Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) is welcoming international students into its community with a set of partial fee-based scholarships for those beginning a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma. The awards are designed to reduce the cost of tuition for students paying full international fees, making study in New Zealand a little more reachable.
For African students weighing options abroad, this is a practical opportunity: there is no separate scholarship application to fill out. When you apply for your programme, the university assesses you for the scholarship automatically, and if you are successful, the offer is communicated in your Offer of Place.
Undergraduate awards are worth NZ$15,000 and postgraduate awards NZ$10,000, applied toward tuition for one year of study. While it won’t cover everything, it’s a meaningful reduction in fees at a well-regarded New Zealand university.
Scholarship benefits
- NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees for eligible undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) students.
- NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible postgraduate (Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma) students.
- Applies to a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme of 120, 180 or 240 points, or a Postgraduate Diploma of 120 points.
- This is a partial, fee-based award covering one year of study only.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You are an international student paying full international fees.
- ✔ You intend to study a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree at VUW of 120, 180 or 240 points, or a Postgraduate Diploma of 120 points.
- ✔ You hold an unconditional or conditional Offer of Place for a Master’s Degree programme or Postgraduate Diploma at VUW.
- ✔ You are a new student to a VUW Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s Degree programme.
- ✔ Open to international students from all over the world, including Africa.
Application tips for African students
- Focus on getting admitted first. Because there’s no separate scholarship form, your programme application is what matters — submit a complete, strong application well ahead of the deadline.
- Plan your English test early. New Zealand universities typically require IELTS or TOEFL scores; book your test months in advance so results arrive in time for admission. Check VUW’s exact requirement on the official page.
- Certify and translate your documents. Have your transcripts, certificates and any translations officially certified before you apply, as this can take weeks in many African countries.
- Secure your Offer of Place promptly. Since the scholarship requires an unconditional or conditional Offer of Place for postgraduate study, apply early so any conditions can be met in time.
- Prepare proof of funds and visa documents. A partial scholarship reduces but does not eliminate costs — line up evidence of how you’ll cover the remaining tuition and living expenses for your New Zealand student visa.
- Watch the intake dates. Courses start in July or November 2026, with admission (and therefore scholarship) deadlines of 1 May or 1 September 2026 — match your application to the right intake.
How to apply
No separate scholarship application is needed. You apply for your chosen programme at Victoria University of Wellington, and the university assesses your eligibility for the scholarship as part of that process. If selected, you’ll be notified in your Offer of Place. The scholarship deadline is the same as the admissions deadline. Review full details on the official page: VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for these scholarships?
International students from all over the world who are paying full international fees and intending to study an eligible Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma at VUW.
How much is the award worth?
Undergraduate scholarships are NZ$15,000 and postgraduate scholarships are NZ$10,000, applied toward tuition fees for one year of study.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. You are assessed for the scholarship automatically when you apply for your programme, and recipients are advised in their Offer of Place.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is 1 May or 1 September 2026, matching the admissions deadline, for courses starting in July or November 2026.
Does the scholarship cover living costs?
No. This is a partial fee-based scholarship that goes toward tuition only, for one year — you’ll need to budget for living expenses and the remaining fees yourself.