The VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship is an entry award from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. It gives NZ$15,000 as a credit against tuition fees for the first year of a Bachelor’s degree.
It is aimed at international students who pay full international fees and who are starting at the University for the first time. Students who are finishing, or have just finished, the University’s English for Academic Purposes or Foundation Studies programmes also count as new entrants.
There is no separate scholarship form. The University assesses every eligible applicant while processing the programme application, and successful students are told with their Offer of Place.
Benefits & funding
- NZ$15,000, applied as a credit towards tuition fees only.
- Held for one year of study, covering the student’s first enrolment in the Bachelor’s programme.
- Formally awarded once the student enrols in first-year courses; the credit reduces the tuition owed.
- The number of awards varies from intake to intake.
- May be held alongside another scholarship where that award’s own rules allow it.
Eligibility
- International students paying full international fees at the University.
- Entering the first year of a Bachelor’s degree, studying full time on campus in Wellington.
- Holding an unconditional or conditional Offer of Place for that Bachelor’s degree.
- New to the University; students completing or who have recently completed its English for Academic Purposes or Foundation Studies programme also qualify.
- Academic entry comes through a recognised high school qualification, a recognised foundation studies programme, at least one year of tertiary study towards an equivalent degree, or an approved pathway programme; English language requirements also apply.
- Not eligible: returning or currently enrolled students outside the two pathway routes above, Study Abroad, Exchange and Twinning students, applicants granted credit transfer or advanced standing, and students sponsored by their home government or the New Zealand Government.
- The award is tied to international fee status, so anyone entitled to domestic fee status is outside it, including citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand and Australia, resident visa holders, and holders of diplomatic visas.
- One scholarship per student, even where several programme applications are submitted, and it cannot be deferred beyond the same calendar year.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
High School
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Check the entry requirements for the chosen Bachelor’s degree and prepare qualification documents and English language evidence.
- 2Apply for the degree through the University’s student portal before the closing date for that intake.
- 3Wait for the Offer of Place; scholarship eligibility is assessed automatically as part of that decision.
- 4Accept the Offer of Place and enrol in first-year courses, at which point the award is formally made.
- 5Keep international fee-paying status through the year, since the credit is withdrawn if that status changes.
Program timeline
1 September 2026
Trimester 3 2026 application deadline (classes begin 16 November 2026)
8 December 2026
Trimester 1 2027 application deadline (February start)
1 May, annually
Trimester 2 application deadline (July start)
With the Offer of Place
scholarship result confirmed
On enrolment in first-year courses
award formally made and credited against tuition