The Tulī Takes Flight (Tulī) scholarship is part of the gesture of goodwill and reconciliation to Aotearoa Pacific families and communities that followed the Government’s 2021 apology for the Dawn Raids that occurred in the 1970s.

The Tulī scholarship acknowledges the ongoing importance of education for Aotearoa Pacific families and communities. The scholarship is intended to support Pacific people to reach their potential by reducing some of the financial barriers towards study or training. There are scholarships for both vocational and degree level study and training in Aotearoa.

What the scholarship covers#

There are 7 scholarships worth $31,500 each year:

• 3 vocational scholarships for study at NZQA levels 4 to 7
• 4 academic degree and above scholarships for study at NZQA levels 7 to 9.

Who can apply#

This scholarship is for people who have at least 12 years' work experience or equivalent experience (paid or unpaid) since leaving school. It helps people gain a qualification that will enable them to move to a new career or advance to a higher level in their existing career.

The scholarship can be for vocational training, undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate study (up to and including masters’ level). Career changer applicants can be either starting study in a new area or returning to study after a long break.

The Pacific Education Foundation board will make the final decision about whether a course of study fits into the career changer category.

How to apply#

You should read the below guidance on how to apply first.

You can then apply using the link below.

2026 Tulī Takes Flight Scholarship application form

After you apply#

Decisions about awarding the scholarships will be made by the Pacific Education Foundation Board. Decisions will be final.

The Pacific Education Foundation Board will inform all applicants by email on the outcome of their application by mid-December 2025.

General feedback will be provided to all applicants. The board is unable to provide individual feedback on applications.

Pacific Education Foundation scholarships