Māori Trusts & Incorporations
Education Grants and Scholarships
Several Māori Trusts and Incorporations offer education grants to secondary school students and students undertaking secondary and tertiary study. You must prove you are affiliated to iwi/hapu to be eligible for a grant.
2026 Education Grants
Applications are now open for Tertiary students that can whakapapa to a Trust Owner.
The Trust has partnered with the Maori Education Trust to provide increased grant amounts and online processing education grants.
Applications can only be made online via the online MET Application Portal located here:
First time applicants will need to create an account. Please read the education grants policy below before applying.
Applications close on 30 April 2026.
For any online processing issues contact the Maori Education Trust by phone 04 586 7971 or email
2026 Education Grants Policy
1. Persons who qualify for an education grant:
(a) Registered Owners or descendants of Registered Owners.
(b) Beneficiaries and descendants of beneficiaries in a Whanau Trust constituted in terms of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993.
Applicants must supply a clear whakapapa to either (a) endorsed by a recognised Kokako Kaumatua or Kokako Trustee or (b) signed by a Trustee of the Whanau Trust.
2. Students must be currently attending a (NZQA or overseas equivalent) tertiary institution on a fulltime or part-time basis or an institution or training scheme approved by the Trustees.
3. All students who qualify for a grant will receive an amount approved by the Trustees which varies each year depending on total sum available divided by number of approved applicants.
4. Applications must be submitted online via Kokako Trust website (linked to Māori Education Trust) and supporting papers lodged by the advertised closing date (opening Feb 2026/closing 30 April 2026).
5. Applicants must provide a receipt for course fees paid. The Trustees may at their discretion accept a student loan draw down certificate or a letter of acceptance to enrolment at the education institution provided there is clear evidence of fees paid.
6. Students attending free courses or where fees are paid by a third party are not precluded from receiving a grant provided all other criteria are met.
7. Incomplete or late applications may be rejected.
8. Grants will be paid from Kokako Manaaki Charitable Trust.
9. Grant amounts may be topped up via agreements with Maori Education Trust or Universities and student information will be shared with other organisations for that purpose.
10. Any policy interpretation is entirely at the discretion of the Trustees.
