University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship offers a fantastic opportunity to reduce your financial burden while pursuing high-quality education in New Zealand.

This scholarship, established in 2016, aims to attract new international students of high calibre to enrol full-time in undergraduate or postgraduate study of one year or more at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. It provides up to $10,000 (NZD) as a contribution towards compulsory tuition fees, making studying abroad more accessible for outstanding students.

In this post, we cover everything you need to know: eligibility requirements, benefits, application steps, key dates, selection criteria, and practical tips to strengthen your application. Whether you are planning undergraduate or postgraduate study, this guide helps you decide if this scholarship fits your goals and prepares you to apply confidently.

Scholarship Overview

ELIGIBILITY

To be considered for the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, you must meet these requirements:

• Citizenship: You must be an international student. This means you are neither a citizen, permanent resident, nor resident visa holder of New Zealand or Australia. [Confirmed from regulations]
• Academic qualifications: You need a grade point equivalent (GPE) of at least 6.00 for scholarship consideration. This is assessed based on your Admissions Grade Point Average (GPA) or Grade Point Equivalent from previous qualifications.
• Enrolment status: You must be a new student who has received a conditional or unconditional offer of admission to the University of Auckland, or an English Language Academy (ELA) student with a conditional or unconditional offer, or a student enrolled/enrolling in the Summer Start International programme with a conditional or unconditional offer.
• Programme enrolment: You must be enrolled or enrolling full-time in either a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), a masters degree, or an undergraduate degree (applying with overseas secondary or post-secondary qualifications) at the University of Auckland. The programme must be one year or more in duration.
• Other requirements: You must not have already commenced study at the University of Auckland (excluding Summer Start International programme), undertaken any tertiary level study in New Zealand, or be enrolling in certain excluded programmes (specific exclusions may apply; check regulations). Undergraduate students from University of Auckland Foundation Providers (UP Education and Taylors College) and New Zealand secondary-school leavers are not eligible.

ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES

This scholarship is open to international students from all countries except New Zealand and Australia (citizens, permanent residents, or resident visa holders of these countries are ineligible).

• Africa: All countries
• Asia: All countries
• Americas: All countries
• Europe: All countries
• Middle East: All countries
• Other: All other countries worldwide (excluding NZ and Australia)

ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY

This scholarship is open to all fields of study across undergraduate degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and masters programmes (taught masters of 120 points or more). There are no specific restrictions on disciplines mentioned, so you can apply for any programme that meets the degree level and duration requirements.

BENEFITS

The scholarship provides targeted support to ease your financial load:

• Tuition fees: Up to NZ$10,000 as a credit towards compulsory tuition fees (those related to your programme of study, plus Student Services Fee).
• Tenure: One year (paid in the first semester of study after enrolment confirmation).
• Other benefits: No additional stipend, travel, health insurance, visa fees, or living allowance is provided. The focus is solely on tuition support.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The application is submitted online, and specific documents depend on the form, but prepare these in advance:

1. Proof of offer of admission (conditional or unconditional) from the University of Auckland.
2. Academic transcripts and certificates from previous studies (to verify GPE/GPA).
3. Passport or proof of international student status.
4. CV or resume (if requested in the form).
5. Letter of application (personal statement explaining your merit and goals).
6. Recommendation or endorsement from a referee (may be required; check the form early).
7. Language test scores (if applicable for your programme admission; not specified separately for scholarship).
8. Any other supporting documents requested in the online form (such as evidence of country of origin or alignment with university aims).

HOW TO APPLY

Follow these steps to submit a strong application:

Step 1: Apply for admission to an eligible programme at the University of Auckland and receive a conditional or unconditional offer (or be in ELA/Summer Start with offer).

Step 2: Read the full regulations carefully (download the PDF from the official page) to confirm you meet all eligibility criteria.

Step 3: Visit the official scholarship page and locate the “Apply now” button (linked to the online portal).

Step 4: Create an account or log in to the scholarship application portal (you need an admission application first to access).

Step 5: Complete all sections of the online application form, including any request sections for references or endorsements.

Step 6: Prepare and upload your letter of application highlighting your academic merit, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship.

Step 7: Ensure a referee provides endorsement if required (check early to allow time).

Step 8: Review everything and submit the application before the closing date (midnight NZ time on the specified deadline; no late submissions accepted).

Step 9: Wait for notification (outcomes usually sent around eight weeks after closing).

Step 10: If awarded, accept the offer by the date in your award letter and enrol full-time to receive the payment.

KEY DATES AND TIMELINE

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The deadlines are 1 April 2026 (midnight NZ time) for Semester 2/Quarter 3/Quarter 4 intake and 21 October 2026 (midnight NZ time) for Semester 1/Quarter 1/Quarter 2 intake. Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Beyond basic eligibility, the selection committee looks for:

• Academic excellence (demonstrated by GPE of at least 6.00 and overall merit in prior studies).
• Quality of your letter of application (clear, compelling explanation of your achievements and goals).
• Endorsement by your referee (strong support for your potential).
• Country of origin (may be considered for diversity).
• Alignment of your intended programme with the University’s strategic aims.

The committee seeks high-calibre students who will contribute positively to the university community.

IMPORTANT TIPS

1. Start your programme admission application early, as you need an offer to access the scholarship portal.
2. Download and read the regulations PDF thoroughly before starting. It contains critical notes and exclusions.
3. Aim for a GPE well above 6.00 to stand out, since academic merit is key.
4. Write a strong, personalised letter of application: focus on your achievements, future plans, and why Auckland fits your goals.
5. Secure a referee early who knows your work well and can provide a strong endorsement.
6. Check the application form as soon as it opens to see if references are needed and give them time.
7. Avoid opening multiple scholarship applications in the same browser to prevent technical issues.
8. After submission, monitor your email for updates and respond quickly if more information is requested.
9. If your circumstances change (e.g., enrolment), notify the Scholarships Office immediately.
10. Consider how your study aligns with university priorities to strengthen your case.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OFFICIAL LINK

Official application portal and details: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/university-of-auckland-international-student-excellence-scholarship-844-all.html

(Apply now button leads to the current portal link. Use the official page to access it.)

Regulations PDF: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/content/dam/uoa/Scholarships/regulations/university-of-auckland-international-student-excellence-scholarship.pdf

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