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#

The Tulī scholarship can be used to:

• cover full-time course costs, such as course materials, equipment and tuition fees
• help with living costs, such as accommodation, transport and childcare.

Who can apply#

This scholarship is for people who:

• have successfully completed at least 1 year of study or
• are entering their second or subsequent year of training or study.

They may be:

• continuing an existing course of study
• returning to study after several years
• starting either advanced vocational training or postgraduate study
• wanting to do a doctoral study (for example PhDs). A Tulī scholarship for doctoral studies can be awarded for 1 year only. It is only available in this category, not the career changer category.

There are 2 types of scholarships available: vocational and academic.

Vocational scholarships#

For study at NZQA levels 4 to 7:

• 2 scholarships of $11,500 each year
• 2 scholarships of $16,500 each year.

We particularly want to encourage Pacific peoples considering vocational training, or who are already undertaking it, to apply for these scholarships.

Academic scholarships#

For study at NZQA levels 7 to 10 (degree level and above):

• 2 undergraduate scholarships - $11,500 each year
• 2 postgraduate scholarships - $16,500 each year.

The Pacific Education Foundation board can re-allocate scholarship numbers depending on the number of applications. For example, they may allocate fewer postgraduate and more undergraduate scholarships.

How to apply#

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

You can then apply using the link below.

2026 Tulī Takes Flight Scholarship Application Form Survey

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