Open source scholarships & internships

Two scholarships, a four-week internship, and a kick-start in your career in tech.

Each year, two people studying computer science, IT, or a related field receive a Catalyst Open Source Scholarship, covering fees and gaining hands-on experience across real roles in the industry.

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Female student wearing glasses and a blue beanie hat smiling

My internship at Catalyst was so eye-opening. Seeing the whole development process, starting from project managers, financial positions, and then BAs and then development, and how everyone works together to get the product done.

- Mia Paisnel, 2026 Catalyst intern

Applications for the 2027 scholarship and internship are open

At Catalyst, we are committed to supporting more aspiring open source enthusiasts who want to join our industry. That’s why each year, we offer two scholarships to help future tech talent thrive. Our scholarships are designed to help you succeed in your studies by reducing the financial burden, meaning you have more time to focus on learning.

Applications for the 2027 scholarship are open and close on the 30th September 2026.

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The people at Catalyst might be the best part of my internship. I had the amazing opportunity to meet people who have worked in tech for a long time, and that's where I gained heaps of industry knowledge.

- Harrison Hawkins, 2026 Catalyst intern

Application information

$2,000 per year, for up to three years, while you are studying full-time at a university, polytechnic, or wānanga.
A paid four-week internship in Wellington, 11 January 2027 to 5 February 2027, to help elevate your CV post-study.

To apply, you'll need to:

be a current or incoming university, polytechnic or wānanga student
be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident in full-time study
studying in a computer-related field. For example, IT, software development, cybersecurity, data science, computer engineering.

Applicants will be chosen because they:

show a genuine desire to succeed in their chosen IT field
are committed to completing their study programme
are keen to get employment in an IT related industry or field
show commitment to open source technologies.

Applications close on the 30th September 2026. Our selection panel chooses a shortlist of applicants based on all applications received, so make sure you spend some time creating a quality application and completing all the information.

Shortlisted applicants are one step closer to turning their aspirations into reality. If you’re shortlisted, we may invite you to an interview.

Scholarships will be awarded on the basis that the information supplied is true and correct. Catalyst can withdraw the scholarship if the information is proved to be inaccurate.

If you turn down the scholarship, or do not accept the scholarship by the required date, the selection panel may offer the scholarship to another applicant.

If you withdraw or transfer to another programme that is not IT related, it is expected that the scholarship will be repaid to Catalyst.

The decision of the selection panel is final.