Scholarship

Kā Pūtea Scholarships


Opens Feb 1, 2025. Closes Apr 1, 2025.

Kā Pūtea Scholarships are available to registered Ngāi Tahu members who are currently enroled and studying in their second or subsequent year towards a NZQA recognised tertiary qualification or an international equivalent. The scholarships aim to support higher learning and help students connect with their Ngāi Tahutanga.

Kā Pūtea Scholarships are awarded based on applicants’ academic achievements and their engagement with whānau, hapū or iwi-related activities.

Eligibility

  • Registered with Ngāi Tahu Whakapapa
  • Enrolled and studying towards a NZQA recognised tertiary qualification or an international equivalent in the second or subsequent year.
  • Recipients of the Matakahi Cadetship are ineligible for Kā Pūtea Scholarships.

Level of funding available

Undergraduate Scholarships (Certificate to Level 7)
  • There are 58 Undergraduate Targeted Scholarships available, these are worth up to $1,500 each.
Postgraduate Scholarships (Levels 8,9 & 10)
  • There are 24 Postgraduate Scholarships available:
    • Honours (12) valued up to $3,000 per scholarship
    • Masters (8) valued up to $5,000 per scholarship
    • Doctorate (4) valued up to $10,000 per scholarship
  • Postgraduate Scholarships are assessed based on academic excellence in the applicant’s targeted area of tertiary study; and proven contribution(s) of postgraduate research to Ngāi Tahu. 
Exceptional Scholarships
  • The purpose of this fund is to support students who have the opportunity to obtain qualifications that are of an exceptional nature i.e., students studying overseas at a prestigious institute.
  • Exceptional Scholarships are discretionary in nature and applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • All applications need to evidence engagement and connectedness and/or reciprocity to whānau, hapū and iwi.

Open and Close Dates

This Scholarship is open from 1 February to 1 April.

The outcome of scholarship applications will be advised in May.

How to apply

Apply on Te Kopa Ora - Ngāi Tahu Grants Portal using your Ngāi Tahu log in details.

You will need your six-digit whakapapa registration number and password to log in.

If you do not recall the password, please click on the ‘Forgot your password?’ when logging in.

If you do not have these details, please call our contact centre on 0800 524 8248 (0800 Kāi Tahu).

Required Documentation

To complete this application on Te Kopa Ora, you will need:

  • Confirmation of enrolment from your provider showing total number of credits or EFTS enrolled in for the current academic year. A template for this can be downloaded here.
  • Evidence of previous years’ study i.e., academic transcript.
  • Outline of Ngāi Tahu/Papatipu Rūnanga involvement.
  • Statement of support for your application i.e., a letter from a Ngāi Tahu member or Ngāi Tahu associated group who can attest to your suitability for a Kā Pūtea Scholarship.
  • Prepared essay (no more than 1,000 words). Please see the application form for the essay question for the level you are applying for. 

Additional Information

Kā Pūtea Scholarships are pro-rata, meaning that the overall amount awarded is based on the number of credits that an applicant is enrolled in. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 120 credits to receive the full amount available.

All efforts will be made by Ngāi Tahu Grants staff to follow-up on any pending applications, however, incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection panel.

Registration with Ngāi Tahu

If you are not yet registered with Ngāi Tahu, we encourage you to begin the process. More information available here.

You will receive confirmation from the Whakapapa team once the enrolment has been completed.

Contact Us

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 0800 KAI TAHU (0800 524 8248) or 03 974 0326