Are you New Zealand Māori or Pasifika, 16-40 years old and want a trade qualification?

The Auckland 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 2025 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.

MPTT programmes for 2025

Due to the high demand, there are no further 2025 MPTT Scholarships available. We recommend that you please check back later in the year (July/August).

Important Notice: Due to a limited number of MPTT Scholarships available in 2025, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the final selection process.

You must meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for the MPTT Scholarship.

  • You must identify that you are of New Zealand Māori and/or Pacific ancestry, the latter being from the independent and sovereign nations of the South Pacific (including the Republic of Fiji, The Kingdom of Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Nauru, Niue and Kiribati). It also includes the atolls of Tokelau for which New Zealand is administratively and constitutionally responsible. It is very important that you identify as being of New Zealand Māori and/or Pacific descent when you apply for the programme that you wish to study in. If you do not identify as Māori or Pacific on your programme of study application form (not this form) you will need to provide evidence to support your ethnicity for the MPTT Scholarship and;
  • You are aged between 16-40 years at the start of your programme and;
  • You must be either a NZ Citizen or NZ permanent resident regarded as a NZ Domestic Student) or an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident currently residing in New Zealand and;
  • You’re enrolled in a programme approved for MPTT Scholarship funding.

The value of the scholarship can vary according to the cost of your programme of study. The MPTT scholarship will cover your compulsory tuition fees for the duration of your programme that has been approved for MPTT funding.

The MPTT scholarship does not approve funding for short courses or block courses that may be attached to your programme or other study-related resources required at the start of your study e.g. laptops, PPE gear, uniforms and travel/parking costs.

All scholarship recipients are required to adhere to the following terms and conditions:

  • Regular attendance to your classes throughout the duration of your course. We will check with your tutor/s to ensure your attendance and overall performance within your course/study remains at a high standard
  • Attend all MPTT ‘work-readiness’ workshops and discussions as and when required by the MPTT Office and your MPTT Navigator
  • Maintain regular contact with your MPTT navigator
  • Attendance and participation in MPTT events and projects as and when required by the MPTT office
  • Fully consent to MIT and/or MPTT staff informing the person I’ve nominated to act as my recommended support person or organisation and navigator of my academic progress and overall performance when and if required.

  • You may apply for the MPTT scholarship at any time however, no further action will be taken until you have applied, been accepted, and enrolled into your programme of study.
  • Late applications may be accepted up to three (3) months after your studies begin. Approval will depend on your overall performance and discussions with your tutors, the MPTT Relationships Manager, and MPTT Navigators.
  • Important Notice: Due to a limited number of MPTT Scholarships available in 2025, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the final selection process. The MPTT office at MIT will advise if you will be required to attend a discussion prior to final confirmation of your 2025 MPTT Scholarship.

  • Ensure that you have applied for your programme of study first. Remember to identify that you are of New Zealand Māori and/or Pacific ancestry as part of that initial application process.
  • Check that you are eligible to apply for the MPTT Scholarship
  • Complete the MPTT scholarship form online, via email or you can hand in your completed scholarship form to the Ask Me! student services centre’s located in Ōtara or Manukau
  • Remember to include all additional documentation, such as a current CV and your MPTT Support Person Statement form. Delays in submitting these documents may postpone your final approval.
  • Important Notice: Due to a limited number of MPTT Scholarships available in 2025, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the final selection process. The MPTT office at MIT will advise if you will be required to attend a discussion prior to final confirmation of your 2025 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

*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.