Updated 2026 Auckland University of Technology, widely known as AUT, has grown into one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and future-focused universities. Its reputation rests on three pillars: strong industry connections, a practical and project-based approach to learning, and a vibrant city-centre campus in the heart of Auckland. For international students weighing the cost of studying abroad, AUT offers a carefully structured range of scholarships designed not just to reduce tuition fees, but to genuinely support your academic journey from arrival to graduation. The complete, up‑to‑date list of awards is always available on the university’s official scholarships page — that is the single source of truth for deadlines, values, and eligibility.
What the scholarships are — beyond a simple discount
AUT’s scholarship portfolio is organised as a searchable, filterable database that covers everything from first‑year entry awards to full PhD stipends. Rather than offering a single generic grant, the university has built a layered system:
- International entry scholarships – aimed at high‑achieving undergraduates starting their first degree. These are usually merit‑based and can significantly reduce first‑year tuition costs.
- Faculty‑specific awards – tied to AUT’s recognised strengths in business, computer and information sciences, health sciences, communication studies, and design. These often include mentoring or project components.
- Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships – many of which provide a full tuition waiver plus a generous annual living stipend (around NZ$30,000–$35,000 per year for PhDs), allowing you to focus entirely on research.
- Industry‑partnered scholarships – funded by corporate partners, these often include paid internships, work placements, or direct pathways into graduate roles after completion.
What makes AUT’s approach different is the emphasis on employability. Several scholarships are co‑designed with local businesses and professional bodies, so the funding is not just financial relief — it’s a foot in the door of New Zealand’s job market.
Who funds them — and why it matters to you
The funding landscape at AUT is intentionally diverse, which makes the scholarship system more resilient and responsive. The main sources are:
- The university’s own operational budget – AUT allocates a significant portion of its revenue to scholarships as part of its commitment to access and excellence.
- Alumni and philanthropic donations – many successful graduates give back, creating named scholarships that honour their own connection to the university.
- Industry and corporate partners – companies in tech, healthcare, finance, and creative industries sponsor scholarships because they want to nurture talent that understands their sector. Some of these awards come with guaranteed interviews or summer internships.
- Research grants and supervisory funding – for doctoral students, many scholarships are linked to specific research projects funded by external bodies (like the Royal Society of New Zealand or health research councils). This means availability can vary year to year, depending on active grants and the strategic research priorities of each faculty.
Practical tip: if you are applying for a PhD, always check which faculty members have current funded projects. Reaching out to them early can make the difference between a generic application and one that is perfectly aligned with available funding.
Eligibility criteria — what AUT actually looks for
Every scholarship has its own detailed eligibility page, but after analysing dozens of awards aimed at international students, clear patterns emerge. You should expect to meet most of these common requirements:
- Academic merit – entry scholarships require strong secondary school results (e.g. A‑levels, IB, or national equivalents), while postgraduate awards demand a solid GPA in your previous degree (typically B+ or above, though competitive awards may be higher).
- Admission to a qualifying programme – you generally need to have already applied for, or hold an offer for, an eligible degree at AUT. Some scholarships require a firm offer, others accept a conditional offer.
- International fee‑paying status – most awards are reserved for students who are not New Zealand or Australian citizens, and who are not permanent residents. If you are unsure about your fee category, check with AUT’s admissions team.
- Full‑time enrolment – almost all scholarships require you to study full‑time for the entire duration of the qualification. Part‑time study is rarely eligible.
- Relevant field alignment – faculty‑specific scholarships may favour applicants whose background or career goals align with AUT’s areas of strength: business analytics, artificial intelligence, public health, digital media, or sustainable design, for example.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t tick every box for a particular award — there are many scholarships, and each one has its own nuance. The key is to search broadly and read each description carefully.
What the funding covers — a realistic breakdown
One of the most common questions students ask is: “Will this cover my living costs as well?” The answer depends entirely on the scholarship level:
- Undergraduate entry awards – typically provide a contribution toward tuition fees (e.g. NZ$5,000–$10,000 for the first year). They rarely cover living expenses, so you should plan for accommodation and daily costs separately.
- Postgraduate taught (coursework) awards – may offer a partial tuition discount, sometimes up to 50% of fees, but usually do not include a stipend.
- Postgraduate research (master’s and PhD) scholarships – these are the most comprehensive. They often cover full tuition fees for the standard duration of the degree and include an annual living stipend (tax‑free in most cases) that ranges from NZ$28,000 to NZ$35,000, depending on the
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