AUT Foundation has partnered with Pro-invest Group to launch the RISE Hospitality & Tourism Scholarship program.
Pro-invest Group and Auckland University of Technology Foundation (AUT Foundation) have announced the Pro-invest Group RISE Hospitality & Tourism Scholarship, a new partnership designed to remove barriers and create pathways for young New Zealanders pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
The RISE (Reaching for Inclusion through Scholarships and Experiences) annual scholarship provides $5,000 to students aged 18-20 who have a genuine passion for the hospitality industry but face financial barriers to accessing AUT’s highly regarded hospitality and tourism programmes.
“As part of our ESG strategy, we are committed to investing in the next generation of hospitality talent by helping to address the critical workforce development that our hotel and tourism sectors need to thrive,” said Dr. Sabine Schaffer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Pro-invest Group.
"The RISE scholarship not only provides financial support to AUT students but creates real career pathways for students who might otherwise face barriers to pursuing a career in one of the most rewarding and dynamic industries in the world. With travel demand continuing to grow, the need for skilled, passionate professionals has never been greater and we are proud to invest in the future of hospitality leadership through this programme.”
RISE is part of Pro-invest Group’s ‘One Earth, Countless Experiences’ ethos, which includes a number of programmes to foster inclusion, diversity, and equality within the hospitality industry and beyond. Pro-invest Group’s partnership with AUT Foundation marks the next chapter for the RISE program, having already made a meaningful impact in Australia since its launch with Southern Cross University in 2024, which has seen great success to date.
The Group is also committed to CARE (Creating Accessible Roles and Experiences), a partnership with MAX Employment to provide meaningful career opportunities for people of all abilities; RADIATE with Pride which focuses on creating safe places for guests and employees free from discrimination; and the Pro-Women Leadership Alliance, which aims to increase the number of women in leadership roles.
Through the RISE program’s launch in New Zealand, successful recipients gain access to mentorship opportunities with Pro-invest Group hotel executives, plus possible work experience, internships, and part-time employment opportunities. On completion of their studies, AUT graduates may be considered for full-time positions within Pro-invest Group’s New Zealand hotel portfolio, including voco Auckland City Centre, Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown, or might even have the chance to work in the Group’s hotels outside of New Zealand.
Rob Campbell, Chair of the AUT Foundation and Chancellor of AUT, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding student opportunity and delivering global impact for industry and communities.
“We’re proud to partner with Pro-invest Group to bring their successful RISE scholarship programme to AUT and Aotearoa-New Zealand. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating real opportunities for the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders coming out of AUT, and to supporting students who will shape the future workforce and strengthen the industries they serve.”
The RISE scholarship is available to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents enrolled full-time in AUT's hospitality and tourism programmes, including Bachelor of International Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism, Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts, Bachelor of International Hospitality Management and Bachelor of Business Conjoint Programmes, Graduate Certificate in International Hospitality Management, and Graduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management.
Applications open 1 September and close 10 October through the AUT Scholarships Database. The scholarship supports 12 months of full-time study for students beginning Semester One the following year.
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