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Scholarships for Māori Students

18 June 2024

UC offers a range of scholarships specifically available to students with whakapapa Māori studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Check out what is available.

HOW TO APPLY

UC supports ākonga Māori studying at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. 

The following list of scholarships are those that are either specifically available to Māori students, where preference may be given to a Māori applicant, or there is at least one scholarship potentially ring-fenced for a Māori student. 

These scholarships are subject to funding availability and are reviewed each year. Also use our scholarships database to search for all scholarships currently available.

Applying for a scholarship

Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria (e.g. subject/course, level, citizenship, age, school, region, etc.) and may require different supporting documentation. 

Check if you're eligible by reading the Regulations for each scholarship before you apply. If you are eligible, fill out the appropriate form online. Please note - you need to have created a myUC account prior to applying for any of these scholarships. See our 'How to apply' page for more details.

Incoming First-Year Student Scholarships

Undergraduate Student Scholarships

Lydia - UC Civil Engineering student Lydia - UC Civil Engineering student

Receiving the scholarship has genuinely changed the trajectory of both my life and my professional career.

Beyond the financial support, the guidance and encouragement from Sina has been just as meaningful. The scholarship has opened many doors for me within the professional engineering world and has given me confidence to pursue opportunities. Through this support, I have received valuable guidance across all aspects of my engineering degree, including help with choosing suitable internships, networking with other academics and industry professionals, and gaining greater insight into my future career direction. This support has made a significant difference to both my academic success and my personal growth.

The application process for the Sina Cotter-Tait Scholarship was straightforward, clear, and easy to follow. The questions were wellstructured and directly relevant to the potential recipients, allowing me to clearly communicate my background, goals, and need for support. With a quick turnaround time, it made positive and stress-free experience.

2025 Cotter Tait Scholarship for Māori and Pacific/Pasifika Engineering Students

Postgraduate Student Scholarships

Tyrone - UC History student

"Receiving the Kā Waimaero Scholarship from Ngāi Tahu has been a profound privilege that has significantly shaped my academic and personal journey.

The support provided not only covered my fees but also allowed me to engage with technology and research opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. It enabled me to travel to conduct vital research, enriching my studies and broadening my perspectives. The impact of this generosity extends beyond just me; it has strengthened my ability to give back to my community.

I am deeply grateful to Ngāi Tahu for their investment in my future. This scholarship has been more than just financial aid—it has been a source of encouragement, allowing me to pursue my aspirations with confidence. I look forward to honoring this opportunity by contributing back to my iwi and carrying forward the values that this support represents."

2024 Ka Waimaero | Ngai Tahu Centre Postgraduate Scholarship

Doctoral Student Scholarships

Kiri - UC Psychology PhD student

"From a young age, I had always aspired to one day complete a PhD. That dream became a reality thanks to the generous support of both a UC Doctoral Scholarship and a Kā Waimaero Ngāi Tahu Centre Doctoral Scholarship. These scholarships provided me with the freedom to dedicate myself fully to my research, allowing me to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to produce a PhD that positions me strongly for a career in academia.

The support of Ngāi Tahu was especially meaningful. It deepened my commitment to succeed not only as a Māori woman in science but also as a role model—someone who can encourage and inspire other women to pursue their own passions and pathways in science."

2024 Ka Waimaero | Ngai Tahu Centre Doctoral Scholarship

2021 UC Doctoral Scholarship

2017 Ngai Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship


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