How to apply for scholarships and awards

Follow the steps below to apply for scholarship and awards. Applications are submitted through your MyWaikato portal. This portal is your go-to for all details in regards to your scholarship

Please note that the majority of scholarships applications are submitted through your MyWaikato portal, however some specific scholarships, including external scholarships, may use other application systems or forms (for example, the Rewi Alley Scholarship in Chinese Studies). Your application will be considered but the process for applying is slightly different.

For assistance with preparing cover letters or CV's you may visit our University of Waikato Careers team.  They will be able to provide information and assistance.

Step 1 - Before you start applying

  • Before you start applying for scholarships check your eligibility by reading the regulations for each scholarship thoroughly.
  • Prepare any documents you might need for each application. Remember, each scholarship will be slightly different so you may need to prepare more than one of each document.
  • The required documents are generally listed in the regulations under 'Application'. For any scholarships where an uploaded Personal Statement Form is required, a Personal Statement Template will be available at the beginning of the application process (Step 4).

Step 2 - Submit an Application to Enrol

  • If you haven't already done so, complete an Application to Enrol at the University of Waikato. This application is not a commitment to study here at the University of Waikato and can be withdrawn or updated at any time.
  • Follow the steps to create your MyWaikato account if you do not already have one.
  • Select the scholarship you wish to apply for from the list of scholarships at the bottom of the page.
  • Click on 'Apply Now' and complete the application, ensuring your provide all of the necessary requirements. Each scholarship has a separate application so if you are intending on applying for more than one you will need to apply individually for each one.

Step 3 - Select the Scholarships you wish to apply for

  • Log in to your MyWaikato portal
  • Select the 'Scholarships' tab at the top of your MyWaikato page.

  • Select the scholarship you wish to apply for from the list of scholarships at the bottom of the page.
  • Click on 'Apply Now' and complete the application, ensuring your provide all of the necessary requirements. Each scholarship has a separate application so if you are intending on applying for more than one you will need to apply individually for each one.

Step 4 - Completing a submission

• On the first page of every scholarship application you can view the list of required documents and download any templates you will need to use (if applicable).

  • Work your way through the application section by section.
  • 'Referees' Section - If there is a 'Referees' section please be aware that an email will automatically be sent to the email address you list requesting a reference.  The email they receive will have instructions on how they can submit their reference once completed.  Please let your referees know that they should be receiving this once you have fully submitted your application.
  • 'Personal Statement' Section (if applicable) -  Some scholarships have an integrated Personal Statement Section. In this section, you will be required to answer questions about yourself. The questions asked will differ depending on the scholarship you are applying for. Fill in the text box with your answer to the question, making sure to respond to any mandatory questions and any optional questions which are relevant to you. Anything that is compulsory to upload will have a * next to it. You can view the text box in full screen by clicking the 'Full screen' button. Each text box has a character limit of 2000 characters.
  • 'Supporting Documentation Section' - This section is where you can upload your prepared documents.  Anything that is compulsory to upload will have a * next to it.  Browse your computer for the document, select the document and then push the red upload button.

  • Review your application and click on 'Submit Application' followed by 'Done'. Until you click on 'Done' your application has not yet been submitted.
  • When you submit your application, you will get an in-tray message in your MyWaikato portal under the 'Home' tab saying 'Thank you for your application'.

  • Please note, after submission you can continue to edit your application up until the scholarship has closed. Make sure to select ‘Edit application’, do not withdraw your application.
  • If you withdraw your application, you will need to email scholarships@waikato.ac.nz with your name, student ID and the name of the scholarship in order to have it re-opened. As this is processed manually, there may be a delay in your application being re-opened. You will be notified when you are able to edit your application again.

Step 5 - After submission

  • Keep track of all your scholarship applications in your MyWaikato portal.
  • From the 'Scholarships' tab you will be able to see the list of Scholarships that you have applied for, or this is also where you may  withdraw your application.

  • If the status of your scholarship is 'Incomplete' you have not submitted your application and you will need to click on 'Continue Application'

  • You will also be able to check if your references have been received by the Scholarships team by clicking on the hyperlink under 'Referee Responses' to see the names of those that have not yet been submitted.

  • The outcome of your scholarship applications will normally take 6-8 weeks from the closing date.  You will receive a MyWaikato portal in-tray message when your application has been processed and when a decision has been reached by the Selection Panel.