Hiranga Scholarship

Open Polytechnic Hiranga scholarships provide fees-free study (up to 120 credits) to support learners who have demonstrated a solid record of academic achievement, effort, and community contribution. The aim is to help learners stay engaged and progress toward completing their qualification.

You can apply if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Aotearoa New Zealand, and you are a returning student who has completed at least 120 credits or 50% of your qualification. You must be enrolled in Level 6 or 7 study in a degree or diploma programme only.

Applications are assessed individually. As part of the application, you must provide letters of support, including evidence of your community contribution or leadership. Open Polytechnic reserves the right to contact any referee to verify the information provided.

Support is fees-free study for up to 120 credits for a degree over 3 consecutive years period or 60 credits over a 2 year period. There is one scholarship per programme, including those transitioning from a diploma to a degree.

• Fees-free study for up to 120 credits for a degree over 3 consecutive years period, or 60 credits over a 2 year period.
• One scholarship per programme (including transitions from diploma to degree).

1. As part of your application, gather letters of support, such as evidence of your community contribution or leadership.
2. Upload the supporting documents while completing the online form linked below.
3. Ensure evidence includes: the author’s name, role, organisation and contact details; a description of your community contribution and/or leadership (may include examples or evidence); date and signature; and letterhead (if available).
4. Submit your application any time between 1 February – 30 November, 2026.

• Letters of support/evidence of community contribution or leadership, including: author’s name, role, organisation and contact details.
• A description of your community contribution and/or leadership, which may include examples or evidence.
• Date and signature.
• Letterhead (if available).