Cook Islands Scholarship Programme
Cook Islands Scholarship Programme
Te Reinga Akataunga’anga Scholarship Programme
Since 2017, the Ministry of Education has administered the Te Reinga Akataunga’anga scholarship programme, enabling Cook Islanders to pursue tertiary studies both locally and abroad. The programme offers various funding streams to support students at different stages of their educational journey.
Scholarship Categories
Starter Pack
For first-year students (school leavers or mature students) commencing a programme of study.
International Full Scholarships
For students who have successfully completed their first year of study overseas with academic merit.
Domestic Full Scholarships
For recipients wishing to commit to full-time study while remaining in the Cook Islands.
In-Country Study Grants
For recipients who wish to remain in-country and undertake study while continuing to work.
First Year Fees Free
Waiver of fees for selected first-year students enrolled in undergraduate programmes.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Study Starter Pack Recipients 2025
| Name | Institution | Programme |
| Amqle Tuaratini | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Communications) |
| Stanley Tutai | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Commerce |
| Maya Postrzygacz | Victoria University | Bachelor of Design Innovation (Design Communication, Animation and Visual Effects) |
| Dreena Willie Teapa | Victoria University | Bachelor of Law (Law) |
| Paearonga Puna | Otago University | First Year Health Science |
| Maiata-Mahana Newnham | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Arts (Pacific Studies/Korean) |
| Moana Une | Auckland University of Technology | Bachelor of Sports, Exercise & Health (Exercise Science) |
| Teariki Teiotu | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Engineering Hons (Civil Engineering) |
| Ngatokotoru Mateariki | Otago Polytechnic | NZ Diploma in Civil Engineering (Civil Engineering) |
| Makara Murare | Victoria University | Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Hons (Electrical and Electronics) |
International Full Scholarships 2025
| Name | Institution | Programme |
| Tatiana Wichman | Waikato University | Bachelor of Laws (Law) |
| Ruatiaki Joseph | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education (Sport, Health and Physical Education) |
| Georgia Short | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Science (Biology) |
| Maiata Mussell | Auckland University of Technology | Bachelor of Communication Studies (Advertising and Brand Creativity & Digital Communication) |
| Yannicka Tinirau | Auckland University of Technology | Bachelor of Sports Recreation (Sports Management) |
| Aloma Moore | Auckland University of Technology | Bachelor of Business (Accounting) |
| Tamarua Pureau-Pukeiti | University of Cantebury | Bachelors of Engineering (Engineering) |
| Te Ariki Ringi | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Science (Data Science) |
| Tearuru Tararo | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Commerce (Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship) |
| Melani Thomson | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws conjoint (Management/Law Part I) |
| Veia Teipo | Massey University | Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Economics) |
| Kiarn Whatarau | Victoria University | Bachelor of Arts (Music Studies and Pacific Studies) |
| Moeroa Harmon | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws conjoint (Accounting/Law) |
| Kayla Whitcher | Auckland University of Technology | Master of Science Research (Microbiology) |
| Tuaine Unuia | Auckland University of Technology | Master of Business |
| Madeleine Cowan | Victoria University | Master of Educational Psychology |
| Jonah Tangaroa | University of Auckland | Bachelor of Surgery and Medicine |
Full Domestic Scholarships 2025
| Name | Institution | Programme |
| Ayen Mae Montagot | USP Cook Islands | Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) |
| Tutai Mataio | USP Cook Islands | Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) |
| Keeana Kapi | Massey University | Bachelor of Business (Marketing) |
| Edna Dashwood | Auckland College of Law | Legal Professional Studies |
| Jana Moemai | USP Cook Islands | Bachelor of Business |
| Taumaia Rongo | Massey University | Bachelor of Science |
In-Country Study Grant Recipients 2025
| Name | Institution | Programme |
| Tiaretaina Mailau | BYU-I | Bachelor of Arts (Applied Business Management) |
| Davinia Marsh | Massey University | Bachelor of Business (Finance) |
| Tiare-Renee Nicholas | Massey University | Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) |
| Debora Mataio | USP Cook Islands | Bachelor of Commerce in Professional Accounting (Accounting) |
| Jane Tou-Maxwell | Massey University | Bachelor of Business (Management) |
| Maria Briante | Massey University | Bachelor of Business (Management) |
| Rachel Harris | Otago Polytechnic | Bachelor of Applied Management (Management) |
| Te Anau Rani | Massey University | Bachelor of Aviation Management (Aviation Management) |
| Jackalyn Rongo | Massey University | Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) |
| Siana Whatarau | University of Newcastle | Post-Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management & Sustainability (Environmental Management) |
| Terena Koteka-Wiki | University of Newcastle | Graduate Certificate in Environamental & Sustainability (Environmental Management & Sustainability) |
| Halatoa Fua | University of Newcastle | Graduate Certificate in Environmental & Sustainability (Environment) |
| Benjamin Maxwell Arapoiti | University of Newcastle | Graduate Certificate in Environamental & Sustainability (Environmental Management & Sustainability) |
| Vaine-Tutai Trego | Victoria University | Master of Information Studies (Archives and Records Management & Library Science) |
| Tekura Moekaa | University of Newcastle | Graduate Certificate in Environemtnal Managament & Sustainability (Environmental Management) |
| Edna Dashwood | Auckland College of Law | Legal Professional Studies |
First Year Fees Free Recipients 2025
| Name | Institution | Programme |
| Desiree Harry | Waikato University | Bachelor of Laws (Law) |
| Ferdane Penahermoso | USP Cook Islands | Bachelor of Science (Biology) |
The MOE scholarship has been a huge source of assistance throughout my university journey. This program has been extremely helpful in providing career advice and financial assistance – things that all students can never get enough of when at university. On top of this, there is a great opportunity to return home to serve our country. I would highly recommend all those who are eligible to consider applying, for yourself and for the development of our little island.
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