Tips for applying for AUT scholarships

Thinking about applying for an AUT scholarship but not sure where to start? Good – the fact you’re here puts you ahead of most people. These tips cover everything from finding the right scholarships to writing a personal statement that actually gets noticed.

Start your scholarship application early

Don’t treat the deadline as your start date. Scholarship applications take research, drafting and often a reference from someone else – none of that happens overnight. Give yourself enough time to do it properly.

Do your research

Make a list of the scholarships that actually fit – your goals, your background, your academic results.

Check the eligibility criteria carefully for each one:

• Is it a one-off payment or ongoing support?
• Does it require a specific grade point average?
• Are there employment conditions when you graduate?

Keep track of requirements, deadlines and documents as you go. A simple spreadsheet beats trying to hold it all in your head.

Apply for multiple scholarships

Don’t limit yourself to one. Apply for every scholarship you’re eligible for – university scholarships, government scholarships, scholarships from private organisations. More applications means more chances. Just make sure each one gets the attention it deserves, not a copy-paste job.

Where to look for scholarships

Beyond AUT’s own scholarships database, these external resources are worth checking:

_{*Free access for AUT students through the AUT library}

Gather your supporting documents

Get your paperwork sorted before you start filling in applications. Most scholarships ask for academic transcripts, reference letters and a personal statement. Make sure everything is up to date, accurate and highlights your achievements and strengths.

Ask for references early

If you need references from teachers or others in your community, ask them well ahead of the deadline – a few weeks at minimum. Tell them which scholarships you’re applying for so they can tailor what they write. A reference that speaks directly to the scholarship goals is worth far more than a generic one.

Write a personal statement that’s actually yours

Most scholarship applications include a personal statement. This is the part where you stop sounding like every other applicant.

Don’t write what you think the panel wants to hear. Write what’s true for you – your goals, your motivations, why this scholarship changes things for your study. Specific beats generic every time.

Draft it in a separate document before copying it into your application.

Tailor it for each scholarship you apply for – a statement written for one won’t land as well for another. And if you’re involved in community, volunteer or extracurricular work, include it. It matters.

Follow all instructions

Read the application requirements carefully and follow them exactly. Before you submit, ask yourself:

• Have you filled in all the details asked for?
• Is your contact information correct?
• Does the scholarship align with your goals?

Write a draft first so you can make all the changes you want before submitting.

Proofread carefully

Spelling errors won’t disqualify you – but they won’t help either. Read your application out loud before you submit. Check it again the next day with fresh eyes, and ask someone else to look at it too.

Submit on time

Note the deadline for each scholarship you’re applying for and submit well before it. Late applications aren’t accepted – that’s just the reality. Plan ahead.

Tips from AUT scholarship recipients

Kenza Taele

AUT Find your Greatness Scholarship
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)

“When applying for scholarships, I think it’s important that you show yourself off. Highlight the things that make you special. Tell them about your fantastic ideas, your big hopes and dreams about the future. You want to make your name shine amongst the rest.”

Rachel Suesue

AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship & Keir Trust Study Award
Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)

“I recommend applying for as many scholarships as you can. AUT and organisations like Te Whatu Ora provide numerous scholarships that can greatly benefit your studies. Scholarships can alleviate the burden of student debt, giving you more financial freedom to focus on your studies.”

Vajk Peter

AUT Welcome to Auckland Scholarship
Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Industrial Design

“Stop procrastinating and just apply. My scholarship has supported me greatly with my studies and with the move to Auckland. Because it contributed to my first-year accommodation costs at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation and to my course fees, it lifted a lot of stress off my shoulders.”

Sona Patel

AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship
Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching)

“Just apply for everything you qualify for. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Through this scholarship I’ve been able to relieve the financial burden, which enables me to focus more on my studies and less on how to pay for them.”

Avalon Martin

AUT Find your Greatness Scholarship
Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Industrial Design

“Ensure you articulate any individual responsibilities you’ve been involved with during secondary school, and emphasise how the financial support will enable you to fully engage in your academic and extracurricular pursuits, ultimately contributing to your personal and professional growth.”

Chloe Vos

AUT Find your Greatness Scholarship
Bachelor of Business

“My scholarship took a lot of the financial strain away from attending university and means I won’t be leaving university with a huge student loan weighing on my shoulders. I’d highly recommend to anyone wanting to attend university to apply for as many scholarships as possible because you never know, you may get it!”

Ledwina Katuke

AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship & Woolf Fisher First-in-Family AUT Scholarship
Bachelor of Health Science

“Applying for a scholarship is an opportunity I encourage everyone to go for. My scholarships have alleviated the financial pressures, enabling me to focus entirely on my studies. The scholarships team has also provided the best support and communications.”

Danielle Reeves

AUT Welcome to Auckland Scholarship
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

“If you’re writing a cover letter, you should put in the time and effort to perfect it. This is important as it may just be the deciding factor for achieving the scholarship or not. Effort is always apparent in these situations.”