Applying for scholarships

Use AUT's scholarships database to find a scholarship that is relevant to you.

Read the scholarship regulations carefully to make sure:

• You’re eligible to apply; and
• The closing date has not passed

You can apply for as many scholarships as you like.

If you’re offered more than one scholarship, you need to check the regulations for the scholarships you’ve been awarded to see if you can hold these scholarships at the same time.

BROWSE SCHOLARSHIPS DATABASE

Selected a relevant scholarship? Now it’s time to apply.

You can apply by completing a scholarship application form or through our online scholarship application portal.

Applications forms or links to the online application portal are available for all AUT scholarships from the AUT scholarships database.

The scholarships database also shows where to get application forms for external scholarships.

Application forms vary, so make sure you’ve included all the information required. If you’re applying online, you’ll need to complete all sections and upload all supporting documents before you can submit your application.

As part of your application, you’ll also be asked to sign a declaration stating that the information you’ve provided is correct.

You may need to supply additional documents as part of your scholarship application, for example your birth certificate.

Certifying additional documents

• Don’t provide original documents
• If a hard copy is requested (this is rare) submit certified copies instead
• To certify a document, bring the original document and a photocopy to AUT and show it to Student Hub staff, faculty administration staff or staff at the Scholarships Office
• The AUT staff member will stamp and sign the copy as being a true and accurate copy
• Transcripts: if you’ve completed all your study at AUT, the Scholarships Office will attach a copy of your AUT transcript. Transcripts from other universities must be provided by you

Personal statements

Scholarships often ask for a personal statement where you can talk about:

• Your future career plans
• What makes you passionate about your course
• Any research you’ve been involved in
• Any community involvement (for example church, voluntary work or any organisations you’re involved with outside of your studies)
• Other information to support your application.

Since many people may apply for the same scholarship, your statement needs to stand out. Read the eligibility criteria for your chosen scholarship to understand what the reviewers are looking for.

Tips for creating a strong personal statement

Make sure you submit your scholarship application by the closing date for your chosen scholarship. You can find this date in the scholarship database.

Check that your application is complete – incomplete applications won’t be accepted or forwarded to the scholarship selection panel for consideration.

Applications can be submitted through the online scholarship application portal or by email. The regulations for your chosen scholarship will tell you how to submit your application.

Your scholarship application will be submitted to a panel who will consider all the applications submitted for this particular scholarship.

AUT’s Scholarships Office will be notified of the panel’s final decisions, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome. This process may take up to six weeks after the closing date of the scholarship.

Ensure you log in and check your email account for information on how your scholarship application is progressing.

If you’re offered more than one scholarship, check the regulations for the scholarships you’ve been awarded to see if you can hold these scholarships at the same time. If one scholarship covers your tuition fees and the other your living costs or travel, you can often hold these together.

Paying your fees

If your scholarship pays towards your AUT tuition fees and this isn’t reflected on your AUT invoice, forward your fees statement/tax invoice to AUT’s Scholarships Office immediately so that your fees can be paid.

Most scholarships don’t cover your full fees – there may be some fees related to your course that you need to pay. Have a look at your scholarship's regulations to find out what it covers. If you need pay for any fees not covered by your scholarship, check out how to pay your fees.

It’s expected that you take up the scholarship for the period it was awarded.

If you need to defer your scholarship and studies because of illness or other circumstances, you’ll need to apply to the AUT Scholarships Office. It’s important to send your request to the Scholarships Office as soon as possible.

Deferring your scholarship will only be approved under exceptional circumstances.

Important things to note about deferring your scholarship

• You can only defer a scholarship once and for up to one year
• Approval to defer your scholarship is not approval to defer your studies at AUT – you’ll need approval from your faculty to defer your studies
• You must provide supporting documentation, for example:
  • Medical certificate
  • Letter of support from an organisation
  • Confirmation of what you’re going to be doing in your semester or year of deferment
  • Confirmation from your faculty that your leave of absence has been approved
• Your application for deferment and supporting documents must be forwarded to the Scholarship Office for approval