Māori and Pasifika Trades Training
MPTT Scholarships

If you are New Zealand Māori or Pasifika, aged 16-40 years old, you could get free fees for many of our trade qualifications.

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 to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications, New Zealand apprenticeships and employment.

This scholarship entitles you to free* tuition fees for the 2024 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 into long term employment.

MPTT programmes for 2024

The Maori & Pasifika Trades Training office at MIT will advise if you will be required to attend a discussion.

How do I know if I qualify?

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

  • You are of New Zealand Māori ancestry and/or Pasifika 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
  • You are aged between 16-40 years old at the start of your programme and;
  • You must be a domestic student i.e. a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a residence class visa granted under the Immigration Act 2009, and not to be treated as an international student under the Tertiary Education (Domestic Students) Notice 2022 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.
How much is the scholarship worth?

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 cover short courses or block courses that are attached to your programme.

MPTT scholarship programme

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 your 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 required.
When do I need to apply?

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 first. Late applications up to six months after you have commenced your study will be considered and will be based on your overall performance but subject to discussions with the MPTT navigators before final approval is granted.

What is the process?
  • Ensure that you have applied for your programme of study first
  • Check that you are eligible to apply
  • 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 ?tara or Manukau
  • Remember to include all additional documentation.

The Māori and Pasifika Trades Training office at MIT will advise if you will be required to attend a discussion.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or in person.

Apply online

Your application can be submitted online.

Apply now

You will need to scan and upload a signed support person statement to support your application. If you have a CV please attach or include this with your MPTT Scholarship application.

Apply in-person

Visit an Ask Me! student services centre in ?tara or Manukau. You will need to bring your completed application form, your signed support person statement to support your application and if you have a CV please include this document.

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 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.