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Te ao mārama | Le ao Malama | First Light - Māori and Pasifika Futures in Law School-Leavers' Scholarship
Scholarship details
| Study levels | Entrance |
|---|---|
| Value | $10,000 per year for up to 5 years (depending on funds available) |
| Close date | Sunday, 1 November 2026 |
| Ethnicities | Maori, PasifikaPacific |
| Domestic/international | Domestic Only |
About the scholarship
This scholarship was established to support Māori or Pasifika school leavers to study Law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship is intended for new students who are the first in their immediate whānau or family to attend university and aims to reduce barriers to studying Law such by providing financial assistance and access to mentoring and other support opportunities. The scholarship was established by Professor Mark Hickford, Pro Vice-Chancellor Government, Law and Business and supported by Hon Justice Sir Joe Williams, Hon Judge Ida Malosi, Hon Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, Hon Judge Heemi Taumaaunu, the Tatau Trust, generous law firms, alumni, and other supporters. Through financial and wrap-around opportunities such as mentoring, work experience, and internships, the scholarship seeks to increase the number of Māori and Pasifika graduates entering the legal profession and contribute to greater diversity within New Zealand's legal sector.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be:
- intending to enrol fulltime in a Bachelor of Laws in Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture—Faculty of Law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
- of Māori or Pasifika descent
- the first in family to attend university (First in family on this occasion refers to the first line of family i.e., parents and grandparents.)
- facing financial hardship
A completed online application must be submitted by 4:30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered. Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.