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.
Moving to Auckland for university can be scary. To help with this change, the three-year AUT Knowledge That Works - Accommodation scholarship makes a contribution towards accommodation and study fees. These scholarships are for high-achieving secondary school students who plan to start an AUT bachelor’s degree from 2027.
Applications open: 1 June 2026
Closing date: 1 September 2026
AUT Knowledge That Works Scholarships are available to high achieving secondary school students who are intending to enrol in bachelor’s degree study at AUT commencing Semester One 2027. Applicants will be considered in four categories:
- 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.
Applicants will be considered in all categories for which they're eligible.
Applications open: 1 June 2026
Closing date: 1 September 2026
These scholarships are for students who are the first in their family aiming to complete a university degree. First-in-family normally means that neither of the applicant’s birth parents has successfully completed a degree level qualification.
Students in their first year of study at AUT who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for a Woolf Fisher First in Family scholarship.
Applications open: 1 November 2024
Closing date: 1 October 2025
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.
The Office of Māori Advancement provides accommodation scholarships to support Māori students living in approved AUT accommodation.
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)
These scholarships are for students from both the Auckland area and beyond who want to study at AUT but are facing financial barriers by offering financial assistance and ongoing non-financial support.
Applications open: 1 July 2025
Closing date: 11 October 2025
Kanu Patel embodies a lifelong commitment to community service and visionary leadership. Over three decades of voluntary service with the Auckland Indian Association, he has led transformative projects – including the conversion of a disused bakery into a vibrant community centre admired by international visitors. Inspired by his father's temple-building legacy in Leicester, England, and Matwad, India, Kanu led the construction of a new temple and continues to drive future development. His leadership spans roles such as treasurer, chairman of finance and resources, president, and chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Trust. Kanu now aims to help others reach their potential and thrive through financial support.
Applications open: 27 October 2025
Closing date: 05 December 2025
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.
AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship and RINA (NZ)/Babcock/Marine Industrial Design Scholarship
Woolf Fisher First in Family Scholarship and AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship
Keir Trust Study Award and AUT Welcome to Auckland Scholarship
Woolf Fisher First in Family Scholarship and AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship
Keir Trust Study Award and AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship
Why choose AUT for your studies
Same old university? Not here. AUT is built around practical learning and real student support – with 250 programmes, three Auckland campuses and more than 200,000 graduates working around the world. Your background is your strength here. We don't change you, we champion you.
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.
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.
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:
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. 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.