Can I apply for a scholarship if I am also receiving external support for my study?

academyEX scholarships are open only to those who are not currently receiving other financial support toward the tuition fees, including external scholarships.

Can I apply for an academyEX scholarship if I have had a scholarship from The Mind Lab for previous study?

The Mind Lab/Tech Futures Lab scholarships are the same as academyEX scholarships. You can only receive one scholarship within a 12 month period. This is regardless of the value eg. if a student receives a scholarship for a micro-credential programme, they are then ineligible to receive a scholarship towards a masters programme within the same twelve month period. For example, if you received a scholarship for study in June 2022, you cannot receive another scholarship for a programme that starts in the period June 2022-June 2023. From July 2023, you could apply for another scholarship if you are continuing your study. Being awarded one scholarship does not imply that any further scholarship will be granted. Each application is reviewed on merit against a contestable pool of scholarship funding. Students who enrol on a programme and who are awarded a scholarship must complete their programme of study. Students who do not complete their studies who have received a scholarship will be ineligible to apply or receive another scholarship for a minimum of three years.

I am an international student living in New Zealand. Am I eligible for a scholarship?

academyEX has some scholarships available for international students. These scholarships are based on academic merit and there are 2 available for each intake of the Master’s programme. Please see our International Students page for more details.

I am moving into Part 3 of my programme of study and have not had a scholarship before. Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship for my Part 3 tuition fees?

Scholarship applications must be submitted when applying for a programme for the first time only. Students already enrolled in a programme of study cannot apply for an academyEX scholarship when transitioning to different parts of a programme.

What are the terms and conditions of academyEX Scholarships?

Please see our Terms and Conditions for those relating to our scholarships. If you have any questions about these terms and conditions, please contact us for further details.

How much scholarship funding is available?

academyEX offers a significant amount of scholarship funding each year. In 2025, there will be a limited number of scholarships available for each intake of our Master’s programmes. At least two Tangata Whenua and two Pacific Ako scholarships will be awarded for each programme intake. Scholarships are contestable, with applications reviewed by the academyEX Scholarship Panel after applications have closed. Students will be notified about the award of scholarships no more than 5 working days after the scholarship application closing date. Please get in touch with us to find out the scholarship application close dates.

I am applying for a Masters programme and studying part time over 18 months. Does a scholarship cover 50% of fees for the full programme?

Yes, scholarships will be granted for the full duration of the programme. If the programme spans more than a 12 month period, a scholarship will be granted for the full programme. The recipient will only need to apply once to get a scholarship for the full programme.

Can the early bird saving be applied to the 50% of fees payable when a scholarship is awarded?

No, the early bird saving may not be used in conjunction with academyEX scholarships.

What do I need to do to apply for an academyEX scholarship?

See the How to Apply section above. During the application process, you will be required to provide some personal information, and respond to three questions as outlined in the application form to demonstrate your commitment to learning and making a positive impact, and how the programme will support you or amplify your project or role in its potential for impact through new skills and knowledge gained. You can provide your responses in writing, or submit a video application. We recommend aiming to provide 200 words (or equivalent) for each question. The more detailed the response to the questions, the greater likelihood of standing out in the scholarship review process.

When do scholarship applications close?

Scholarship applications for Master’s programmes close 6-8 weeks before the start date of the programme intake. Please see key dates pages of our prospectus for all specific dates for the programme and intake you are interested in applying for. If scholarships remain unallocated after the application deadline, scholarships will be reviewed and awarded at the discretion of the academyEX Scholarship Panel. Please contact us for further details.

Once I submit my application, how long will it take to find out if I was successful?

To ensure a fair and consistent process for the awarding of scholarships for our Master’s and postgraduate programmes, our scholarship panel will review all scholarship applications received by the scholarship application close date. You will be advised no more than 5 working days after the application closing date if your application has been successful. Domestic students: Scholarship closing dates are 4 weeks before the intake start date. International students: Scholarship closing dates are 4 months before the intake start date. Scholarships are reviewed and awarded based on the merit of the applications received by the application deadline, up to the number of scholarships allocated to each intake. If scholarships remain unallocated after the application deadline, scholarships will be reviewed and awarded at the discretion of the academyEX Scholarship Panel.

What happens with my scholarship if I have to withdraw from a programme?

Please see Students Terms and Conditions and Withdrawal scenarios for implications on awarded scholarship if you need to withdraw from a programme. Students who do not complete their studies who have received a scholarship will be ineligible to apply or receive another scholarship for a minimum of three years. Transfer of scholarship funding to another intake may be approved on compassionate grounds through a written request to the Programme Lead and academyEX General Manager. All requests are considered on a case by case basis, and re-enrolment must be within 12 months of the request.

UNLOCK YOUR FUTURE

Get a scholarship

We want to make it easy to join our diverse community of lifelong learners. Explore our range of scholarships that help remove the barriers between you and your future.

First, apply for a course, then submit a scholarship application form.

Apply for a scholarship

OUR MASTER’S PROGRAMME SCHOLARSHIPS

Find the right fit for you

There is a scholarship that is right for you. Explore our options below and get in touch if you have any questions.
Remember, you need to apply for the course you intend to study first, before applying for a scholarship.

Tangata Whenua
50% fees covered

For learners of Māori descent.

Pacific Ako
50% fees covered

For learners of Pacific Island descent.

Impact
50% fees covered

For those making a positive impact on people, place or the planet. Find out if you meet the
Impact Scholarship Criteria.

Taipakeke
50% fees covered

For life-long learners aged 55 years and over.

International Student Excellence
25% fees covered

For students outside of New Zealand who are not citizens or permanent residents. Download the International Scholarship Guide.

WHY SCHOLARSHIPS?

Creating impactful futures

At academyEX, we believe higher education should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re offering a range of 50% tuition scholarships for domestic students in our 2026 Master’s programmes. Each year, we award $500,000 NZD in scholarships.

Our Tangata Whenua and Pacific Ako scholarships support Māori and Pacific learners, two of the most underrepresented groups in postgraduate education in Aotearoa New Zealand, by breaking down financial barriers to new opportunities.

We also offer the Taipakeke scholarship for people aged 55 years and over, proving it’s never too late to refresh your skills and thrive in a changing world.

Our Impact Scholarship is designed to give people who are already focused on making positive change, the skills and new knowledge needed to amplify their mahi, to make it bigger and make it lasting.

Many think they won’t qualify — but most do! Reach out and let’s see how we can help you take the next step in your learning journey.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Recognising Academic Excellence

academyEX offers scholarships for international students to the value of 25% of international tuition fees for our Masters programmes. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence through previous study and a commitment to excelling in further study to continue their learning and have impact in their organisations, communities and industries.

For more details - including how to apply and key dates you need to know - download the International Student Excellence Scholarship Guide.

HOW TO APPLY

Applying is easy

Step 1
Apply for your course

Explore our range of courses and get excited about your future! Choose your course and apply online.

Choose a course

Step 2
Apply for your scholarship

Complete the online form, tell us what’s important to you, and our scholarship panel will be in touch.

Apply for a scholarship

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Other ways to fund your study

You may be eligible for financial support through one of these organisations.

Fees Free

For first-time learners. You may be eligible for final-year Fees Free.
Learn more

Studylink

Studylink may be able to assist with course-related fees and other living costs.
Learn more

TeachNZ

If you’re a teacher or principal, TeachNZ offers a range of study awards, sabbaticals and study support grants to support you to study on programmes.
Learn more

OUR PEOPLE

Meet the team

Browse all people

Dr. Hayley SparksDirector of Academic Quality

Aastha KapoorInternational Liaison Lead

Lisa Whittington-SlaterGrowth & Relationship Lead

Fuatino PeiluaAcademic Registrar