If you have ever dreamed of studying at one of the world’s top universities in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, this is your moment. The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship 2026 is now open, offering international students from around the globe up to NZD $10,000 towards their tuition fees — and applications are accepted twice a year.
The University of Auckland is the leading university in New Zealand and the only New Zealand university ranked in the top 100 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings. This merit-based scholarship is your gateway to experiencing world-class education in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city.
Whether you are a new undergraduate student fresh out of high school or an ambitious postgraduate student ready to take your studies to the next level, this scholarship is designed for high-achieving international students just like you. Read on for everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Scholarship Name | University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship |
| University | University of Auckland (Waipapa Taumata Rau) |
| Country | New Zealand 🇳🇿 |
| Scholarship Value | Up to NZD $10,000 |
| Number of Awards | Up to 50 scholarships (bi-annually) |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, PGDip, Master’s (Taught) |
| Tenure | One Year |
| Application | Twice per Year (Bi-Annual) |
| Established | 2016 |
| Official Website | auckland.ac.nz |
The main purpose of the Scholarship is to attract new international students of high calibre to enrol in undergraduate or postgraduate study of one year or more at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
🎓 Benefits & Funding
Here is exactly what you receive as a recipient of this scholarship:
- 💰 Up to NZD $10,000 applied directly toward compulsory tuition fees
- The Scholarship value is paid as a compulsory fee credit towards the 1st semester of study at the University of Auckland
- ✅ Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate (PGDip or Master’s) programmes
- 🌍 Open to international students from all nationalities (except NZ/Australian citizens and permanent residents)
- Payments under the terms of this Scholarship remain tax-free as long as they are used for the payments of costs associated with an awardee’s programme of study
- 🎓 Opportunity to study at one of the top 100 universities in the world
- 🤝 Access to a diverse, multicultural academic community in Auckland
Note: The scholarship is not deferrable. If you cannot take up the award in your intended semester, you will need to submit a new application for the following intake.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet all of the following requirements:
Who is Eligible:
- Applicants must be an international student who is a new student who has received a conditional or unconditional offer of admission, or an English Language Academy (ELA) student who has received a conditional or unconditional offer of admission
- Must be enrolling full-time in an eligible on-campus programme
- Applicants must generally have a grade point equivalent (GPE) of at least 6.00
- Must not be citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia
- Must be enrolled in a programme of at least one year (120 points or more)
Who is NOT Eligible:
- Students who have already commenced study at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, are not eligible, excluding study in the Summer Start International programme
- Students who have undertaken any tertiary level study in New Zealand, excluding a student exchange programme, are not eligible
- Students enrolling in Business Master’s programmes in the Graduate School of Management (GSM) are excluded — except for the Master of Applied Finance, Master of Business Analytics, and Master of Supply Chain Management
- New Zealand and Australian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible
Language Requirement:
- Applicants must meet the University of Auckland’s standard English language proficiency requirements for their chosen programme
- Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test — minimum scores vary by programme
🎓 Who Should Apply
✅ You SHOULD apply if:
- You are a new international student admitted to Auckland University
- You hold strong academic results (GPE of 6.00 or above)
- You are planning to study undergraduate or postgraduate (taught) programmes
- You are enrolling full-time and on-campus
- You want financial support toward your first year of tuition fees
❌ You should NOT apply if:
- You are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You have already studied at the University of Auckland (unless in Summer Start International)
- You have studied at any other New Zealand university before
- You are enrolling in an excluded postgraduate business programme
- You are planning to study part-time or online
🎓 Available Programmes
This scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines at the University of Auckland. Eligible programmes span across all major faculties:
- 🎨 Arts & Education — Humanities, Languages, Education, Social Work
- 💼 Business School — Finance, Marketing, Management, Analytics
- ⚙️ Engineering & Design — Civil, Mechanical, Software, Design
- ⚖️ Law
- 🏥 Medical & Health Sciences — Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry
- 🔬 Science — Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics
- 🎭 Creative Arts & Industries
The scholarship applies to both undergraduate degree programmes and taught postgraduate programmes (PGDip and Master’s) of 120 points or more. Research-only Master’s and PhD programmes are typically not covered by this particular award.
🎓 Required Documents
When completing your online scholarship application, you will typically need:
- 📋 Completed online scholarship application form (via the University’s scholarship portal)
- ✉️ Letter of Application — explaining your academic achievements, goals, and why you deserve this scholarship
- 👤 Referee Endorsement — a recommendation or endorsement from an academic or professional referee
- 🎓 Academic transcripts of all previously completed qualifications
- 🪪 Copy of passport (for identity and nationality verification)
- 📜 Proof of admission offer from the University of Auckland (conditional or unconditional)
- 🌐 English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent — if applicable)
Pro Tip: Check the application form early in case a reference or endorsement is required to support your application, and to familiarise yourself with the form. Getting a referee prepared in advance saves valuable time.
🎓 Application Process
Applying is a straightforward process if you follow these steps in order:
- Apply for admission to your chosen programme at the University of Auckland via the official admissions portal
- Receive your student ID and offer of admission (conditional or unconditional)
- Log in to the University of Auckland scholarship portal: aucklandscholars.communityforce.com
- Find the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship application
- Read the regulations carefully to confirm your eligibility
- Complete the online application form — including your letter of application and referee details
- Ensure your referee submits their endorsement before the closing date
- Submit your application before the deadline — midnight on the closing date
- Outcomes are determined by a selection committee and are usually notified around eight weeks after the closing date
Selection Criteria: The selection is based on academic merit, the quality of the application letter, and endorsement by the applicant’s referee. The selection committee also takes into account the applicant’s country of origin.
🎓 Important Dates
| Intake | Application Opens | Application Closes |
| Semester 2 / Quarter 3 / Quarter 4 (2026) | 18 February 2026 | 1 April 2026 |
| Semester 1 / Quarter 1 / Quarter 2 (2027) | 9 September 2026 | 21 October 2026 |
⚠️ Important: All sections (including request sections) must be completed by the closing date, which is midnight on the specified date. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
💡 Tip for Semester 2 applicants: The April 1st deadline is approaching fast. If you have already received your offer of admission, start your scholarship application immediately!
🎓 Why Study at the University of Auckland?
Choosing the University of Auckland means choosing more than just a degree — it means joining a world-leading institution with a powerful global reputation:
- 🏆 New Zealand’s #1 ranked university and the only NZ university in the global top 100
- 🌍 Students from over 120 countries — a truly international campus community
- 🔬 World-class research and state-of-the-art facilities across all disciplines
- 🏙️ Located in Auckland — New Zealand’s largest city, ranked consistently among the world’s most liveable cities
- 🎓 Globally recognised degrees respected by employers and institutions worldwide
- 🤝 Dedicated international student support services and a thriving campus life
- 🌿 Access to New Zealand’s stunning natural environment — mountains, beaches, and forests just minutes away
🎓 Official Source
For complete regulations, the application form, and the most up-to-date information, visit the official scholarship page:
For scholarship enquiries, contact: scholarships@auckland.ac.nz
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Field | Details |
| Award Value | Up to NZD $10,000 |
| Number of Awards | Up to 50 (per intake) |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, PGDip, Taught Master’s |
| Tenure | 1 Year |
| Open To | All Nationalities (except NZ/AU citizens & PRs) |
| Selection Basis | Academic Merit + Application Letter + Referee |
| Payment Method | Tuition fee credit (Semester 1) |
| Application Method | Online — University Scholarship Portal |
| Frequency | Twice per year (Bi-annual) |
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