From Northland to Duke: How Māori Student M’Lago Morris Won the Karsh International Scholarship to Study in the U.S.

My name is M’Lago Morris, and I’m from Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, New Zealand. I’m a proud rangatahi Māori who was raised by two mums—later, primarily by my solo mother on a boat—while navigating hospital waiting rooms during her health challenges—and finally by my mother and now stepfather. My background hasn’t always followed a straight path, but I’ve drawn strength and creativity from it.

I’m currently preparing to attend Duke University in the United States, where I will study Public Policy and Theatre on a full-ride scholarship. I chose these fields because I believe storytelling and advocacy go hand in hand. Whether I’m directing a Shakespeare play or drafting youth transport policy, my goal is to uplift communities, challenge injustice, and amplify unheard voices—particularly those of young people and Indigenous rangatahi like myself.

Karsh International Scholarship Scholarship Details

I was 1 of only 10 students internationally to receive the Karsh International Scholarship, valued at $750,000 NZD to Duke University, one of the most competitive and prestigious full-ride scholarships available to international students. The scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and provides generous funding for academic research, unpaid internships, and travel opportunities.

Other merit scholarships I received are as follows:

1. Victoria University of Wellington's "Raukaraka Leadership Scholarship" in recognition of your strong leadership qualities - Valued at $10,000 NZD
2. Auckland University's "Top Achiever Scholarship" Awarded to a few students - Valued at $25,000 NZD
3. University of Otago’s “University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship awarded at high distinction" - Valued at $23,500 NZD
4. Crimson Education's "Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship” is awarded to the top four Māori/Pasifika students in the world to help with admission to top Universities - valued at $25,000 NZD
5. Duke Academic Honors Scholarship: For outstanding academic commitment to a specific field of interest - Valued at $8500 NZD
6. Huanui College Academic Scholarship for outstanding academic ability - Valued at $35,000 NZD
7. Duke Gap Year Program Scholarship: 1 of 20 students to receive this scholarship for a funded gap year to learn in depth about an area of passion (I am honoured to have been awarded the highest amount they offer) - Valued at $42,000 NZD

I was also a finalist for the Robertson Scholarship, a dual-university leadership scholarship between Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, which offers similarly extensive support. While I ultimately committed to the Karsh Scholarship, I remain incredibly grateful to have been considered by both programs.

Total Amount in Scholarships Awarded:

$929,000 NZD OR $560,000 USD

Educational Background

I graduated from Whangarei Boys’ High School and was dual enrolled at Whangarei Girls’ High School to pursue drama and English courses not offered at my home school. School wasn’t always the easiest for me, as my family never valued education. All my close relatives either dropped out of high school or never went in the first place, and no one had gone to college. Sadly, we were also constantly on the move due to financial hardship. Because of this, I ended up attending 5 different high schools in my time. These factors, however, were not discouraging but rather acted as a motivation for me to strive to be the best I can be, no matter where I am. My academic record included all Excellence endorsements and the position of Valedictorian (Based on cumulative GPA)

Though my school didn’t offer traditional GPA scales, we were able to translate NCEA grades into GPA using ca onversion. My cumulative unweighted GPA was 3.98.

Outside of class, I was Deputy Head Boy, founder of multiple arts clubs, a performer and director for local, national, and international level theatre, winning multiple national level awards for consecutive years, and performing at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. I was also the only high school student involved in developing a new eco-transport system for over 100,000 residents in collaboration with local and national Government officials. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to personally shadow the NZ Minister of Health, Universities, Pacific people, & Science and Innovation. In 2023, I was blessed to be announced as the Student Volunteer Army’s UN Sustainable goals ambassador for my school and the 3rd top volunteer in NZ for cumulative hours of service (5000+ Hours).

How Did You Prepare to Apply to US Universities?

I began researching US universities during my sophomore year. I looked up student testimonials, attended webinars hosted by Crimson Education, and consulted resources like College Vine, Reddit, and the official college admissions sites.

I also talked to past New Zealanders who had been admitted to US institutions, including Karsh and Robertson scholars. What helped most was being brutally honest with myself: what made my voice different, what I’d overcome, and what I still hoped to grow into.

Finally, I worked with college consultants, family, friends, and my wife to craft my application and guide me in telling a unique and authentic story for my essays and wider application.

Standardized Tests and Preparation:

Sadly, I was unable to take the standardized test as there was a computer bug on test day, and thus, I didn’t get to sit it. However, I did still study using free resources such as Khan Academy and Crack SAT.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship(s)?

I focused on showing the through-line of who I am: someone who leads not for accolades, but because I genuinely care about youth voices and access. I rewrote my essays over 20 times, received feedback from mentors, and used storytelling to make my application memorable.

For Karsh and Robertson scholarships, I emphasized my work in theatre as advocacy for creating social change, my role in designing sustainable transport policy, and my personal story of resilience. I also highlighted how I wanted to give back, not just take opportunities.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think it was the combination of genuine storytelling, service leadership, Māori cultural authenticity and a unique passion. I wasn’t afraid to talk about things like wearing pink nail polish in a conservative school, being raised by two mums, or directing Shakespeare through a Māori lens.

Rather than trying to sound like a perfect student, I focused on being a passionate, curious, community-driven person who was shown to be a leader in my specific field rather than just being a “perfect all-rounder student”.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

I would have started the process even earlier and perhaps sought help with editing earlier drafts. Some of my first essays were overwritten.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

1. Know your story—and own it. Don’t write what you think they want to hear. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT!
2. Service matters—impact, creativity, and initiative count more than titles.
3. Ask for help—mentors, friends, even YouTube videos. Don’t go it alone.
4. Start early—you’ll need time to reflect, revise, and rest.
5. Be authentic—don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, especially in interviews.