Tips for applying for AUT scholarships

Don't wait until the last minute! It’s a good idea to start researching and preparing your scholarship application well before the deadline.

Make a list of the scholarships that align with your interests, goals and academic achievements, and keep track of any requirements, deadlines and documents you need.

Make sure you understand all the eligibility criteria and terms for each scholarship:

• Is it a one-off payment or ongoing support?
• Does the scholarship include accommodation?
• Do you need to maintain a specific grade point average?
• Are there employment conditions when you graduate?

Consider setting up a spreadsheet or other document to stay on top of any scholarships you plan to apply for.

Don't just apply for one scholarship. Increase your chances by applying for multiple scholarships you’re eligible for.

Don’t forget about scholarships from government organisations or private companies, in addition to scholarships offered by the university.

Where to look for scholarships to apply for

Below are some of the useful websites and resources that list university scholarships:

• AUT scholarship database
• GivME searchable database*
• Careers New Zealand website
• Māori Education Trust website
• Ministry for Pacific Peoples website
• Universities New Zealand website
• Fulbright New Zealand website

_{*Free access for AUT students through the AUT library}

Prepare all the supporting documents you need to supply with your application, for example academic transcripts, reference letters and personal statements.

Make sure your documents:

• Are up to date
• Highlight your achievements and strengths

If you need to include references from your teachers or others in the community, ask your referees for these testimonials a few weeks before the application deadline to give them enough time.

Tell them more about the scholarships you’re applying for, so they can align their testimonial with the scholarship goals.

Most scholarship applications include a personal statement. This is your chance to highlight:

• Your strengths
• Achievements
• Future goals
• Your motivation for studying your chosen programme

Draft this carefully in a separate document before attaching it to your scholarship application.

Tailor this statement for each scholarship you apply for and talk about how your goals align with the scholarship aims.

Include any community involvement, volunteer work or other organisations you’re part of to help your application stand out.

More do’s and don’ts for personal statements

Your scholarship application may be rejected if you don’t follow the specific instructions exactly.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Have you included all the information asked for?
• Is your contact information correct?
• Is it clear how the scholarship aligns with your goals?

Write your application in a draft first, so you can make all the changes you want before you submit.

Before you submit your application, proofread it carefully. Are there any spelling errors? What about grammatical errors?

Check your statement again the day after you wrote it. By checking the next day, you’ll likely notice things that you might have missed the day before.

It’s also a great idea to ask someone else to proofread your application as well.

Take note of the application deadlines for each scholarship and submit your application well before the due date.

Late applications are generally not accepted, so it’s important to plan ahead and be organised.