University of Canterbury Incoming First Year Scholarships 2026

University of Canterbury Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2027 – Fund Your Undergraduate Studies in New Zealand

The University of Canterbury (UC) offers a range of scholarships specifically for incoming first-year students to nurture personal growth and support future success. These scholarships celebrate and recognise academic and sporting excellence, leadership, cultural and community involvement, and overcoming barriers and personal challenges.

The university provides over $20 million in scholarships and prizes annually to help fund students' studies. For more opportunities in New Zealand, explore fully funded scholarships in New Zealand for international students.

Why Apply for a Scholarship?

Scholarships help ease the financial stresses of study, accommodation, and student life, enabling you to place more focus on your studies and access additional resources and opportunities. Recipients have found benefits such as increased confidence and self-worth, reduced stress and anxiety, a sense of belonging and recognition, social integration and friendships, motivation and empowerment, and improved mental wellbeing.

Key Dates for 2027 Incoming First-Year Scholarships

• Applications Open: 11 June 2026

• Applications Close: 6 August 2026, 11:59 PM (NZT)

How to Apply

The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible:

1. Research: Browse all available scholarships to find out what's on offer.

2. Check if you qualify: Read through the criteria to see if you are eligible.

3. Check application dates: Scholarship applications open eight weeks before the closing date.

4. Prepare your information: Think about what you want to include with your application and, if required, who you will use as your referee(s).

5. Complete your application: Ensure you submit your information before the closing date.

6. Sit back and wait: The selection process typically takes 6-8 weeks but may take longer. You will be notified as soon as a decision has been made.

Important: You can be awarded multiple scholarships, so we recommend you apply for all that you are eligible for.

Available Scholarships for Incoming First-Year Students

Outstanding Impact Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship nurtures high-achieving students via networking and development opportunities. It provides $15,000 plus the opportunity to participate in a UC-sponsored networking and development programme.

All prospective first-year undergraduate students who achieved Excellence at NCEA Level 2 or a corresponding level in an equivalent university entrance qualification are eligible.

Go Waitaha Canterbury
This scholarship supports students with strong academic potential who face challenges in affording university accommodation costs. It provides $15,000 towards accommodation costs at a UC-recognised hall of residence, priority consideration for a place in a hall, and a personal and professional development programme.

Year 13 or gap year students attending a school and/or living outside the Greater Christchurch area are eligible. Applicants must also be eligible to receive StudyLink Student Allowance and have achieved Merit or higher at NCEA Level 2, or an equivalent qualification.

UC Haupatu Sport Scholarship
This scholarship recognises the value of student athletes and aims to support top-performing players while they are studying at UC. It provides $7,500 towards tuition fees plus access to UC's Performance Academy. Applicants must be age-group regional and/or national representatives in sporting codes.

Empowerment Through Adversity Scholarship
This scholarship recognises and supports students who have faced significant barriers or personal challenges to entering tertiary education. It covers tuition fees for up to 135 points of enrolment per annum, plus $5,000 per annum each year for up to three years, and includes participation in a bespoke mentoring and development programme. New incoming first-year undergraduate students who have achieved despite significant barriers or personal challenges are eligible.

This may include disabled people, those with chronic health conditions, ongoing mental health challenges or neurodiversity, second chance learners, and others who have shown resilience managing their personal circumstances.

UC Kaitoko Māori Scholarship
This scholarship recognises high academic achievement, as well as leadership potential and involvement in community and/or cultural activities among intending first-year ākonga who have whakapapa Māori. It provides $15,000 towards tuition fees and the Student Services Levy in the first year, as well as an opportunity to participate in the UC Māori leadership programme,

Paihere, and a UC-sponsored general leadership programme. Prospective first-year Māori undergraduate students who achieved Merit or higher at NCEA Level 2 or a corresponding level are eligible.

UC Kaitoko Pacific Scholarship
This scholarship recognises high academic achievement, as well as leadership potential and involvement in the Pacific community, among intending first-year Pacific students at UC.

It provides $15,000 towards tuition fees and the Student Services Levy in the first year, as well as an opportunity to participate in a UC-sponsored leadership programme. Prospective first-year Pacific undergraduate students who achieved Merit or higher at NCEA Level 2 or a corresponding level are eligible.

Te Kakau a Māui Scholarship
This scholarship recognises and supports undergraduate students who demonstrate alignment with UC's commitment to producing students who are engaged, empowered, and prepared to make a difference. It provides tuition fees for up to 135 points of enrolment per annum for the duration of a full-time undergraduate degree programme.

Prospective first-year undergraduate students intending to enrol full-time in a three-year or four-year undergraduate bachelor's degree are eligible. Applicants must be eligible to receive StudyLink Student Allowance and recipients must be in receipt of a Student Allowance.

For similar opportunities, check the latest scholarships in New Zealand for all nationalities.

Final Thoughts

The University of Canterbury's incoming first-year scholarships provide excellent financial support and development opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are a high-achieving student, an athlete, someone who has overcome adversity, or a Māori or Pacific student, there is a scholarship designed to support your journey.

Be sure to apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for and submit your application before the 6 August 2026 deadline. For a comprehensive list of opportunities in New Zealand, see the list of all open scholarships in New Zealand.

Apply Now for University of Canterbury Incoming First-Year Scholarships