The Toloa Scholarships close for 2026 as Pacific Islands students set to pursue STEM studies

For Pacific students across Aotearoa, the Toloa Scholarships are more than financial support - they are opening doors into science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) fields where Pasifika voices have historically been underrepresented.

Applications for this year’s scholarships closed this week, giving students the chance to secure mentoring support for their tertiary STEM studies.

Funded by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, the scholarships provide up to $10,000 for tertiary students studying STEM.

They also include professional development to help recipients succeed in their careers.

Gerardine Clifford‑Lidstone, Secretary for Pacific Peoples, says the programme is about empowering Pacific learners and strengthening communities.

“Toloa Scholarships give Pacific students the tools and confidence to succeed in STEM careers,” she said. “They are an investment not just in individual futures, but in our communities and the broader workforce in Aotearoa.”

Toloa Scholarships provide up to $10,000 in financial support and mentoring to help Pacific students succeed in STEM fields. Photo/Supplied/Prime Minister's Science Prizes/file

The impact is already clear. Kijiana Tuatoko, a Year 12 student of Sāmoan and Rotuman heritage, described how the support boosted her confidence.

“People will underestimate your skills, but you don’t have to accept that," she previously told PMN News. "We get judged and pushed down, but confidence is key.

"I want to study radiology because I want to make a difference in people’s lives.”

The Toloa initiative aims to increase Pacific representation in STEM and build pathways into future-focused careers. Photo/University of the Pacific/file

The 2025 tertiary recipients included a diverse group of Pacific students across Aotearoa. Organisers say this reflects the breadth of talent stepping into STEM pathways.

They were Agnes Taefu (University of Auckland), Erene Punefu (Auckland University of Technology), Jazmine McKenzie (NorthTec, Te Pūkenga), and Luke McConnell (University of Canterbury).

For many students, the scholarship eases financial barriers that make tertiary study challenging. It also provides recognition and validation for Pacific youth balancing demanding degrees with work, family, and community commitments.

The programme addresses long‑standing inequities in education and employment, supporting Pacific representation in STEM careers through tailored funding, mentoring, and opportunities.

Clifford‑Lidstone says the scholarships are part of a wider effort to ensure equitable opportunities for all Pacific learners.

She adds by supporting students at both secondary and tertiary levels, the Toloa initiative helps build pathways into future-focused careers from engineering and data science to biotechnology and health sciences.

While applications for the 2026 round have now closed, the 2025 recipients stand as examples of what is possible when Pacific students are given resources, recognition, and encouragement.