Expressions of Interest for the First Foundation 2025 Scholarships - Closing Date Extended to Sunday 30 March!
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).
First Foundation have had an overwhelming response, but recognise it's a busy time of year – so they are extending the deadline from Sunday 23 March to Sunday 30 March. The EOI stage is simple - Name, DoB, Gender, Contact Details, School, School Results in 2024, Indicative Household Income. It takes less than five minutes!
All other deadlines remain as previously stated (see below).
Why Apply?
The programme provides academic, financial, and personal support to help your rangatahi thrive in tertiary study and beyond. First Foundation believe every young person has the potential to excel with the right guidance and resources.
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 – EXTENDED TO SUNDAY 30 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)
If you have any questions, or if you need help finalising your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to First Foundation. They are here to support students every step of the way.
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
