Scholarship Application

2026 Applications

1 – 31 August 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 School Leavers Scholarship

This scholarship is open to secondary school students in their final year of school who are looking to pursue tertiary studies in bioengineering, medical imaging, medical physics, computer science, or health and medical sciences in 2027. Priority is given to students from the Tairāwhiti region.

The scholarship offers $3,500 in financial assistance to help support the student’s undergraduate studies.

Application Form

First Name *

Last Name

Date of Birth *

Phone *

Email Address *

Ethnicity

Iwi (if applicable)

Education

High School/College attended *

Graduation Date *

Have you applied for or been awarded any scholarships? *YesNo

If yes, please list the scholarship(s), including the funding body and value

At which NZ university do you intend to study? *

Which degree are you intending to do? *

Why do you plan to pursue this education pathway, and how do you plan to use the skills gained after graduation (max 300 words) *0 / 300

How will this scholarship make a difference for you, and why is this funding important (max 300 words) *0 / 300

Referees

Referee 1 *

Position *

Relationship to you *

Email *

Phone *

Referee 2 *

Position *

Relationship to you *

Email *

Phone *

About You

At Mātai we value integrity, initiative, collaboration, and innovation.

Can you share an example of a time when you demonstrated one or more of these values in a project, activity, or situation. How do you think these qualities will help you succeed in your future studies and career (max 300 words) *0 / 300

Other information you feel is relevant to your application (max 300 words)0 / 300

Introduction VideoWe'd like to get to know you better. Please create a video (up to two minutes) introducing yourself, explaining why you should be selected for a Mātai scholarship. Upload your video to YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, or any other online sharing service, and share the link with us in the box below. (if unable to upload - please send your video to: m.tayebi@matai.org.nz)

No file chosen

Video link *

Consent *

Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen, and live in or have strong ties to Tairāwhiti at the time of application.
Applicants must be scheduled to begin a tertiary degree in 2027 in a relevant field of study as described at the top of this form.
The Scholarship will be awarded based on the following criteria:
• Scholastic aptitude
• Demonstration of community or leadership activities
Mātai reserves the right to amend the conditions, as required, provided that there is no departure from the main purpose of the Scholarship.
Applications close on August 31, 11:59pm.
Mātai reserves the right to publish the names and photographs of successful scholarship recipients in the media and relevant channels.
Students who have been offered the Scholarship must meet all requirements for admission to their programme of study and demonstrate proof of enrolment before scholarship funds are allocated.
The student will be required to pay all other fees and costs not covered by the Scholarship.
Mātai may at any time suspend or terminate a Scholarship if the applicant is not meeting the academic requirements of the degree.

Tairāwhiti, New Zealand

info@matai.org.nz

06 863 1425