A teacher and a student sitting at a table in a classroom
A teacher and a student sitting at a table in a classroom
Becoming a teacher in New Zealand
Ngā Karahipi Kupe mō te Hunga Māori, Pasifika Whiwhinga Toa

Kupe Scholarship for Māori and Pacific high achievers

If you're of Māori or Pacific descent and can see yourself becoming an outstanding role model in education, a Kupe Scholarship can financially support you on your journey
A teacher and a student sitting at a table in a classroom
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Last updated 5 August 2026

Each year, we offer 20 scholarships to dedicated and high-achieving Māori and Pacific students who can see themselves as outstanding education role models.  

As a Kupe scholar you gain access to:

  • course fees to study an approved teaching qualification
  • an allowance of NZD$15,000 over the period of your study (limited to 3 years)
  • a prestigious Kupe Keepsake – a reminder of your commitment to charting new territory and of our commitment to helping you succeed.

To be a Kupe scholar is to embody the great discoverer. To have a desire to strike out for far horizons and chart new territory on your journey to learn and grow. To embrace diversity and bring energy, intellect and enthusiasm to studying and teaching. To represent your whānau with pride and passion.

Application period now open

Applications for 2027 Kupe Scholarships are now open
Apply now launch

Please note the following for the 2027 round:

  • All required documents must be certified by an authorised person.
  • Resident visa holders are now eligible to apply.
  • You will be required to upload a video with your application. 

For more information on how to certify your documents, and apply for and accept a TeachNZ scholarship, read the guidance documents in the popular resources section on this page.

Past Kupe scholars' stories

Key scholarship information

Kupe Scholarship
Scholarship type
Māori and Pacific high achievers
Application period
3 August to 31 August 2026
Fees
Paid
Allowance
NZD$15,000 over duration of study
Scholarships available
20

Bonding period

All TeachNZ scholarship recipients must complete a bonding period. You will teach in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school or kura, or early learning centre for a set period of time. The bonding period will depend on the length of your scholarship.

Study duration
Bonding period length
Less than 1 year awarded, no allowance payment
Teach for 1 year in the 3 years after completing study
1 year of full-time study or 2 years of part-time study
Teach for 2 years in the 4 years after completing study
2 years of full-time study or 4 years of part-time study
Teach for 2 years in the 4 years after completing study
3 years of full-time study or 6 years of part-time study
Teach for 3 years in the 5 years after completing study

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must:

  • be of New Zealand Māori or Pacific descent
  • have Māori or Pacific cultural knowledge
  • have integrity, leadership and vision
  • have support from your iwi/Pacific community and Māori or Pacific leaders in your community
  • be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or resident
  • have successfully completed at least one full year of your approved teaching course; or have academic excellence and be enrolled in an approved Graduate Diploma/Master of Teaching
  • have a B+ grade average or above (applies to undergraduate only).

You are not eligible for the scholarship if you:  

  • have already received a TeachNZ scholarship
  • have already completed initial teacher education training or are already a registered teacher
  • are participating or considering participating in the School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP). 

Approved teaching qualifications are determined by the Teaching Council. Visit the Teaching Council website or the Teaching Council's programme finder tool in the popular resources section of this page to see the approved qualifications. These courses may be updated during the year. Priority will be given to applicants intending to study short courses.

Contact us

If you have any questions, we’re here to help.  

Send us an Email

Popular Resources

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