The Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) Scholarship programme is an initiative that encourages young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications, New Zealand apprenticeships and employment.
This scholarship entitles you to free* tuition fees for the 2026 academic year, ‘navigator’ support to help guide and support you into a job in the trades, and a work readiness programme that will successfully prepare you for long-term employment.
Proposed MPTT programmes for 2026
Due to a delay with our funding eligible programmes have yet to be confirmed. Please check back later in the year from December 2025 onwards to see the finalised list. In the meantime, the following programmes have been proposed to be funded for 2026:
Note: The above list of programmes are proposed only – please regularly check this page for any updates.
To be eligible to apply for the MPTT Scholarship you must meet the following criteria:
- You must identify that you are of New Zealand Māori and/or, of South Pacific descent of the South Pacific regions i.e. Republic of Fiji, The Kingdom of Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Nauru, Niue, Kiribati and atolls of Tokelau. It is very important that you identify as being of New Zealand Māori and/or of South Pacific descent when you apply for the programme that you wish to study in. If you do not identify as New Zealand Māori and/or of South Pacific descent on your programme of study application, you will need to provide evidence to support your ethnicity when you complete this MPTT Scholarship application and
- You must be a NZ Citizen or NZ Permanent Resident or regarded as a Domestic student or an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Residence currently residing in New Zealand and
- You must be aged between 16-40 years of age at the start of your programme at MIT
- You are enrolled in a programme at Manukau Institute of Technology which has been approved for Māori & Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship funding. Please visit the MIT website manukau.ac.nz for a list of the approved MPTT programmes
- The MPTT Scholarship will cover the cost of your compulsory tuition fees which can vary depending on the programme that you’re enrolled in at Manukau Institute of Technology.
The following support and services are available to all approved MPTT Scholarship recipients:
- Free tuition fees for the duration of the programme that you’re enrolled in at Manukau Institute of Technology and has been approved for funding through the MPTT Scholarship programme. Please note: Short or block courses delivered at Manukau Institute of Technology are not included in the MPTT Scholarship programme.
- Personalised Navigator services throughout the duration of your studies and 6 months after your studies to ensure you complete successful transition into sustainable employment or further study
- Support and assistance into apprenticeships and/ or employment in the industry
- Work Readiness preparation programme Workshops to ensure graduate work-readiness
- You can apply at any time throughout the current academic year of your studies however, this is dependent on the availability of the MPTT Scholarships.
- Before you apply, please ensure that you have read and understood all the information i.e. eligibility criteria and the application process.
- Complete the Online MPTT Scholarship Application or download the attached MPTT Scholarship application.
- You must also include the following supporting documentation (1) MPTT Support Person Statement form (refer attached), (2) a copy of your CV, (3) a personal statement from you (the applicant) stating why you should be considered for the MPTT Scholarship e.g. what will you put in place to ensure that you successfully complete your programme of study? Adhere to the requirements under the Scholarship, attendance to all your classes, complete your theory and practical assessments when required by your tutors, regular communication with your tutors and your MPTT Navigators as and when required.
- All MPTT Scholarship applications will undergo an assessment process to ensure applicants have signed, completed and submitted all the required documentation. MPTT Scholarship applications that are incomplete will be placed on-hold with no further action until all the required documentation have been received.
- If there are more scholarship applicants than available scholarships, then we will arrange interviews with applicants that have been selected from the assessment process who have demonstrated efficiency in providing all the required documentation within a timely manner.
- Personal statements and references should clearly reflect the applicant’s commitment and dedication to succeed, and their acknowledgement should you be awarded the MPTT Scholarship.
Contact the MIT MPTT team
For more information please contact the MIT Māori and Pasifika Trades Training relationship manager.
Email: maoripasifikatrades@manukau.ac.nz
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*Free study for up to one year for Levels 3 and 4 may be available under Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), a government-led training initiative to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
