VUW Scholarship Applications for Hardship Surge 88% During Cost of Living Crisis

Hunter Building.
Hunter Building of Victora University of Wellington in Kelburn Campus, taken 11 December 2009 Khirol Amir https://www.flickr.com/photos/khirol/4856448455/

About this data: This analysis includes applications (including incomplete applications) for scholarships that list facing financial hardship as a mandatory eligibility criteria. It does not include scholarships where financial hardship is not an essential or primary consideration.

How the cost of living crisis hit students: 9,342 applications across 6 years reveal financial distress patterns

9,342
Total Applications
(2019-2025)
88%
Peak Year Increase
(2023-24)
2,218
Record Applications
(2023-24)
3,154
School Leavers
Applications
The Cost of Living Crisis Impact
Applications surged from 1,177 in 2022-23 to 2,218 in 2023-24 — an 88% increase that directly correlates with New Zealand's cost of living pressures. The subsequent 28% decline in 2024-25 raises questions about student recovery or data completeness.

Applications Surge 88% During Cost of Living Crisis

Victoria University applications for students facing financial hardship peaked at 2,218 in 2023-24 before declining to 1,590 in 2024-25

88.4% increase in 2023-24
Applications surged from 1,177 to 2,218, reflecting student financial distress during the cost of living crisis

School Leavers Scholarship Dominates Applications

Wellington School Leavers scholarship received 3,154 applications for hardship over 5 years — more than triple the next highest

3,154 applications
Wellington School Leavers Scholarships account for 33.8% of all hardship applications, highlighting struggles during university transition

General Hardship and School Leavers Account for 76% of Applications

Breakdown of 9,342 total hardship scholarship applications by category (2019-2025)

42.4%
General Hardship
(3,961 applications)
33.8%
School Leavers
(3,154 applications)
10.4%
Accommodation
(975 applications)

June Grant Periods See Highest Applications

Mid-year financial pressure peaks as students face rent and living costs

Mid-year financial pressure
June applications (1,293) significantly outpace other specified periods, suggesting students face the greatest financial stress mid-academic year when rent and living costs accumulate.
Source: Victoria University of Wellington via Official Information Act request (2019-2025)
Analysis of hardship scholarship applications where financial need is mandatory eligibility criteria

Source