The Toloa Scholarships and Community Fund help young Pacific people develop skills, confidence, and pathways into STEM careers.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Toloa Scholarships and Toloa Community Fund are now open, providing support that removes barriers and builds pathways into education and future employment.
The Toloa Scholarships provide targeted financial support for both secondary and tertiary Pacific students. Secondary students can receive up to $1,000 for school-related costs such as uniforms, stationery, and STEM trips. Tertiary students may receive up to $10,000 for one year of full-time study, covering tuition, course materials, accommodation, and research costs. The scholarships are designed to help students step confidently into STEM careers and explore pathways that contribute to New Zealand’s workforce.
Applications opened on 17 November 2025. Secondary applications close on 23 January 2026, and tertiary applications close on 9 February 2026. Le Va administers the scholarships and supports students and families through the process.
For more information and to make an application, visit Toloa Scholarships.
Alongside individual support, the Toloa Community Fund enables Pacific-led organisations to deliver programmes that ignite curiosity, strengthen skills, and build confidence in STEM. Projects supported through the Fund have included hands-on coding, robotics, digital skills, environmental science, and creative enterprise. Through these programmes, young people are able to apply STEM skills in real-world contexts, and explore future pathways in education, training, and employment.
Applications for the 2026 Fund close on 28 November 2025, with projects to be delivered from February to December 2026.
Past initiatives illustrate the impact of this approach. Students involved in robotics and aerospace programmes have tackled real-world challenges alongside mentors, developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and interest in STEM careers. Other community projects have helped close the digital divide by providing access to technology while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, blending practical skills with Pacific culture and heritage.
For more information and to make an application, visit Toloa Community Fund.
Together, the Scholarships and the Community Fund form connected pathways for Pacific learners. One provides direct support to students pursuing STEM education, while the other equips communities to deliver programmes that nurture skills, curiosity, and aspiration. By combining individual and community support, the Ministry is helping Pacific students and communities build the knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in STEM, while contributing to New Zealand’s growing workforce.