Preparing for University 2025

PREPARING FOR

University A guide to applying for scholarships, halls of residence and courses.

University of Auckland Guide for Students

Scholarships ϐ

One Application covers all school leaver scholarships. Faculty scholarships are applied for separately.

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Tick and free format boxes are part of the application. Some boxes have a 100word limit.

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Personal statements are written within a free format box. There is a 200-word limit.

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Some free format boxes have a character or word limit. This is stated.

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Scholarships are due on 13 August. Subject specific scholarships close 09 October.

Halls of Residence ϐ

You can apply for only one hall.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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Personal statements are written within a free format box.

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A list of points to include are provided.

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Answers for each question can be no longer than 1500 characters – approximately 250 words.

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Complete your CCRF before 10 September.

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Applications close on 30 September.

Courses ϐ

The process is fully explained if you go to this link.

Undergraduate admission - The University of Auckland

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Applications close on 08 December.

University of Auckland Guide for Staff/ Referees

Scholarships ϐ

You will receive an email from the University of Auckland to advise you are required to submit a reference.

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Tick boxes are part of the reference.

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The referee needs to endorse the answers provided by the student.

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Due 31 August approx., one week after the scholarship application closes.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Year 13 Dean and Careers Director to complete.

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References are due 15 September approx.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.

Auckland University of Technology Guide for Students Scholarships ϐ

All School leaver scholarships require only one application.

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Special scholarships will require a separate application.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes as part of the application.

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Personal statements can be attached or written in a free format box.

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Personal statement is one page long.

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Applying for courses and references are required as part of the application.

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Opens early June and are due 01 September approx.

Halls of Residence ϐ

AUT has only three accommodation options. You apply for these halls separately.

It is ‘first come first served’.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes as part of the application.

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No personal statement required.

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Applications open early September.

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Applications close on 30 September.

Courses ϐ

Apply online using the application link. There are 8 steps to apply.

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Enrolments open in October through to beginning of Semester 1/ 30 January 2026.

Auckland University of Technology Guide for Staff/ Referees Scholarships ϐ

You will receive an email from AUT to advise you are required to submit a reference.

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You will look over the application and confirm the students’ responses are accurate using a tick box.

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Due 01 September approx., if not submitted the student will miss out.

Halls of Residence ϐ

No assistance is required from staff.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.

University of Waikato Guide for Students

Scholarships ϐ

All school leaver scholarships must be selected individually.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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Personal statements are written within a free format box.

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Personal statement has a 2000-character limit.

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Questions will differ depending on the scholarship you are applying for. Making sure to respond to any mandatory questions and any optional questions which are relevant to you.

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These are due 31 August.

Halls of Residence ϐ

You must choose at least two options when choosing Halls of Residence.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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A personal statement is not required.

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Complete your CCRF before 10 September.

Courses ϐ

Complete an application online.

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NCEA grades are reviewed in January for your offer. IB please send UoW your transcript for a quicker turnaround.

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Papers close on 30 January.

University of Waikato Guide for Staff/ Referees

Scholarships ϐ

You will receive an email from the University of Waikato to advise you are required to submit a reference.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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You free format boxes to write your references in.

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Some free format boxes have a character limit.

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References have a 2000-character limit.

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These are due 31 August.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Year 13 Dean and Careers Director to complete.

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References are due 15 September approx.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.

Massey University Guide for Students

Scholarships ϐ

Massey University offer core scholarships and then a range of qualification specific scholarships.

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Apply online through your student portal after registering (Opens 01 June – some close between 01 September – 30 November)

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Scholarships and dates can be seen here: https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/scholarships-and-awards/?size=n_100_n

Halls of Residence ϐ

Apply for halls of residence from 01 August.

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Complete your CCRF before 10 September.

Courses ϐ

Use your personal email address to apply for courses.

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A verified birth certificate or passport is required with application.

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Enrol for courses from 01 October – 14 February.

Massey University Guide for Staff/ Referees

Scholarships ϐ

You will receive an email from the Massey University to advise you are required to submit a reference through a form.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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You free format boxes to write your references in.

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Some free format boxes have a character limit.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Year 13 Dean and Careers Director to complete.

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References are due 15 September approx.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.

Victoria University of Wellington Guide for Students Scholarships ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ

All school leaver scholarships must be selected individually.

One application will cover all scholarships. Additional questions will open for specific scholarships selected.

Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

Personal statements are written within a free format box or can be attached.

Personal statement has a 500-word limit.

Applications open mid-June and are due 01 September, this is strict.

Halls of Residence ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ ϐ

You can apply for three halls, and these are NOT in order of preference.

Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

A personal statement is required, this is submitted in a free format text box.

Personal statements have a 500-character limit.

Complete your CCRF before 10 September.

Applications are due by 15 September for first consideration and open 01 August for late consideration.

Late applications considered October – January.

Courses ϐ

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To become a student at the University you need to complete these seven steps: 1. Check that you’ll meet the admissions requirements to become a student.

2.

Choose what you want to study.

3.

Apply for admission to the University and a place in your chosen degree.

4.

Accept your Offer of Place.

5.

Select the courses for your first year. Courses close 30 November.

6.

Complete your enrolment by accepting your Enrolment Agreement.

7.

Set up your new student account and get ready to start your studies.

There are separate application guides for international students and doctoral students. If you’re a current or returning student, find out how to re-enrol for the next academic year.

Victoria University of Wellington Guide for Staff/ Referees Scholarships ϐ

You will receive an email from the Victoria University of Wellington to advise you are required to submit a reference.

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Free format boxes are for referee details only.

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Referee statements are written within a free format box or can be attached.

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The statements are written over two boxes with a 100-word limit for each box.

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References are due 01 September, this is strict.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Year 13 Dean and Careers Director to complete.

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References are due 15 September approx.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.

University of Canterbury Guide for Students

Scholarships ϐ

All school leaver scholarships must be selected individually.

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One application will cover all scholarships selected with questions specific to the list selected.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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Personal statements are written within a free format box.

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Some free format boxes have a character or word limit. This is stated.

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Open around 20 June approx. and due 07 August, this is strict.

Halls of Residence ϐ

You can apply for two halls and rank these in order of preference.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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A list of points to include are provided. Some have 300-word limits.

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Applications open 01 August and are due in late September.

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Complete your CCRF before 10 September.

Courses ϐ

Use your MyUC account and open an application for your programme of study.

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Enter your course codes from 01 October – 12 December.

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NCEA grades are reviewed in January for your offer. IB please send UC your transcript for a quicker turnaround.

University of Canterbury Guide for Staff/ Referees

Scholarships ϐ

You will receive an email from the University of Canterbury to advise you are required to submit a reference.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes, depending on the scholarship applied for, as part of the reference.

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You have free format boxes to write your references in.

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Some free format boxes have a character limit.

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Some free format boxes have a word limit of 20 – 50 words while statements vary from 15 – 1500 words. This is stated.

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Due 14 August approx., one week after the scholarship application closes.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Year 13 Dean and Careers Director to complete.

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References are due 15 September approx.

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*FAQ and video available from UC.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.

Lincoln University Guide for Students

Scholarships ϐ

All School leaver scholarships must be applied individually.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes as part of the application.

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Personal statements are a Word doc. attached to the application.

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There is no set length.

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Some applications require a short video to be submitted.

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Applying to study must happen prior to submitting scholarship applications.

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Open 30 May and due 15 August approx.

Halls of Residence ϐ

You can apply for three halls and rank these in order of preference.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes as part of the application.

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No personal statement required.

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Applications open 01 August and are due in late September.

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Complete your CCRF before 10 September.

Courses ϐ

Enrolments open early October through to Prep Week in February.

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Students create a MyLinc account to apply for study, scholarships & accommodation.

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Papers close in February.

Lincoln University Guide for Staff/ Referees

Scholarships ϐ

You will receive an email from Lincoln University to advise you are required to submit a reference.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes as part of the reference.

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You have free format boxes to write your answers/ references in.

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Due 15 August approx.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Year 13 Dean and Careers Director to complete.

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References are due 15 September approx.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.

University of Otago Guide for Students

Scholarships ϐ

Students must create an eVision account.

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One application will cover all scholarships and your profile will be matched to the scholarships on offer.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes are part of the application.

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Some free format boxes have a 200-character limit.

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Open around 01 July and due 15 August, this is strict.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Students must use their eVision account.

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You can apply for three halls and rank these in order of preference.

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Year 12 NCEA grades are required, IB students leave this blank.

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Free format box is part of the application for your 1st choice residential college with a 100-character limit.

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Personal statements are written within a free format box with a 2500-character limit.

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Applications open 01 August and are due in 30 September. Late applications may be considered if received by 01 December.

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Complete your CCRF before 10 September.

Courses ϐ

Use your eVision account and open an application for your programme of study.

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Paper selection opens mid-September and closes on 10 December. Some courses have earlier closing dates including Teaching, Dental Technology, Oral Health and Radiation Therapy.

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Teaching opens 01 May and closes 31 August.

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Performance Music Auditions due 01 September.

There are different steps to complete depending on your study options.

University of Otago Guide for Staff/ Referees

Scholarships ϐ

References are not required by University of Otago.

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Some areas such as Performance, Māori, Pacifica and Hardship will require a reference.

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Tick boxes and free format boxes, depending on the scholarship applied for, as part of the reference/ further information.

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Once a shortlist is created by each school a reference from the school will be contacted.

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You will have some free format boxes to write your reference in.

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This is due to be completed and returned within two weeks of receiving the request.

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A due date will be specified when the request is sent to the school.

Halls of Residence ϐ

Year 13 Dean and Careers Director to complete.

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References are due 15 September approx.

Courses ϐ

Support students to meet UE and IB equivalent and also help them apply for their tertiary studies.