FREEDOM Institute of Higher Education

The FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute is a research-driven education and training institute based in New Zealand that focuses on Universal Wellbeing research, tools, and professional training programs.

The institute has developed evidence-based frameworks to help organizations, communities, and professionals measure, improve, and implement wellbeing systems across sectors such as education, health, and business.

Its educational programs combine academic research, leadership training, and practical wellbeing evaluation methods, enabling professionals to apply wellbeing frameworks in real-world settings.

A key research initiative of the institute is the Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) and the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET)—frameworks developed through more than 16 years of multidisciplinary research.

The institute collaborates with global researchers, practitioners, and organizations to promote prevention-focused wellbeing systems and sustainable human development.

University / Institutional Ranking

The FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute is a specialized research and professional training institute, not a traditional university; therefore it is not ranked in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education.

Instead, the institute is recognized for its:

• Research in Universal Wellbeing science

• Development of wellbeing measurement frameworks

• Professional accreditation programs for wellbeing practitioners.

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute offers professional certificate and accreditation programs rather than traditional undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Professional Certificate Programs

1. Certificate in Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Facilitation (CUWEF)

2. Certificate in Pastoral Care & Universal Wellbeing Coordination (CPCUWC).

These programs focus on:

• Wellbeing evaluation frameworks

• Organisational wellbeing strategy

• Leadership in wellbeing systems

• Prevention-based wellbeing implementation.

Professional Accreditation

Graduates can receive professional accreditation through the College of Professional Universal Wellbeing Practitioners, allowing them to apply wellbeing frameworks in academic, organisational, or community settings.

Mode of Learning

Programs are designed for global professionals and are delivered primarily through:

Online Learning

• Live interactive virtual sessions

• Global participation from anywhere in the world.

Professional Practice & Application

• Case studies and research applications

• Evaluation and implementation frameworks.

Blended Learning Elements

Some programs may incorporate:

• Research collaboration

• Conferences and global events related to wellbeing science.

Key Highlights

• Research-driven institute with over 16 years of wellbeing research
• Developer of the Universal Wellbeing Model and UWET framework
• Programs designed for global professionals and leaders
• International online learning environment
• Opportunity for professional accreditation in wellbeing practice
• Focus on prevention-based wellbeing systems in organisations and communities
• International scholarships available for selected programs.

Research & Innovation

A major innovation developed by the institute is the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool, which:

• Measures individual and organisational wellbeing

• Identifies strengths, risks, and improvement opportunities

• Supports evidence-based decision making.

The tool has been developed through extensive research including:

• Literature analysis

• pilot studies

• quantitative and qualitative research projects.

Latest Updates (2025–2026)

Global Research Recognition

Research on the Universal Wellbeing Model has been accepted for presentation at the 6th World Conference on Psychology and Behavioral Science (2025) in London.

International Conference Participation

The institute hosted and participated in The Prevention Imperative: New Zealand Universal Wellbeing Conference 2025, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and leaders working on wellbeing policy and practice.

Expansion of International Scholarship Program

New scholarships for 2025–2026 have been launched to increase global participation in wellbeing research and training programs.

Career Opportunities After Studying

Graduates of FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute programs can pursue roles such as:

• Wellbeing Program Director

• Organisational Wellbeing Consultant

• Wellbeing Researcher

• Community Wellbeing Coordinator

• Leadership and Human Development Consultant

• Policy Advisor for wellbeing initiatives

Scholarship

1. FREE Trust International Scholarship (2025–2026)

This is the main scholarship program offered by the institute.

Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship provides:

• 100% tuition fee coverage for selected programs

• Access to professional training at the institute

• Professional accreditation opportunities after completion

However, the scholarship does not cover:

• Travel expenses

• Accommodation

• Living expenses

• Personal costs.

Programs Covered by the Scholarship

International scholarship recipients can study the following programs:

1. Certificate in Pastoral Care & Universal Wellbeing Coordination (CPCUWC)

This program focuses on:

• Designing system-level wellbeing strategies

• Leadership in wellbeing implementation

• Organisational and community wellbeing management.

It is suitable for professionals working in:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Community development

• Public policy

• Organisational leadership.

2. Certificate in Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Facilitation (CUWEF)

This certificate trains professionals to:

• Implement the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET)

• Analyse wellbeing data

• Conduct evaluation research

• Integrate wellbeing frameworks into organisations and research projects.

Eligibility Criteria for International Scholarships

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet several academic and professional criteria.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be an international citizen (outside New Zealand).

2. Be a professional, academic, or researcher in fields such as:

   • Education

   • Health

   • Government

   • Community development

   • Corporate leadership

   • Social policy or research.

Professional Experience Requirements

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A current or recent leadership role in a relevant sector.

• Experience in wellbeing initiatives, evaluation, or organisational leadership.

• The ability to implement wellbeing frameworks at scale in institutions, communities, or organisations.

Commitment Requirements

Applicants must show commitment to:

• Prevention-focused wellbeing strategies

• Evidence-based decision making

• Improving wellbeing outcomes in communities or organisations.

Required Documents for Scholarship Application

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should highlight:

• Professional experience

• Leadership roles

• Research or policy work related to wellbeing.

2. Statement of Purpose

This document should explain:

• Why you want to join the program

• How you will apply wellbeing frameworks in your organisation or community.

3. Professional or Academic References

Applicants must provide references supporting their suitability for the program.

4. Completed Application Form

The official scholarship application and enrolment form must be submitted before the deadline.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are selected through a competitive review process.

Applications are assessed based on:

• Professional background and leadership experience

• Relevance of applicant’s work to wellbeing research or implementation

• Ability to apply learning at organisational or community level

• Strength of references and application materials.

What Successful Scholars Receive

Students who receive the scholarship will gain:

• Full tuition support

• Professional certification from the institute

• Accreditation through the College of Professional Universal Wellbeing Practitioners

• Access to an international network of wellbeing researchers and practitioners.

Tips for International Applicants

To improve your chances of receiving the scholarship:

• Highlight leadership roles in wellbeing or social impact projects
• Demonstrate how you will apply the training to benefit communities or institutions
• Provide strong professional references
• Show evidence of research, evaluation, or policy experience

Summary

FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute offers fully funded international scholarships through the FREE Trust for professionals interested in wellbeing leadership and evaluation. These scholarships provide full tuition coverage for professional certificate programs and aim to develop global leaders who can implement evidence-based wellbeing systems in organisations, communities, and policy environments.