The New Zealand government offers fully funded scholarships to eligible international students, enabling them to pursue full-time studies at universities, technical institutes, and select institutions across New Zealand and the Pacific.
Host Institutions:
The scholarships apply to recognized universities and institutes of technology in New Zealand.
Available Study Levels & Fields:
These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Eligible fields of study generally align with the development priorities of the applicant’s home country, including areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, disaster risk management, private sector development, and public administration. A list of preferred fields of study per country is available.
Eligible Applicants:
The scholarships are open to citizens of designated countries in the Pacific and Asia. A full list of eligible countries can be found on the official website.
Scholarship Benefits:
Recipients receive extensive financial support, including:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- A weekly living allowance of NZ$615
- A one-time setup allowance of NZ$3,000
- Medical and travel insurance
- Round-trip travel between New Zealand and the recipient’s home country at the start and end of the program
- A funded trip home during the study period
- Support for research and thesis-related costs for postgraduate students
Detailed benefits are available in the official policy handbook.
Eligibility Criteria:
Age Requirement:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of their scholarship. Students applying at age 17 may be eligible if they turn 18 before beginning their studies. Exceptions are made for students from Samoa, who can start at age 17. Preference is given to candidates under 40 years old.
Visa Requirements:
Candidates must meet New Zealand’s student visa requirements.
Academic Requirements:
Applicants must select their preferred institutions and courses during the application process but do not need to have secured admission before being selected for the scholarship. They must meet the academic and English language requirements set by the chosen institution.
PhD applicants should engage with potential supervisors at New Zealand universities early. If invited for an interview, candidates must show evidence of securing or being in discussions with a supervisor.
English Language Proficiency:
Each institution sets its own English language requirements, but general guidelines are as follows:
For Postgraduate Programs:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (iBT): Minimum score of 90, with at least 21 in writing
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 58 (no communicative skills score below 50)
- Cambridge English (Advanced): Overall score of 176 (no bands below 169)
For Undergraduate Programs:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
- TOEFL (iBT): Minimum score of 80, with at least 21 in writing
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 50 (no communicative skills score below 42)
- Cambridge English (Advanced): Overall score of 169 (no bands below 162)
Commitment to Home Country Development:
Recipients are expected to contribute to the development of their home country for at least two years after completing their studies. Preference is given to applicants who have a clear plan to make a positive impact after their scholarship.
Residency Requirement:
Applicants must have resided in their home country for at least two years before applying, with exceptions for those on diplomatic assignments and their dependents.
Work Experience Requirement:
Postgraduate and mature undergraduate applicants must have relevant work experience. Eligible work experience includes:
- One year of full-time employment (30+ hours per week), or
- Two years of part-time employment (less than 30 hours per week)
Preference is given to candidates whose study areas align with their work experience and who plan to work in the same field after completing their studies.
How to Apply:
The next application round for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships opens on February 1, 2025. The application process varies by country, and most applicants must apply through region-specific online portals.
Application Deadline:
February 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM (midday, New Zealand time).
For more information, country-specific requirements, and access to the application portal, visit the official scholarship website.
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