Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship UG/PG Program 2026

The Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship at the University of Waikato offers outstanding international students the opportunity to receive up to NZD $15,000 towards their tuition fees for undergraduate or postgraduate (taught) studies. This prestigious scholarship is available to students pursuing various disciplines, including Arts, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Health, Law, and more. Designed for students who are new to the University and planning to study on campus, this scholarship supports academic excellence and fosters global learning experiences. By choosing the University of Waikato, scholars can immerse themselves in a vibrant academic environment while advancing their education and career aspirations.

Cycle:

The scholarship value is between $2,500 and $15,000 (value dependent on clause 2.2), and is
paid towards the first 12 months of study at the University of Waikato, split evenly across two
trimesters4. The total value offered is a contribution towards tuition fees only, and all remaining
tuition fees and other costs must be met through other means.
2.2. The number of scholarships offered, disbursement of award, and value of each scholarship
offered is at the discretion of the Selection Panel and Scholarships Committee and is based on
criteria such as, but not limited to, GPA equivalency, funding available, intended programme of
study, and duration of intended programme of study. Recipients studying undergraduate
programmes of study may receive up to $15,000, and those studying postgraduate courses
may receive up to $10,000.
2.3. The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition fees for the agreed programme
of study either at the time of enrolment or once their enrolment is completed.
2.4. All applicants will be advised of the result of their application through their MyWaikato portal.
2.5. Successful applicants will receive a scholarship offer which is valid for 14 days

After accepting the Scholarship Offer, recipients will receive an official scholarship offer letter to
assist in any student visa application.
2.7. Recipients may pay the full tuition fee amount minus the value of the scholarship in the offer.
They must provide their Scholarship Offer Letter to Immigration New Zealand in order to do so.
2.8. In accepting the Scholarship, the recipient will:
2.8.1. be deemed to have read, understood and accepted the conditions of the
Scholarship, and the Scholarships Policy.
2.8.2. agrees to participate in any reasonable publicity concerning the Scholarship
arranged by the University of Waikato.
2.9. The maximum possible tenure is 12 months.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Enrolling within 12 months of the dates outlined in the Offer of Place and commencing a full-time programme/s of study of at least 120 points at the University of Waikato in the year(s) of tenure.
• a) The original scholarship offer is valid only within 12 months of the dates outlined in the Offer of Place unless deferral is approved.
• b) If for any reason a recipient defers study at the University of Waikato within one calendar year from their original start date, their scholarship may also be deferred if the recipient advises scholarships@waikato.ac.nz when confirmation of the new start date has been received. If a student defers to a new date outside of one year, then their scholarship will no longer be valid, and they will need to apply again when scholarship applications are open for that new year.
• Residing in New Zealand for the entire tenure of the scholarship and remaining studying full-time on campus in New Zealand.
• Maintaining international student status within the University’s student system during the entire tenure of the scholarship. Any change in status will result in the scholarship being fully or partly removed from the student’s account.

How to Apply:

1. Please ensure you read the regulations before you commence the application process.
2. If you are new, complete an application to enrolYou will need to do this BEFORE you can have access to apply for Scholarships and Awards.Application to enrol
3. Apply using MyWaikatoOnce you have an account, log into MyWaikato and click on the ‘Scholarships’ tab to see the list of available scholarships

Deadline: 31st December, 2025