Update – 19 July 2023
This scholarship programme is under review. We will update this page with updated application dates soon.
Considering studying forestry science, forest engineering or forest management? Find out about available scholarships and how to apply.
This scholarship programme is under review. We will update this page with updated application dates soon.
Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service is committed to creating greater diversity across forestry and wood processing. In particular, we encourage those who are Māori or identify as female, to take up careers in forestry and help transform New Zealand's future.
A Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau (Forestry Scholarship) is your first step to a career in one of New Zealand's largest and innovative industries.
Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships brochure 2022 [PDF, 1.5 MB]
We're offering 9 forestry scholarships for students who begin study in the 2023 academic year and enrol in one of these courses:
Up to 3 scholarships will be awarded for each course.
The scholarships aim to increase the number and diversity of people studying forestry, particularly Māori and those who identify as female. This is to ensure we have highly-trained people entering the forestry and wood processing sector.
The scholarship scheme has been running since 2018. We’ve awarded 31 scholarships since then.
School of Forestry and its courses – University of Canterbury
Diploma in Forest Management – Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
If you are granted a scholarship you will receive:
You will also get:
Continuation of your scholarship depends on your successful completion each year.
To apply for a scholarship you must be:
You may be able to enrol at another university for the first year of your degree, but you will need that course approved by the University of Canterbury's School of Forestry.
MPI employees or their immediate family members cannot apply for these scholarships.
Apply by completing the application form.
Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships application form [PDF, 320 KB]
Applications for diploma scholarships close Friday, 16 December 2022.
Applications for degree scholarships are now closed and will reopen 1 June 2023.
With your application form, you'll need to send us:
Send the completed form and supporting documents to MPIForestryScholarships@mpi.govt.nz
You will need 2 testimonials or references from different sources and suitable referees. These could be from your:
Each reference must be signed and include a phone number. It should include an understanding of your:
Your referee cannot be an immediate family member.
If you've left school, you'll need to provide your NCEA summary, school certificate, or equivalent qualification. You can provide supporting comments if you want to explain your results.
If you’ve completed tertiary education, you'll need to provide your qualifications and course grades.
You will need to provide a copy of your New Zealand passport or birth certificate.
If you are a permanent resident, you will need to provide a copy of your visa.
If you are applying based on your Māori descent you will need to provide proof of whakapapa.
This must be signed by a kaumātua, your iwi organisation/trust, or community leader.
Scholarships are awarded based on:
We get this information from your application, past academic history, references, and during an online interview.
Selected applicants will be shortlisted for an interview with us once applications close.
See what other students have to say about the scholarships – YouTube
Learn about the benefits of higher-level forestry study and career opportunities – YouTube
New forestry scholarships encourage more people into forestry careers (10 May 2021)
If you have any questions:
Keep up to date with forestry scholarships news from Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.
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