The Ministry for Pacific Peoples invites Pacific learners studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) to apply for the 2025 Toloa Scholarships round opened today.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples, Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says the Toloa Scholarships are designed to empower Pacific youth, offering financial assistance to ensure they thrive academically and professionally in technical fields.
“By supporting learners from school to postgraduate study and into employment, Toloa empowers Pacific students to access lifelong opportunities in STEM and build strong career pathways for the future,” says Gerardine
This round of Toloa Scholarships continues the success of previous years, where close to 300 students received direct scholarship support, and 2,350 Pacific learners engaged with STEM learning through community initiatives.
This year, 300 secondary scholarships and 20 tertiary scholarships are on offer for Pacific students across New Zealand enrolled in STEM subjects.
The greater number of Toloa secondary school scholarships and fewer tertiary scholarships compared to previous years, reflects the shift to increase the pipeline of learners in STEM education at a younger age and help them meet the pre-requisites for studying STEM at tertiary level.
“By investing in the potential of young Pacific people, the Toloa Scholarships are helping to shape the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders,” adds Gerardine.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is working with a Pacific organisation, Le Va, to run the latest Toloa Scholarships round, and assist Pacific families and young people to apply.
More information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply is available on the Ministry’s website: mpp.govt.nz/toloa-scholarships