How to apply
Applications for 2026 open 20 April
Each year we aim to offer approximately 50 places on our 4 year scholarship programme, funded by our scholarship partners. Our scholarship partners are businesses, trusts and personal funders who believe in our transformational programme (3-pillar model) and want to give a “hand up and not just a hand out” to deserving young people who want to make difference in their whanau and community.
Each of our scholarship partners have their own criteria (on top of our general criteria). If you have been successful after the First Foundation interview stage (stage 4) your application may be referred to scholarship partners to decide if you are shortlisted to interview for their scholarship/s.
Stages of applying for a First Foundation Scholarship
Stage One A – Application Form
(20 April – 6 May)
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- Contact Details
- Eligibility Check. If you meet the criteria you will automatically progress to Stage 1 Part B.
Stage One B – Evidence Gathering
(20 April – 22 May)
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- Upload your supporting documents
- Cover Letter
- NZQA Record of Learning
- Photo
- Additional Information & Enriched.
Stage One C – Financial Declaration – from parents/caregiver
(25 May – 31 May)
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- Household Income – an email link will be sent directly to parents/caregiver to complete Financial Declaration Form
Stage Two – Online Interviews & School Reference
If successful you’ll be invited to continue (15 June – 25 June)
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- Shortlisted for an interview with First Foundation
- Conduct First Foundation Interviews (Online)
- Reference from School Dean or Deputy Principal
Stage Three – Interview with Scholarship partner/s
(August – November)
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- Tier 1 – for degree specific scholarship: starts late August.
- Tier 2 – for specific areas of interest/region or need: starts late September/early October.
- Tier 3 – for general scholarships & Scholarship Partners that came onboard after August: Starts November.
- Scholarship partner to shortlist their top candidates
Scholarship Offer
(October – December)
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- Conditional offer
- Induction to First Foundation programme for scholars only (Jan – Feb)
- Orientation and Induction for scholars to meet their mentor (Feb – March)
- Awards Ceremony
Scholarship Announcements
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- Tier 1: 12th October
- Tier 2: 11th November
- Tier 3: 2nd December
*Scholar Matching runs from August until 3 weeks prior to the 2027 Awards.
Please note, time frames are subject to change.
Applications for 2026 open 20 April
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