This page has information on selecting and applying for scholarships that AUT and external groups offer.
Selecting a scholarship
Use AUT’s scholarships database to find a scholarship that is relevant to you, read the scholarship regulations carefully to ensure you are eligible to apply and that the closing date has not passed.
You can apply for as many scholarships as you like. If you are applying through the AUT CommunityForce online portal you are able to select matching scholarships. If you are offered more than one scholarship, you will need to check with the individual scholarship regulations to see if you can hold the scholarships at the same time.
If you are offered two scholarships that both pay your fees or a contribution to fees, you will have to decide which scholarship to accept. If one scholarship is for fee payment and the other(s) are for living costs or travel you can often hold these together.
Application process for scholarships
Once you have selected a relevant scholarship, you will need to apply. This may be by completing a form or through the online portal. You may also be asked to attach or upload supporting documents (see below).
Applications forms or links to the online portal are available from the scholarships database for all AUT scholarships. The scholarships database will also advise you where to obtain application forms for external scholarships; in most cases these available online.
Read the eligibility criteria and conditions for your selected scholarship carefully before applying. Application forms vary so make sure you have included all the information required. If you are applying online you will not be able to submit the application until you have completed all sections and uploaded all supporting documents.
You will be asked to sign a declaration stating that the information you have provided is correct.
Current AUT students applying for AUT scholarships
Some scholarship applications require you to calculate your grade point average (GPA). If you’re a current AUT student applying for an AUT scholarship, use our calculator to work out your GPA.
How to calculate your grade point average (GPA) for a scholarship application
Certifying and submitting additional documents
If you are asked to submit documents such as a copy of your birth certificate do not 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 staff member will stamp and sign the copy as being a true and accurate copy.
If you are applying for an AUT scholarship through the Scholarships Office and you have 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.
References
Many scholarship applications will ask you to submit a referee report as part of your application. If you are applying through the online portal you will be asked to nominate your referee in the portal. Your referee will then be sent an email requesting that they either upload a reference statement or complete a free form template. If application is not online referees must submit confidential reference statements directly to the Scholarships Office with your name, student ID number and name of the scholarship clearly marked.
Your referee may need to supply an academic reference that testifies to your qualifications and abilities as a student or a reference that mentions your personal attributes. A copy of the scholarship regulations will be available to your referee within the portal so that they know what kind of scholarship you are applying for. If you are not applying online please provide them with a copy of the regulations. Reference reports are confidential to the referee.
Personal statements
Scholarships often ask for a personal statement detailing your proposed course of study and/or an outline of your proposed future career plans plus any other information you may wish to provide in support of your application. Since many people may apply for the same scholarship, your statement needs to stand out.
Read the eligibility criteria carefully to understand what the reviewers are looking for. We recommend that your statement includes as much information about your studies as possible. You should also discuss what makes you passionate about your course, any research you have been involved in, any involvement you have in the community, ie church, voluntary work, organisations you are involved with outside of your studies, and any additional involvement you have at AUT assisting others.
Submitting your application
Please ensure your application is submitted to the Scholarships Office by the scholarship closing date. Incomplete applications are not accepted and will not be forwarded to the selection panel for consideration.
Applications may be submitted through the application portal or by email. The regulations will advise which method will be used.
How scholarships are awarded
Your scholarship application will be submitted to a panel who will consider all applications submitted. The Scholarships Office will be notified of the 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.
Paying your fees
Ensure you log in and check your email account for regular updates and information on how your scholarship application is progressing. If your scholarship is towards fees and it has not been reflected on your invoice you should forward your fees statement/tax invoice to the Scholarships Office immediately so that your fees can be paid.
Note: Most scholarships do not cover full fees. You may have other fees or material fees relating to your course that are payable by you. Have a look at your scholarships regulations to find out what your scholarship covers. You will need to make arrangements to pay for any amount not covered by your scholarship. You may need to apply to StudyLink for a loan to cover any outstanding amount, it is advisable that this is done early. Alternatively the outstanding fees can be paid at the Student Hub cashier desk on campus or online through Arion.
Deferring your AUT scholarship
It is expected that you take up the scholarship for the period it was awarded. You will need to apply to the Scholarships Office if you wish to defer your programme of study because of illness, leadership opportunities etc. Deferring your scholarship will only be approved under exceptional circumstances.
- Approval of deferment of your scholarship is not approval to defer your academic studies. If you wish to defer your studies, you must seek approval from the faculty. You may elect to request permission to defer your scholarship as a consequence of deferring your studies.
- You must provide supporting documentation (i.e. medical certificate, letter of support from organisation, confirmation of what you are going to be doing in your semester or year of deferment and confirmation from your faculty that your leave of absence has been approved).
- Your application for deferment and supporting documents will be forwarded for approval to the Scholarship Office.
- You can only defer a scholarship once and for a maximum of one year. Note: It is important to send your request to the Scholarships Office as soon as possible.