There are a number of ways you can get help with financing your studies.
On this page:
- Student assistance fund
- Open Polytechnic scholarships
- External scholarships and awards
- Budgeting and managing your money
Student assistance fund
Our student assistance fund can help you with your tuition fees and/or textbook costs if you’re in financial need. As funds are limited, preference will be given to learners studying towards their first qualification.
To apply you must be 18 years or older, a New Zealand Citizen or permanent resident living in New Zealand, have no other means of funding your study, and must not be in receipt of another grant or scholarship.
See the application criteria and terms and conditions on the application form.
Student assistance application (PDF, 134KB, opens in new window)
Open Polytechnic scholarships
Learners with a disability
The Shona Butterfield Scholarship
This is an annual scholarship to help learners with a disability with course costs and textbooks. It was established in honour of our former Chief Executive, Shona Butterfield. This scholarship is an award of up to $5000 annually, which may be offered to more than one learner for a period of up to two years.
Applications must be received by 10 January to be considered for that year’s awards. If you apply after this date, your application can be held for consideration in the following year.
For more information download the information sheet below or contact the Team Leader Services Academic Registry.
Shona Butterfield Scholarship information sheet and application
Māori learners - Kua Hii Ake te Ata Study Awards
The Kua Hii Ake te Ata Study Awards are aimed at encouraging and supporting Māori learners as they complete a qualification.
Applications for the 2024 award are now open.
To be eligible to apply you must
- be currently enrolled at the Open Polytechnic
- have successfully completed courses towards achieving a Level 4 or above qualification e.g. at least half of a diploma (minimum 3 courses) or a full year of degree study (6 courses)
- provide proof of New Zealand Māori heritage
- provide evidence of financial need; you will be asked to briefly describe how the Study Award will assist you financially.
If you want more information about the Kua Hii Ake te Ata Study Award contact the Māori Office:
- freephone 0508 650 200
- tekurawananga@openpolytechnic.ac.nz
Amy Isaacs (Ngāpuhi): Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management (Level 7)
Amy received a Kua Hii Ake te Ata Study Award in 2015, a scholarship offered by Open Polytechnic to encourage and support Māori learners as they complete a qualification.
It helped me a lot financially and eased my mind, not having to worry about the financial side of things,” says Amy. “I didn’t have to stress about my fees for the year, and it allowed me to just focus on studying.
Pacific Island learners - Pasifika Study Awards
The Pasifka Study Awards provides monetary assistance to learners who are working towards completing their qualification with the Open Polytechnic Te Pūkenga.
These awards are aimed at supporting currently enrolled Pasifika learners who are nearing the completion of their qualification.
Applications closed for 2024.
Other Open Polytechnic scholarships
Graham Harris Scholarship
This scholarship supports study in the environment area. It is awarded annually to:
- the top performing learner in a Level 5 Environment programme, OR
- a learner in the first year of a Bachelor of Applied Science, with an environment major.
It was established in honour of Associate Professor Graham Harris, who was the Environment Major Leader for the Bachelor of Applied Science, Programme Leader for the Diploma in Māori Art and Design, and a highly respected lecturer, researcher and colleague.
The award is for course fees only, up to the value of $2000. It can be used over a period of up to two years.
The successful learner will be contacted by the end of January each year.
Kevin Davies Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded annually to the top performing learner in their first year of a Bachelor of Business. It was set up in honour of Kevin Davies, a valued member of our academic staff who taught courses in our Bachelor of Business degree.
The award is for course fees only, up to the value of $2000. It can be used over a period of up to two years.
The successful learner will be contacted by the end of January each year.
External scholarships and awards
A range of other organisations offer funding and support for people wanting to study.
giveME database
The giveME (formerly BreakOut) database has information on more than 4000 funding schemes, such as scholarships and grants. The database is provided by Generosity New Zealand.
You need to have a subscription to use this service, but you may be able to access it for free at public libraries and other locations, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and community centres.
giveMe database – Generosity New Zealand website (opens in new window)
Generosity New Zealand website (opens in new window)
StudySpy
StudySpy have collated all of the scholarships offered in New Zealand into one place. They've made it searchable, accessible and free of charge.
Teacher scholarships
TeachNZ has scholarships aimed those training early childhood education.
Scholarships for trainee teachers - TeachNZ website (opens in new window)
New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) Scholarship Opportunity
Open Polytechnic and NZDSN have established a scholarship for disability support providers and their staff wishing to complete the Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership. Please check out https://nzdsn.org.nz/training/ for more information and to apply.
Other sources of scholarships and awards
For information about scholarships from industry or interest groups, government and scholarships aimed at Māori go to the CareersNZ website.
Scholarships, grants and awards - Careers NZ website (opens in new window)
Scholarships, grants and awards for Māori learners - Careers NZ website (opens in new window)
Scholarships, grants and awards for Pasifika learners - Careers NZ website (opens in new window)
Budgeting and managing your money
For information and help on paying for your studies, budgeting and managing money, you can also check out Sorted.
Student loans - Sorted website (opens in new window)
Studying – Sorted website (opens in new window)
If you have any questions about scholarships, awards and financial assistance please get in touch.