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Scholarships for Māori and Pacific Island students
Previous Discovery Scholarship recipients who received awards in 2022 or earlier are able to apply for Te Huarahi ki Mua Award category, which awards recipients a one-off cash award of up to $3,000.
*Please note that if undertaking PhD studies you are currently not eligible for these scholarships, but please contact us at MacD-Admin@vuw.ac.nz and we will help connect you with the appropriate scholarships for which you are eligible.
- Details of your enrolment (or intention to enrol) in tertiary science courses in 2023
- Your CV including a summary of your previous academic record (previous year’s results) we understand this may not be available for those applying for the Te Kainga Rua Award
- Your application statement outlining the award you will be applying for, your study goals and programme of study in New Zealand
- Your reference. This may be either academic or from someone in your community who can comment on your study goals
- Your academic transcript
Co-Sponsors
GNS Science and the Aotearoa: Green Hydrogen Technology Platform
We are delighted to welcome GNS Science and the Aotearoa: Green Hydrogen Technology Platform on board as our first Discovery Scholarships co-sponsor. 
Bioprotection Aotearoa
We welcome Bioprotection Aotearoa, our latest co-sponsor to champion our Discovery Scholarships programme that nurtures a pathway for Māori and Pasifika students interested in STEM.
Awards Available
Te Kainga Rua Award - Second Chance Learner Award
This category is for mature students either returning to tertiary education after having some time away or those that are undertaking tertiary courses for the first time. If you are passionate about the natural sciences or you wish to return to tertiary studies and would like help with reaching your goals and potential, we encourage you to apply.
Piki Ake Award - Step It Up Award
This category is for students who are passionate about science but have found it challenging to achieve highly. This award is to help enthusiastic students reach their potential and step up into achieving.
Te Taumata Award - High Achiever Award
This category is for students who have excelled in their studies and are looking toward continuing their study in the field.
Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao Award - Māori Science Award
This category is for students who are studying Mātauranga Māori Science and are looking toward continuing their study in the field.
Te Huarahi Ki Mua Award
This category is for students who have been previous recipients of a Discovery Scholarship Award (2021) and are continuing their study in a relevant field (This is the only award previous recipients will be eligible to apply for and can only be awarded once to each recipient).
Eligibility Criteria
- Students enrolled or intended to enrol in a tertiary-level STEM course(s) that relates to the physical sciences, chemical/materials engineering, Māori sciences or sciences related to sustainable innovation
- Enrolled or intending to enrol for the 2023 academic year
- New Zealand-based
- A citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand
*Please note that sciences relating to medical technology, innovation and physics/chemistry will be eligible. However, health sciences with a focus on becoming a nurse, physio, medical doctor or the like are not eligible for these awards.
Mā te kimi ka kite, Mā te kite ka mōhio, Mā te mōhio ka mārama.
Seek and discover, discover and know, know and become enlightened!
If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact the MacDiarmid Institute at MacD-Admin@vuw.ac.nz
If you would be interested in applying to the Discovery Scholarship programme in the future, please register your interest here.
Meet some of our Discovery Scholarship recipients
WATCH THEIR VIDEOS - where they share who they are, and the awesome study they are undertaking
Discovery Scholarship Recipients - 2023
Read more about the successful recipients of the 2023 Discovery Scholarship awards.
Read more about Discovery Scholarship Recipients - 2023
Discovery Scholarship Recipients - 2022
Read more about the successful recipients of the 2022 Discovery Scholarship awards.
Read more about Discovery Scholarship Recipients - 2022
Discovery Scholarship Recipients - 2021
Read more about eight of the successful recipients of the 2021 Discovery Scholarship awards.
Read more about Discovery Scholarship Recipients - 2021
Discovery Scholarship Recipients - 2020
Read more about eight of the successful recipients of the 2020 Discovery Scholarship awards.
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