The 2025 Toloa scholarships are now open for applications. Applications close on Friday 17 January 2025.

These scholarships support Pacific secondary and tertiary students who are passionate about studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), providing essential financial aid to help them thrive both academically and professionally.

Head to the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website for eligibility and application information, and please share this with anyone you know who might be interested.

Secondary students will receive $1,000 (excluding GST) towards their school fees, school uniforms, stationery, STEM school trips, and STEM programmes/courses organised by your school. This year’s secondary scholarships will no longer include digital devices as part of the non-monetary benefits, unlike in previous years.

Tertiary students in STEM courses can receive up to $10,000 for one year of full-time study. This may cover tuition, compulsory course-related costs, accommodation expenses for university halls, and for PhD students, research or fieldwork expenses.

Who can apply

The scholarship is open only to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Pacific Islands descent.

Secondary students

To be eligible, you must:

• demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to Pacific culture, languages, identities, and communities
• be enrolled in a New Zealand secondary school, alternative education or verified home school
• provide school reports and academic results from the past 12 months (2024 academic year)
• be enrolled in at least two STEM subjects for year 9/10 and three STEM subjects for year 11-13 in 2025 academic year. Evidence will be required for year 11-13 students.

Tertiary students (for year 13 leavers)

To be eligible, you must:

• demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to Pacific culture, languages, identities, and communities
• be enrolled full-time in a STEM-related programme in 2025 and provide proof of enrolment.

Get in touch

For any questions about your application, contact the Le Va team by emailing toloa@leva.co.nz.