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Scholarships, awards and financial assistance

Karahipi, whakawhiwhinga & pūtea tautoko

There are a number of ways you can get help with financing your studies.

On this page:

Open Polytechnic Hiranga

Hiranga scholarships provide fees-free study (up to 120 credits) to support learners who have demonstrated a solid record of academic achievement, effort, and community contribution. The aim is to help you stay engaged and progress toward completing your qualification. 

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if:

  • You are a citizen or permanent resident of Aotearoa New Zealand
  • You are a returning student who has completed at least 120 credits or 50% of your qualification
  • You are enrolled in Level 6 or 7 study in a degree or diploma programme only
  • You have not previously received an Open Polytechnic scholarship for your current programme of study, or received a scholarship by any other organisation.
  • Hiranga information and how to apply

    What does this scholarship cover?

    • Fees-free study for up to 120 credits for a degree over 3 consecutive years period or 60 credits over a 2 year period.
    • One scholarship per programme, including those transitioning from a diploma to a degree. 

    How to apply

    As part of your application, please provide any letters of support, such as evidence of your community contribution or leadership. You'll be able to upload these documents while completing the online form linked below. Evidence should include:

    • The author’s name, role, organisation and their contact details
    • A description of your community contribution and/or leadership, and may include examples or evidence of your contribution
    • Date and signature
    • Letterhead (if available)

    Note: We reserve the right to contact any referee to verify the information provided.

    Submit your application any time between 1 February – 31 November, 2026 

    Complete the online application form here:

    Apply now for the Hiranga scholarship

    Important Notes

    Scholarships are limited in number.

    Applications are assessed individually, and decisions will be communicated via email. 

    Need Help?

    If you have questions or need assistance:

Student assistance fund

The Student Assistance Fund can help you if you are experiencing financial hardship and finding it hard to pay your fees. It is for learners who have exhausted other means to pay, such as savings, or support from Work and Income (WINZ) or StudyLink, and need help.  

The Student Assistance Fund may contribute towards some or all of the fees for your course enrolment. Applications are assessed on an individual basis and are usually limited to one or two courses within a programme (qualification).

Funding is limited and will not cover the full cost of a qualification. Priority is given to learner studying their first qualification.

Who can apply? 

You can apply if you:

  • are 18 years or older
  • are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, living in New Zealand
  • are experiencing financial hardship and have no other reasonable way to pay your course fees
  • are enrolled, or have applied to enrol, in Open Polytechnic courses
  • are making satisfactory academic progress if you have already started your qualification.

You are not eligible to apply if you:

  • have outstanding debt with Open Polytechnic
  • are studying a micro‑credential
  • are living overseas
  • are an international learner
  • receive any other academic grant or scholarship*. 

*Note: You can still apply if you receive an Open Polytechnic Whakapiki hardship grant.

  • How to apply

    Step 1, Gather your supporting documents

    To help us fairly assess your financial circumstances, we need to see some supporting documents. Every document must clearly show your full name.

    Required documents:

    • A recent bank statement covering the previous four weeks for your main account
    • Evidence of all current bank account balances, including your name and all accounts you hold.

    Additional supporting documents (where applicable):

    • A budget summary
    • Evidence that StudyLink or Work and Income (WINZ) have declined support
    • Any other documents that help explain your financial hardship.
       

    Step 2: Complete the online application form

    Complete the online application form and upload your supporting documents and submit your application.

    Answer each question and include as much relevant information as you can, so we can understand your situation and assess your application fairly.

    Apply now for Student Assistance

    Learners are generally limited to one successful application.

External scholarships and awards

A range of other organisations offer funding and support for people wanting to study. 

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.

Contact us

 

Related information

Student loans

Paying your fees