School leaver scholarships
It’s an exciting time – you’re about to finish school and are thinking about what’s next. If you’re considering university study in your future, you could apply for a range of school leaver scholarships to support your studies at AUT, no matter where in New Zealand you come from or what your background is.
Find out more about the different scholarships you can apply for to support you financially while you settle into university study and this exciting new time in your life.
AUT scholarships for school leavers you can apply for
If you’re joining AUT from secondary school, there are many scholarships you can apply for. Check the information below for details.
Moving to Auckland for university can be scary. To help with this change, the three-year AUT Welcome to Auckland scholarship makes a contribution towards accommodation and study fees. These scholarships are for high-achieving secondary school students living outside of Auckland who plan to start an AUT bachelor’s degree from 2025.
Applications open: 1 June 2025
Closing date: 1 September 2025
Not sure if your permanent address is within the Auckland region?
AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarships are available to high achieving secondary school students who are intending to enrol in bachelor’s degree study at AUT in Semester One 2026. 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 2025
Closing date: 1 September 2025
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.
Applications open: 1 November 2024
Closing date: 30 June 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: 1 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: 30 September 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
Why choose AUT for your studies
AUT is one of the world’s best modern universities, with 250 programmes and more than 150,000 alumni all over the world. Study with us and you’ll join New Zealand’s most diverse and vibrant university, and we’ll help you develop the skills to make a positive impact.
Applying for scholarships
Not sure how to get started with your scholarship application? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered, so make sure you check out our info on applying for scholarships.
Info for school leavers
Finishing secondary school and starting uni is an exciting time, but it’s also a big life change. It's okay – we’re with you every step of the way to help make that transition smoother.
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
As the recipient of an AUT school leaver scholarship you have access to an extensive programme of support including:
- 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 of our scholarships include accommodation in Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation at the City Campus. It’s modern, social and friendly – and a great way to meet new people and make the most of studying at AUT.
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.