School leaver scholarships
AUT offers a range of scholarships for school leavers from any background, anywhere in New Zealand – and there are more options than you might think. The money is there to make your first year easier. You just have to apply.
AUT scholarships for school leavers you can apply for
If you're joining AUT from secondary school, there are several scholarships you can apply for. Check the details for each one below.
2027 Knowledge That Works – Accommodation Scholarships
Moving to Auckland for university is a big shift. To help make it easier, this three-year scholarship contributes towards your accommodation and study fees while you complete your AUT degree. It's for high-achieving secondary school students starting a bachelor's degree in 2027.
Applications open: 1 June 2026
Closing date: 1 September 2026
2027 Knowledge That Works Scholarships
Not every high achiever looks the same. These scholarships reflect that. They're open to secondary school students starting a bachelor's degree at AUT in Semester 1, 2027 – and there are four categories to apply for:
- Academic Excellence
Students demonstrating leadership through academic excellence - All Rounder
Academically able students demonstrating leadership through achievement at a high level in school, sporting, cultural pursuits or community involvement - Kiwa (Māori and Pacific Students)
Academically able students demonstrating leadership potential who register with either Māori or Pacific ethnicity in the AUT student management system (Arion) - Hiki Ake (Lift Up)
Academically able students demonstrating leadership potential and who are also experiencing significant financial hardship or other barriers making it difficult to undertake tertiary study.
You'll be considered for all categories you're eligible for.
Applications open: 1 June 2026
Closing date: 1 September 2026
Woolf Fisher First in Family Scholarships
If you're the first in your family to aim for a university degree, this one's for you. First-in-family means neither of your birth parents has completed a degree-level qualification. If you meet the eligibility criteria and you're in your first year of a bachelor's degree at AUT, you can apply.
Applications open: 15 May 2026
Closing date: 1 September 2026
Kanu Patel Undergraduate Scholarship
Kanu Patel has spent decades investing in his community – building spaces, nurturing leaders and making sure others have what they need to thrive. This scholarship carries that commitment forward. It's for students with the drive to make a difference, who need financial support to get there.
Applications open: 27 October 2025
Closing date: 05 December 2025
2026 AUT Accommodation Scholarship – Office of Māori Advancement
The Office of Māori Advancement provides accommodation scholarships to support Māori students living in approved AUT accommodation. It's practical, direct support – $12,000 in your first year of study, paid straight to your AUT accommodation to help cover your rent.
Applications open: 30 July 2025
Closing date: 30 September 2025, 11.55pm
Value of scholarship: $12,000 in the first year of study (paid direct to AUT accommodation to contribute towards your rent)
2026 Keir Trust Study Award
Financial barriers shouldn't be the reason you don't get to university. The Keir Trust Study Award is for students from Auckland and beyond who want to study at AUT but need support to make it happen – both financial assistance and ongoing non-financial support throughout your studies.
Applications open: 1 July 2025
Closing date: 11 October 2025
Check the AUT scholarships database for more scholarships
Our scholarships database lists all the scholarships above and many others including the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust scholarships for those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Search for Undergraduate (1st year) to find scholarships for your first year of study at AUT and beyond.
Meet some of our scholarship recipients
You can see some of our scholarship recipients below. To read their inspiring stories simply click on the person you want to know more about.
Woolf Fisher First in Family Scholarship and AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship
Scholarships for school leavers – your questions answered
What scholarships can school leavers apply for at AUT?
AUT offers a range of scholarships for students joining from secondary school – including awards based on academic achievement, community involvement and background. There are more options than most people realise, so it's worth checking what you're eligible for.
Do I need a specific NCEA or CIE rank score to apply?
Some scholarships require a minimum rank score – others are open regardless of your results. Check yours using our NCEA rank score calculator or CIE rank score calculator before you apply. You might be eligible for more than you think.
Can I apply for more than one AUT scholarship?
Yes – and you should. Apply for every scholarship you're eligible for. If you're offered more than one, check the individual regulations to confirm whether you can hold them at the same time.
Does my scholarship include accommodation?
Some AUT school leaver scholarships include accommodation at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation at the City Campus. Check the details for your chosen scholarship to confirm what's included.
How do I apply for an AUT school leaver scholarship?
Start in the AUT scholarships database. Find a scholarship that fits, check the closing date and eligibility criteria, then follow the application steps. The sooner you start, the better your application will be.
Check if you’re eligible for an AUT scholarship
Most of the scholarships you can apply for ask for a specific rank score. To calculate your NCEA or CIE rank score, use our rank score calculator:
Applying for an AUT scholarship
Ready to apply? Find out how the AUT scholarship application process works – from selecting a scholarship to what happens after you submit.
How we support scholarship students
Getting a scholarship is just the start. AUT scholarship recipients get access to:
- A special scholars’ welcome at Orientation
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- One-on-one support throughout the year
Your scholarship may include AUT accommodation
Some AUT scholarships include accommodation at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation, right at the City Campus in Auckland's CBD. A place to live, a community to land in – sorted from day one.
Student life at AUT
Explore what life’s like at AUT, the support you can get while you’re studying at AUT and all the amazing things you could do as an AUT student.
Info for high school students
Starting uni is a big move – and AUT is built to support you through it. We've got the information, the people and the support to help you hit the ground running.