Kupe Leadership Scholarships

The Kupe Leadership Scholarships offer a transformational opportunity of personal development and growth alongside Honours, Masters, or Postgraduate Diploma study, for students who care deeply about Aotearoa New Zealand, want to make an impact and create a brighter future.

Seeded by Canadian donors John and Marcy McCall MacBain through their foundation, and supported by generous donors here and overseas, the Kupe Leadership Scholarships challenge and inspire exceptional young people to reach their potential and create a significant impact in their fields of endeavour.

Kupe Leadership Scholars are exceptional young people. They care deeply about an issue close to their hearts and minds, and they want to contribute meaningfully to this, not for their own benefit, but for the wider good. They will already be demonstrating their ideals and commitment before becoming a Scholar - providing a clear indication of their potential to lead.

The Kupe Leadership Scholars will become among the most influential and effective of the next generation of leaders in Aotearoa, New Zealand, whether in their communities, their disciplines, their professions or in wider society.

Over time, being a Kupe Leadership Scholar will come to hold in Aotearoa, New Zealand the mana and prestige that has long been associated with long-established overseas programmes. 

The Kupe Leadership Scholarships support aspiring leaders within Aotearoa, New Zealand to achieve their goals. Enhancing a year of post-graduate study with a diverse cohort of future leaders. 

The Kupe Leadership Scholarship offers

- a bespoke leadership programme
- a personal mentor connected to your area of interest
- a leadership speaker series
- a stipend of $22,000 (or a $10,000 stipend and on-campus studio accommodation) 
- NEW for 2024: Tuition fees for one academic year

*Available for full-time study in 2024. See the 2024 regulations for further information.

Learn more about how to apply for the Kupe Leadership Scholarships.

The written application includes personal statements, CV information, an academic and a community reference.

Learn more about our 2023 Kupe Leadership Scholars. 

 

2024 Kupe Leadership Scholarships

30 June 2023: Applications Open

26 July, 6pm: Wānanga | Talanoa | Online Session

7 August, 6pm: Wānanga | Talanoa | Online Session

24 August 2023: Applications Close 12pm midday

26 September 2023: Interview and Selection Day invitations sent

9 October 2023: Online Interviews (by invitation, for shortlisted applicants)

16 October 2023: In-person Selection Day (by invitation, for shortlisted applicants)

22 November 2023: Expected notification of 2024 scholarship status

 

2024 Kupe Leadership Programme Core Dates

20-23 February 2024 (residential full days)

19 March 2024 (evening)

11-12 April 2024 (full days)

25-26 June 2024 (full days)

25-27 August 2024 (residential full days)

23 October 2024 (full day and evening)