University of Auckland Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship 2026 Closes Today; Up to NZ$10,000 for US Medical Elective
University of Auckland Medical Scholarship 2026: Applications for the Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship close today, 24 September 2026, giving eligible final-year medical students at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland an opportunity to receive up to NZ$10,000 toward an approved medical elective in the United States.
The scholarship is highly specialised. It is intended for a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident enrolled full-time in Part VI of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) who will undertake an elective in infectious diseases or clinical microbiology at a reputable academic institution in the United States.
Only one scholarship is normally available each year, and the award has a value of up to NZ$10,000 for a period of up to one year.
Applicants must also meet an academic requirement. A GPA or GPE of at least 6.00 is required for scholarship consideration, while Māori or Pacific candidates have a threshold of 5.50.
Selection is based on academic merit and the relevance of the applicant's proposed elective to infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
Official University of Auckland Scholarship Page:
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/henry-and-marjorie-isaacs-scholarship-834-fmhs.html
Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship 2026: Key Details
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship |
| University | University of Auckland |
| Faculty | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Application Closing Date | 24 September 2026 |
| Opening Date | 13 August 2026 |
| Number of Awards | One |
| Maximum Value | Up to NZ$10,000 |
| Tenure | Up to one year |
| Applicable Study | Part VI MBChB |
| Elective Location | United States |
| Elective Focus | Infectious diseases or clinical microbiology |
| Citizenship Requirement | New Zealand citizen or permanent resident |
| Standard GPA/GPE Requirement | At least 6.00 |
| Māori/Pacific GPA/GPE Requirement | At least 5.50 |
What University of Auckland Medical Scholarship Closes Today?
The Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship is among the University of Auckland awards closing on 24 September 2026.
It is designed specifically to support a final-year MBChB student undertaking an overseas elective in the United States.
However, not every US medical elective qualifies. The proposed activity must focus on infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
What Time Does the Scholarship Close?
The University of Auckland's general online scholarship guidance states that all sections of an application must be completed by the closing date and that applications close at midnight on the specified date unless otherwise stated.
The current scholarship page lists 24 September 2026 as the closing date.
Students should avoid leaving submission until the final minutes because supporting sections or technical issues can prevent an otherwise eligible application from being completed.
How Much Is the Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship?
The scholarship is worth up to NZ$10,000.
It is intended to provide partial financial support for the recipient's approved elective activities in the United States.
The phrase “up to NZ$10,000” is important. Applicants should not describe the scholarship as automatically providing exactly NZ$10,000 in every circumstance.
How Many Scholarships Are Available?
One Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship is offered annually.
The regulations also state that the University of Auckland Council is not obliged to make an award if there is no candidate who meets the criteria or no candidate considered to have sufficient merit.
Who Can Apply for the Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship?
An applicant must satisfy several requirements simultaneously.
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
- Be enrolled full-time in Part VI of the MBChB.
- Be undertaking an elective in the United States.
- Undertake that elective at a reputable academic institution.
- Focus the elective on infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
- Meet the applicable GPA or GPE threshold.
- Complete the scholarship application by the deadline.
This means the award is much more targeted than a general final-year medical scholarship.
Can International MBChB Students Apply?
No, not under the published citizenship criteria.
Applicants must be either New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents.
International medical students who do not hold either status should search the University of Auckland scholarship database for awards that explicitly accept international applicants.
Can New Zealand Permanent Residents Apply?
Yes.
New Zealand permanent residents are explicitly eligible, provided they satisfy all the other scholarship conditions.
The regulations define permanent residents for scholarship purposes in relation to a Permanent Resident Visa granted by Immigration New Zealand.
Which MBChB Students Are Eligible?
The scholarship is for students enrolled full-time in Part VI of the MBChB.
It is therefore aimed at final-year medical students rather than students in the earlier stages of the medical programme.
Can a Part V MBChB Student Apply?
The published eligibility criterion requires full-time enrolment in Part VI.
A student who does not satisfy the applicable Part VI requirement should not assume that being close to final year is sufficient.
Can a First-Year Medical Student Apply?
No.
The scholarship's purpose is to support a final-year medical student undertaking a specialised elective.
It is not an entry scholarship for students beginning the MBChB.
Does the Medical Elective Have to Be in the United States?
Yes.
The scholarship specifically supports an elective undertaken at a reputable academic institution in the United States.
An otherwise relevant infectious-diseases elective in another country would not satisfy this geographical condition under the published regulations.
Does Any US Medical Elective Qualify?
No.
The proposed elective must be in an area of:
- Infectious diseases, or
- Clinical microbiology.
The academic institution in the United States must also be considered suitable and reputable for the proposed study.
Who Decides Whether the US Institution Is Suitable?
The scholarship regulations state that the Chair of the MBChB Electives Committee will be asked to confirm that the intended academic institution in the United States is suitable for the proposed study and is of good repute.
This means applicants cannot establish eligibility simply by choosing any overseas placement and describing it as a medical elective.
What Is an Infectious Diseases Elective?
An infectious diseases elective generally exposes medical students to the diagnosis, management and clinical study of illnesses caused by infectious agents.
The precise nature of an eligible elective depends on the host institution and the approval process.
Students should ensure their proposed elective has a clear and meaningful connection to infectious diseases rather than relying on a broad or incidental relationship.
What Is a Clinical Microbiology Elective?
Clinical microbiology connects laboratory science with patient diagnosis and clinical decision-making involving infectious organisms.
An elective can involve exposure to areas such as diagnostic microbiology, laboratory methods and the clinical interpretation of microbiological findings, depending on the programme offered by the host institution.
The scholarship's selection process specifically considers how relevant the proposed elective is to infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
What GPA Is Required?
The scholarship requires a GPA or GPE of at least 6.00 for standard consideration.
For Māori or Pacific candidates, the threshold is 5.50.
| Applicant Category | Minimum GPA/GPE |
|---|---|
| Standard threshold | 6.00 |
| Māori candidates | 5.50 |
| Pacific candidates | 5.50 |
How Is Academic Merit Calculated?
For this scholarship, academic merit is assessed using a Scholarships GPA or GPE calculated over the applicant's most recent two years of full-time graded study, or equivalent, covering Part II and Part III of the MBChB.
Applicants should therefore not assume that selection is based only on their most recent semester result.
Does a GPA of 6.00 Guarantee Selection?
No.
The GPA threshold determines eligibility for scholarship consideration, but selection is competitive.
The relevance of the proposed elective to infectious diseases or clinical microbiology is also a stated selection factor.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The two central published selection considerations are:
- Academic merit
- Relevance of the proposed elective to infectious diseases or clinical microbiology
This makes the quality and relevance of the elective plan particularly important.
Who Selects the Scholarship Recipient?
Applications are assessed by a Selection Committee.
The committee comprises:
- The Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, or nominee
- The Chair of the MBChB Electives Committee, or nominee
- One representative of the Medical Programme Directorate
The University of Auckland Council makes the award on the recommendation of the Selection Committee.
When Was the Scholarship Established?
The Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship was established in 2015.
It is funded by Henry and Marjorie Isaacs.
What Is the Purpose of the Scholarship?
The scholarship's main purpose is to support a final-year University of Auckland medical student with an interest in infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
It provides partial support for independent elective activities at a reputable academic institution in the United States.
Is This a Full-Cost US Elective Scholarship?
The University describes the award as providing partial support.
Students should therefore not assume that the scholarship will necessarily cover every cost associated with an overseas elective.
Potential expenses for an international elective can include:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Local transportation
- Insurance
- Elective or institutional charges
- Living expenses
- Visa-related expenses where applicable
- Required health documentation
Actual costs will depend on the student's host institution, destination and travel arrangements.
How Is the Scholarship Paid?
The scholarship is paid in one instalment in Semester One, as soon as practical after confirmation of the recipient's required enrolment.
This differs from some University scholarships that are paid in multiple instalments.
What Must the Recipient Do Before Payment?
To receive the scholarship, the awardee must:
- Be enrolled in Part VI of the MBChB.
- Register their travel plans with 360 International.
These conditions mean that being named the scholarship recipient is not the final administrative step.
Why Must Travel Be Registered With 360 International?
The regulations require recipients to register their travel plans with 360 International in accordance with University guidelines for students travelling overseas.
International medical electives involve academic and travel responsibilities, so recipients must comply with the University's overseas travel procedures.
Does the Recipient Need to Submit a Report?
Yes.
After completing the elective, the scholarship recipient must provide a brief final report outlining:
- The study undertaken
- The benefits obtained from the elective
The report must be submitted to the Scholarships Office within one month of returning to New Zealand so it can be sent to the donors.
Can the Scholarship Be Held With Another Award?
Potentially, yes.
The Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship may be held concurrently with another scholarship, award or grant if the rules of the other funding allow it and the University of Auckland Council is informed and approves.
The recipient is responsible for declaring other scholarship, award or grant funding received while this scholarship is in payment.
Can the Scholarship Be Cancelled?
Yes.
Recipients are required to comply with the scholarship regulations and notify the Scholarships Office about changes to their enrolment or funding status.
If a recipient is found not to be complying with the regulations, the University can terminate the scholarship and may require repayment of funds already received.
Can the Scholarship Be Deferred?
Applicants should not assume automatic deferral rights.
The scholarship is tied closely to Part VI MBChB enrolment and an approved elective in the United States.
Any change to the timing or structure of the proposed elective should therefore be discussed with the relevant University office rather than treated as automatically permitted.
How to Apply for the Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship
- Visit the official University of Auckland scholarship page.
- Read the full scholarship regulations.
- Confirm your citizenship or permanent residence status.
- Confirm your Part VI MBChB status.
- Check your applicable GPA/GPE.
- Confirm that your proposed elective is in the United States.
- Confirm that it focuses on infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
- Confirm that the host institution is appropriate for the proposed elective.
- Select the University's “Apply now” option.
- Complete the online scholarship application.
- Provide all requested information.
- Complete any reference or endorsement requirements shown in the application.
- Review all sections.
- Submit by the 24 September deadline.
Does the Application Require a Reference?
The University's general scholarship guidance advises students to open applications early in case a reference or endorsement is required.
Applicants should therefore check the live form rather than assuming that the public summary page contains every submission requirement.
All required sections must be completed by the closing date.
When Will Scholarship Results Be Announced?
The University states that scholarship outcomes are usually notified around eight weeks after the closing date.
This is a general expected timeframe rather than a guaranteed individual notification date.
What If the Application Portal Has a Technical Problem?
Students should address technical problems immediately rather than waiting until after the deadline.
The University's scholarship guidance recommends basic troubleshooting such as checking the application carefully and avoiding multiple scholarship applications being open simultaneously in the same browser.
Students experiencing unresolved problems should use the University's official student support channels.
Can Students Apply After 24 September?
Applicants should not assume that late applications will be accepted.
The current University scholarship listing places the Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship among awards closing 24 September 2026.
Because the scholarship is tied to the final-year MBChB elective cycle, missing the annual application window can be particularly significant.
Why US Elective Planning Should Start Early
An overseas medical elective can involve more than securing scholarship funding.
Depending on the host institution and elective arrangement, students may need to organise:
- Host-institution approval
- University elective approval
- Travel documentation
- Insurance
- Health and vaccination records
- Accommodation
- Flights
- Institutional paperwork
- Travel registration
- Financial planning
The scholarship application should therefore sit within a wider elective-planning process.
Why Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Matter
The scholarship's specialised focus makes it particularly relevant to medical students interested in the relationship between laboratory diagnostics and clinical management of infectious disease.
An appropriately designed elective can expose a student to different clinical environments, research systems, diagnostic approaches and specialist expertise.
However, applicants should describe the actual proposed elective rather than relying on broad claims about the field.
US Medical Elective vs General Overseas Elective
| Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship Requirement | General Overseas Elective |
|---|---|
| Must be in the United States | Could potentially occur in many countries |
| Must focus on infectious diseases or clinical microbiology | Can cover other specialties |
| Host must be a reputable academic institution | Requirements depend on the programme |
| Part VI MBChB requirement | Depends on elective structure |
| Specific scholarship criteria apply | Not automatically scholarship funded |
Other University of Auckland Medical Elective Awards Closing Today
The University of Auckland's current scholarship calendar shows several medical elective awards closing on 24 September 2026, including the Dr Newton Wickham CBE Elective Award in Pacific Island Health, New Zealand Medical Women's Association Elective Award and Obstetrical and Gynaecological Research Elective Award.
Students should assess each award independently because eligibility, specialty focus, citizenship requirements and funding arrangements differ.
Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship Application Checklist
| Eligibility Check | Requirement |
|---|---|
| New Zealand citizen/permanent resident | Yes |
| Full-time MBChB student | Yes |
| Part VI | Yes |
| Elective country | United States |
| Elective area | Infectious diseases or clinical microbiology |
| Host | Reputable academic institution |
| Standard GPA/GPE | At least 6.00 |
| Māori/Pacific GPA/GPE | At least 5.50 |
| Maximum award | NZ$10,000 |
| Number available | One |
| Deadline | 24 September 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship?
It is a University of Auckland scholarship supporting an eligible final-year MBChB student undertaking an infectious diseases or clinical microbiology elective at a reputable academic institution in the United States.
When does the scholarship close?
The 2026 application closes on 24 September.
How much is the scholarship worth?
The scholarship is worth up to NZ$10,000.
How many scholarships are offered?
One scholarship is offered annually, although the University is not required to make an award if no suitable candidate is identified.
Can international students apply?
No. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
Can New Zealand permanent residents apply?
Yes, subject to all other eligibility requirements.
Which year of MBChB is eligible?
The scholarship requires full-time enrolment in Part VI of the MBChB.
Can Part V students apply?
The published eligibility requires Part VI enrolment.
Does the elective have to be in America?
Yes. The scholarship specifically requires the elective to be undertaken at a reputable academic institution in the United States.
Can I undertake an elective in Canada?
Not under the published scholarship criteria, which specify the United States.
Can the elective be in surgery?
The scholarship requires the proposed elective to be in infectious diseases or clinical microbiology. A different specialty would need to satisfy that stated focus to be relevant.
Is infectious diseases eligible?
Yes. It is one of the scholarship's two specified areas.
Is clinical microbiology eligible?
Yes. Clinical microbiology is explicitly included.
What GPA is required?
The standard minimum is 6.00 GPA/GPE, with a 5.50 threshold for Māori or Pacific candidates.
How is academic merit calculated?
The scholarship regulations assess academic merit using the applicant's Scholarships GPA/GPE over the most recent two years of full-time graded study or equivalent, identified as Parts II and III of the MBChB.
Does meeting the GPA guarantee the award?
No. The relevance of the proposed elective is also considered, and the scholarship is competitive.
Who assesses applications?
A University selection committee assesses applications, with the final award made by the University of Auckland Council on its recommendation.
When was the scholarship established?
It was established in 2015.
Who funds the scholarship?
The scholarship is funded by Henry and Marjorie Isaacs.
Is this a full-cost scholarship?
The University describes it as partial support and sets a maximum value of NZ$10,000.
How is the money paid?
The scholarship is paid in one instalment in Semester One after the required enrolment is confirmed.
Do recipients have to register their travel?
Yes. Awardees must register their travel plans with 360 International.
Does the host institution need approval?
The Chair of the MBChB Electives Committee is asked to confirm that the proposed US institution is suitable and of good repute.
Do recipients need to submit a report?
Yes. A brief report on the study undertaken and benefits obtained must be submitted within one month of returning to New Zealand.
Can I hold another scholarship simultaneously?
Potentially yes, provided the other award permits it and the University is informed and approves the arrangement.
Do I need to disclose other funding?
Yes. Recipients must declare other scholarship, award or grant funding received while this scholarship is in payment.
Can the scholarship be terminated?
Yes. Non-compliance with the regulations can result in termination and potentially repayment of scholarship funds.
When are results usually released?
The University says scholarship outcomes are generally notified around eight weeks after applications close.
Where do I apply?
Applications are made through the University of Auckland's official scholarship system from the scholarship page.
Are other medical elective scholarships closing on 24 September?
Yes. The University's current scholarship calendar lists several other medical elective awards with the same closing date, but each has different eligibility requirements.
What is the most important eligibility condition?
Applicants must satisfy the complete combination of requirements: eligible citizenship or residency, Part VI MBChB enrolment, the required GPA/GPE and an appropriate infectious diseases or clinical microbiology elective at a reputable US academic institution.
What Eligible MBChB Students Should Do Today
- Confirm New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence.
- Confirm full-time Part VI MBChB status.
- Check your GPA/GPE against the applicable threshold.
- Confirm that your elective will take place in the United States.
- Confirm that the host is a reputable academic institution.
- Confirm that the elective focuses on infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
- Read the full scholarship regulations.
- Open the official online application.
- Complete all required sections.
- Complete any reference or endorsement requested by the application.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit before the 24 September closing time.
Conclusion
The Henry and Marjorie Isaacs Scholarship closes on 24 September 2026 and offers one eligible University of Auckland final-year medical student financial support of up to NZ$10,000 for a specialised elective in the United States.
The scholarship is not a general overseas-elective award. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time in Part VI of the MBChB, and their proposed US elective must focus on infectious diseases or clinical microbiology.
The standard academic threshold is a GPA/GPE of at least 6.00, while Māori and Pacific candidates require at least 5.50. Selection considers both academic merit and the relevance of the proposed elective.
Successful recipients must register their travel through 360 International and submit a brief report after completing the elective. The scholarship is paid as one instalment after the required enrolment is confirmed.
Eligible Part VI MBChB students intending to apply should complete the University's official online application by the 24 September deadline and ensure that every eligibility, elective and supporting requirement has been addressed before submission.
