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Application dates#
Applications are now open for study in 2027.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 30 September. Late entries will not be accepted.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application in mid-December 2026.
About the scholarship#
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 academic study and training in Aotearoa.
For the 2027/27 round, the Pacific Education Foundation are supporting Pacific learners moving into future-focussed fields, while still funding the breadth of study Pacific communities need.
A quarter of the scholarships awarded will be targeted to priority pathways of:
- science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM)
- health and allied health
- digital, data and AI
- engineering and skilled trades
- training, research and education workforce
- green, climate and sustainability fields.
If your qualification is not aligned to these areas, there are other Tulī scholarships available. The remaining scholarships will continue to support the full breadth of study including:
- social services
- construction
- Pacific languages
- Pacific customs and culture.
Eligibility#
To be eligible to apply for a Tulī Takes Flight Scholarship you must:
- have enrolled or be in the process of enrolling into full-time training or study with a tertiary provider in New Zealand – you are not eligible if you are studying or will be studying part-time
- be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- have lived in New Zealand for the last three years
- be of indigenous Pacific cultural heritage
- have completed NCEA 3 (or equivalent) and be 16 years or over by the time the course starts – or, if you have already left secondary school, be 18 years or over.
New to study or training#
To be eligible to apply for a Tulī Takes Flight (new to study or training) scholarship you must not have done more than half a year of equivalent full-time tertiary education. This means 0.5 equivalent full-time student (EFTS) or 60 credits at Level 3 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework. It includes tertiary education at an equivalent level in any country.
Continuing study#
To be eligible to apply for a Tulī Takes Flight (Continuing study) scholarship you:
- must have successfully completed at least 1 year of study
- or are expecting to enter your second or subsequent year of training or study.
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.
Each scholarship can be for either vocational or academic study and can be awarded for 1, 2 or 3 years.
Vocational scholarships#
Scholarships of $12,500 each year are available for study at NZQA levels 4 to 7 (non-degree):
We particularly want to encourage Pacific people who are considering or already doing vocational training to apply for these scholarships.
Academic scholarships#
For study at NZQA levels 7 to 10 (degree level and above) there are:
- undergraduate scholarships – $12,500 each year
- postgraduate scholarships – $17,500 each year.
How to apply#
Read the application guidance before you submit your application.
Applications that are not supported by the correct documents will be considered incomplete. They will not be assessed for a scholarship. Late applications will not be accepted.
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 2026.
General feedback will be provided to all applicants. The board is unable to provide individual feedback on applications.
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