The Milford Foundation Scholarship Programme helps young people overcome financial and personal barriers to tertiary education. Delivered in partnership with First Foundation, the programme combines financial support with mentoring, career guidance, work experience and access to professional networks.
From 2027, First Foundation administers the Milford Foundation Scholarship programme and provides scholar support, while Milford Foundation funds the scholarships and helps connect scholars with opportunities through Milford’s people and networks.
Students are typically selected in Year 12 and join the programme in Year 13. While still at school, scholars receive mentoring, guidance on preparing for tertiary study, access to networks and support to explore future pathways.
During tertiary study, scholars can receive up to $10,000 per year for up to three years to help with study-related costs, including:
The programme is designed to help young people succeed not only in tertiary study, but beyond it. Through mentoring, work experience and professional connections, scholars gain the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to transition into meaningful employment and build successful futures.
See eligibility criteria, key dates and the application process.
Up to 18 new scholarships are awarded each year across eight regions of Aotearoa.
Milford Foundation scholars study subjects that they are inspired to pursue, including medicine, engineering, nursing and law.
Studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Otago
Studying a Bachelor Bachelor of Engineering at University of Canterbury
Studying a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance at University of Waikato
