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Photo by Cathy Shearer

First Foundation 2025 Scholarships open on Monday, 3rd March!

Cathy Shearer —

First Foundation assists academically talented and financially disadvantaged students across Aotearoa to achieve their potential through tertiary education. Open to current Year 12 students (see criteria below).

The First Foundation programme is much more than a scholarship. Not only will students get financial help, but they will also have a dedicated mentor who’ll be there for them along the way—so even if they’re the first in the family to go to university, they will have support from someone who’s been there before. Plus, they will get paid work experience to grow their skills, giving them access to the professional networks most people rely on for work opportunities. 

To apply for the standard scholarships, you will need to meet these criteria:

  • Have a maximum annual household income of $75,000 for 1-2 dependants OR $90,000 for 3 or more dependants. Dependants are children of the parents/caregivers in your household, who are financially dependent on their income to cover primary living costs (such as accommodation, food and educational costs).

  • Be enrolled in Year 12 at a New Zealand secondary school.

  • Have an overall Merit or Excellence endorsement in Level 1 (or very close!)

  • Be a New Zealand Citizen, NZ Resident, or have refugee status.

For further information, refer to attached "2025_Information" and this link eligibility criteria for standard and corporate scholarships.

Key Dates for 2025 Applications 


Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • EOI: Mon 3 March – Sun 23 March

  • Evidence gathering: Immediately after EOI until Sun 6 April

  • Financial Declaration (emailed to parents/caregivers): Mon 7 April – Sun 13 April

  • Stage 1 Review: Mon 14 April – Thu 24 April


Stage 2: Additional Information 

  • Additional Info: Mon 28 Apr – Sun 11 May 

  • Stage 2 Review: Mon 12 May – Fri 23 May 


Stage 3: Interviews & School Support 

  • Vieple Interviews: Mon 26 May – Sun 8 June 

  • Letter of School Support: Mon 26 May – Sun 8 June 

  • Stage 3 Review: Mon 9 June – Fri 27 June 


Stage 4: Scholarship Matching 

  • August – December 2025 (Dates to be confirmed) 

At the end of each stage students will be notified by emailed if they have been successful or unsuccessful in making it to the next stage.

If you have questions please contact first@firstfoundation.org.nz