General Scholarships

What is the Ōtātara Trust?

The Ōtātara Trust is a charitable trust established in 1977 to encourage continuing education and assist EIT to achieve its goal as the premier tertiary provider in Hawke’s Bay. 

Initially the trust had a broader role in management of separate businesses within EIT such as the Ōtātara Children’s Centre and the Ōtātara Bookshop.

In 2008, five new scholarships were introduced to mark 30 years of support for EIT and the Trust’s more focussed role on scholarship support.

The Ōtātara Trust awards FIVE scholarships each year to the monetary value of $2,500. 

Objectives of the Ōtātara Trust Scholarship Scheme:
To encourage consistent academic achievement
To recognise contribution to community
To encourage learning at all stages of life
To encourage completion of studies
To diminish barriers to learning

Eligibility criteria:

• New Zealand Citizen and/or Permanent Resident.
• Returning full-time student, enrolled in Level 6 or Level 7 studies. 
• Studying at the EIT Hawke’s Bay campus.

Applications open: 1st February 2026
Applications close: 15th March 2026

Contact:
If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact:

Jeanette Fifield
Phone: 06 830 1349
Email: jfifield@eit.ac.nz 

Overview

Pan Pac Forest Products Ltd has been adding value to natural resources for over 50 years. Around 80% of its forests are on iwi-owned land, and the company exports high quality lumber and pulp to over 30 countries. Pan Pac provides employment directly and indirectly to over 3,000 people, while its state-of-the-art mill operations provides meaningful career opportunities for engineering trades. Pan Pac also makes a significant contribution to the community through sponsorship and environmental initiatives.

The Pan Pac – EIT Engineering Scholarship has been established to support students entering full-time tertiary study in the trades fields of electrical and mechanical engineering at EIT Hawke’s Bay. This scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage students to pursue careers in these essential industries. 

This scholarship is to be awarded annually to one student, with a monetary value of $2,500. 

Eligibility criteria: 

• New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
• New first year, full-time student
• Enrolled in either the Certificate in Electrical Pre-trade (level 3) or Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (level 3) at EIT Hawke’s Bay.  

Applications open: TBC
Applications close: TBC

Submissions must include

A written response “About You” addressing the following:

• Explain what interests you about your chosen trade, and what or who as inspired you to pursue it.
• Describe your future career plans or goals within your chosen field.
• Discuss any financial or personal challenges you face and how this scholarship would help you overcome these barriers.

Two letters of support:
We recommend providing two letters of support — ideally, one from your school and the other from work or a community organisation.

Examples of suitable referees include:

• Your previous high school (Careers Advisor, Dean, or teacher who knew you well)
• Your previous or current employer (paid, voluntary or work experience)
• A member of the community, e.g., church, sports team, club, or community organisation you are part of

The letter of support should highlight your overall calibre, including your personal qualities, strengths, leadership potential, and attitude towards work or study. It should also outline any contributions or achievements you have made — whether in academic, workplace, extracurricular, or community settings — and explain why your referee supports your scholarship application and considers you likely to succeed in your studies and future career in the industry.

Students may provide two referees outside of school if needed.

Application outcome: 

The granting of the scholarship will be assessed by a panel comprising of members of the Ōtātara Trust.

All applicants will be notified on the outcome of their application by phone and/or email prior to the mid-semester break in April 2026.

Contact:

If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact:

Jeanette Fifield
Phone: 06 830 1363
Email: jfifield@eit.ac.nz

Overview

The Margaret Hetley Scholarship was established to assist women to undertake tertiary study and to commemorate the centennial year of the women’s suffrage movement. It was named in memory of Margaret Hetley, who gifted the EIT Hawke’s Bay campus to the Hawke’s Bay community.

This scholarship is awarded annually to one student, with a monetary value of $2,500. Payment of the scholarship will be made by the Ōtātara Trust Inc.

Eligibility criteria:

• New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Full-time student studying at EIT Hawke’s Bay
• Female student

*Applicants who have received other scholarships are still eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Applications open: 1st February, 2026

Applications close: 31st March, 2026

Submissions must include

A written response “About You” addressing the following:

• Explain what motivated you to pursue your chosen field of study.
• Your aspirations and/or goals for your future career in your chosen field.
• What opportunities or impact do you hope to create within your industry or sector?

Two Character References:

Examples of suitable referees include:

• Your previous high school (Careers Advisor, Dean, or teacher who knew you well)
• Your previous or current employer (paid, voluntary or work experience)
• A member of the community, e.g., church, sports team, club, or community organisation you are part of

The character references should highlight your overall calibre, including your personal qualities, strengths, leadership potential, and attitude towards work or study. It should also outline any contributions or achievements you have made — whether in academic, workplace, extracurricular, or community settings — and explain why your referee supports your scholarship application and considers you likely to succeed in your studies and future career in the industry.

Application outcome:

The granting of the scholarship will be assessed by a panel comprising of A Younited Students’ Association representative and at least two other people appointed by EIT. 

The panel’s decision will be final and all applicants will be advised of the outcome by phone and/or email by the end of April 2026. 

If you are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply in subsequent years.

Contact:

If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz for further information.  

The Graduate Women Manawatū Charitable Trust Inc., associated with the Graduate Women New Zealand – Manawatū (Inc) branch, operates Academic Dress Hire in the Manawatū area. The profits from this business is disbursed to support the education of women.

An award is offered annually to a female student enrolled in a degree at EIT, who has excelled in terms of effort and achievement. This includes community contributions and/or evidence of leadership.

Award value: $1000
Applications open: 7th April 2025
Applications close: 12th May 2025

• Fees free and travel support.

• Navigating systems, support services, and removing learning obstacles.

• Set in place pathway plans to help transition to higher study or work.
   

• Complete the relevant application documents and attend an interview.
• Work with the team on your future goals and plans.
• Participate in any programme activities that may happen throughout the semester.

Are you currently a school leaver and thinking about further degree level study in 2027? EIT is offering 10x brand new $5000 School Leaver Scholarships that could make life a bit easier for you. 

We’re looking for students who:

• Are actively involved in their community- through volunteering, church, cultural groups, sport, youth leadership or service
• Are already contributing and keen to keep giving back
• Have a genuine love for their region and a desire to see it thrive
• Show commitment, initiative and community spirit alongside their studies

Requirements:

• You must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
• You must be a school leaver currently enrolled at a secondary school in Hawke’s Bay or Tairāwhiti/Gisborne
• You must meet the degree entry criteria and intend to undertake full-time study at EIT, starting semester one 2027.

Applications open: 1st July 2026
Applications Close: 31st August 2026

Apply for one of 10x $5000 School Leaver Scholarships for degree study at EIT Hawke’s Bay or Tairāwhiti.*

*Conditions apply.

EIT offers a range of programmes that are currently FREE.