About the scholarships#

Tagaloa scholarships support Pacific student achievement in tertiary institutions.

The scholarships were established through the Ministry of Education's Talanoa Ako initiative, developed in response to the Pacific PowerUP findings (2016–2019). 

The evaluations highlighted the need to strengthen Pacific knowledge, research capability and leadership across the education sector and in Pacific communities.

The aim of the scholarships#

The scholarships aim to: 

• support the academic journey of Pacific postgraduate students, particularly those undertaking research that contributes to understanding and improving the experiences of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand
• strengthen the pipeline of Pacific researchers, educators and future leaders
• promote the creation, sharing and visibility of Pacific-centred research and knowledge, ensuring that Pacific perspectives and worldviews are reflected in education and wellbeing discussions. 

The scholarships are offered for your final year of academic study.

There are 2 Tagaloa scholarships available each year:

• 1 master's scholarship worth $10,000
• 1 doctoral scholarship worth $14,000.

Who can apply#

You can apply if you are:

• a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• in your last year of full-time post-graduate study in the 2027 academic year
• enrolled or in the process of enrolling into a full-time master's or doctoral programme
• of indigenous Pacific cultural heritage (see list below).

You cannot apply if you are studying part time.

Indigenous Pacific cultural heritage#

How to apply#

Learn more about the Tagaloa Scholarships and submit an application form online.

Tagaloa Scholarship Application 2027 – SurveyMonkey

Past recipients#

Meet our past and current recipients below.