fine Arts, and Music
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Arts, Fine Arts, or Music degree at UC.
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Arts, Fine Arts, and Music
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Arts, Fine Arts, or Music degree at UC.
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Arts, Fine Arts, and Music
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Business & Law
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Business or Law degree at UC.
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Business & Law
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Business or Law degree at UC.
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Business & Law
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Engineering & Forestry
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Engineering or Forestry degree at UC.
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Engineering & Forestry
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Engineering or Forestry degree at UC.
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Engineering & Forestry
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Health & Education
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Health (including Health Sciences, Social Work, Speech & Language Pathology, and Sport) or Education degree at UC.
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Health & Education
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Health (including Health Sciences, Social Work, Speech & Language Pathology, and Sport) or Education degree at UC.
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Health & Education
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Sciences
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Science degree at UC.
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Sciences
Scholarships available for students intending to enrol in their first year of an undergraduate Science degree at UC.
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Sciences
What previous recipients had to say:
“Without the worry of tuition fees, I have had the ability to move out of home and experience life in more noteworthy ways. Gaining the scholarship gave me more faith and confidence within myself and my abilities. I have also had the chance to grow and learn as a person through the groups held within the scholarship.”
G Rainbow, Law
“The Te Kakau a Māui scholarship has benefitted me by allowing me to focus on my studies without the worry of tuition fees later on in my degree. It has provided priceless help and support during my transition into tertiary education and guided me on my path into my engineering degree. I have enjoyed meeting likeminded rangitahi as part of the scholarship, creating connections and friendships through workshops, and sharing ideas and stories together.”
K Jones, Mechatronics
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Apply for Incoming First-Year Scholarships
Applications for Incoming First Year students currently studying at a NZ secondary school will open 12 June and close 7 August.
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Apply for Incoming First-Year Scholarships
Applications for Incoming First Year students currently studying at a NZ secondary school will open 12 June and close 7 August.
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Apply for Incoming First-Year Scholarships
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Information for schools regarding School References for scholarship applications
Information to help schools with the School Reference aspect of the scholarship application process.
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Information for schools regarding School References for scholarship applications
Information to help schools with the School Reference aspect of the scholarship application process.
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Information for schools regarding School References for scholarship applications
