New Zealand is quite a popular study destination for international students to pursue higher education. According to the latest statistics, there were over 100,000 international students enrolled in New Zealand institutions in 2023, an increase of 8% from the previous year. The main reasons why international students choose New Zealand include the high quality of education and research, with eight universities ranked among the top 500 in the world, and the endless opportunities for personal and professional growth, with a range of courses and programs that suit different interests and goals. However, studying in New Zealand can also be expensive for many students, especially those from developing countries. The average tuition fee for international students in New Zealand was 32,000 NZD per year in 2023, and the cost of living was estimated to be 15,000 NZD per year. These costs can pose a significant financial burden for students and their families and may deter some from pursuing their dreams. Fortunately, many scholarships are available for international students who want to study in New Zealand. New Zealand scholarships for international students help cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other related expenses. Some scholarships are offered by the New Zealand government, some by universities and institutions, and some by other organizations and foundations. These scholarships have different eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits, depending on the source and the level of study.
In this article, we will explore some of the most prominent scholarships in New Zealand for international students, and provide some tips on applying for them successfully.
Types of New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
Government scholarships: These are scholarships that are funded and administered by the New Zealand government or its agencies. These scholarships are usually aimed at supporting the development goals of New Zealand and its partner countries, as well as fostering academic and cultural exchange. The government scholarships are open to students from various regions and fields of study, depending on the specific scholarship program. The government scholarships cover most or all of the costs of studying in New Zealand, such as tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance.
Non-government scholarships: These are scholarships that are funded and administered by other sources, such as education providers, private organizations, or foreign governments. These scholarships are usually based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the sponsor’s interests or objectives. The non-government scholarships may vary in the amount and duration of the funding, as well as the eligibility and application requirements. The non-government scholarships may cover part or all of the costs of studying in New Zealand, depending on the specific scholarship program.
University-specific scholarships: These are scholarships that are offered by individual education providers in New Zealand. These scholarships are usually based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the university’s interests or objectives. The university-specific scholarships may vary in the amount and duration of the funding, as well as the eligibility and application requirements. The university-specific scholarships may cover part or all of the costs of studying in New Zealand, depending on the specific scholarship program.
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Top New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships were formerly known as the New Zealand Development Scholarships and the New Zealand Regional Development Scholarships. They were rebranded in 2020 to reflect the concept of manaaki, which means to show respect, generosity, and care for others in Māori culture. The scholarships aim to foster a lifelong connection between New Zealand and the scholars, who are expected to contribute to the development of their home countries after completing their studies. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships support sustainable development in partner countries and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The scholarships are offered to students from more than 80 eligible countries, mostly in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
These scholarships are funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and managed by Education New Zealand (ENZ), in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The number of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships varies each year depending on the availability of funds and the demand from partner countries. In 2020, there were 650 new scholars from 37 countries who started their studies in New Zealand under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program. In 2021, there were 550 new scholars from 34 countries who were awarded the scholarships. The total number of active Manaaki New Zealand Scholars in 2021 was about 1,500.
Eligibility:
- You must be a citizen of an eligible country and have resided in that country for at least two years at the time of application.
- You must be at least 18 years old at the start of your scholarship.
- You must have at least one year of full-time work experience relevant to your proposed field of study (unless you are applying for a PhD).
- You must meet the academic and English language requirements for your preferred program of study in New Zealand.
- You must have an unconditional offer of admission from a New Zealand education institution that is approved to enroll Manaaki New Zealand Scholars.
- You must have a clear vision of how your study will benefit your home country and align with the priority sectors or subjects for your country.
- You must be committed to return to your home country and work for at least two years after completing your scholarship to contribute to your country’s development.
- You must not have citizenship or permanent residence status of New Zealand, Australia, or any other developed country (except if you are a citizen of Niue, Cook Islands, Tokelau, or a dual citizen of Samoa).
- You must not have previously studied in New Zealand or another developed country for more than one year on a scholarship funded by the New Zealand Government or another government.
- You must not be serving military personnel or be employed by a government ministry or agency that has a staff retention policy that would conflict with your obligation to return to your home country after your scholarship.
- You must not have been terminated from a New Zealand Government Scholarship for failing to meet the conditions of your scholarship contract.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees for your approved program of study in New Zealand.
- A fortnightly living allowance of 491 NZD (tax-free) to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and utilities.
- A one-off establishment allowance of 3,000 NZD tax-free) to help with initial costs such as accommodation bonds, textbooks, and other study materials.
- A return economy airfare from your home country to New Zealand at the start and end of your scholarship.
- A travel allowance of NZD 1,000 tax-free) per year to cover the cost of travel within New Zealand related to your study or research.
- Medical and travel insurance cover for the duration of your scholarship.
- A research and thesis allowance of NZD 1,500 for master’s scholars and NZD 3,000 for PhD scholars to cover the cost of research and thesis preparation.
- Pastoral and academic support from your education institution and ENZ, including access to orientation programs, workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
- A visa fee waiver for a student visa application.
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships, also known as Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, are fully-funded scholarships provided by the New Zealand government to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships aim to enable talented individuals from Commonwealth nations to pursue postgraduate studies in New Zealand and contribute to the development of their home countries. The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships were established in 1959 as part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), an international program that supports students from Commonwealth countries to study in other Commonwealth countries. The CSFP was created at the first Commonwealth Education Conference in Oxford, UK, in 1959, and was inspired by the vision of the then UK Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, to create a “British Commonwealth of Nations” that would promote cultural and educational exchange among its members. These scholarships are funded and administered by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), through its Education New Zealand division. The scholarships are offered in partnership with New Zealand universities and other education providers, which provide academic support and supervision to the scholars. The number of New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships varies each year depending on the availability of funds and the quality of applications. In 2020, 30 scholarships were awarded to students from 18 Commonwealth countries. In 2021, 35 scholarships were awarded to students from 19 Commonwealth countries.
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country other than New Zealand or Australia.
- Have at least two years of work experience in a relevant field.
- Have an unconditional offer of admission or a confirmed place in a postgraduate program (master’s or PhD) at a New Zealand university or education provider.
- Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification that is comparable to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree.
- Have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for master’s level or 6.0 for PhD level, or an equivalent score in another approved English language test.
- Be able to start their studies in New Zealand by February of the year following their application.
- Be committed to return to their home country and contribute to its development for at least two years after completing their studies.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- A living allowance of 491 NZD per week for single students or 633 NZD per week for students with dependents.
- An establishment allowance of 3,000 NZD for single students or 4,000 NZD for students with dependents, to cover initial expenses such as accommodation, books, and equipment.
- Medical and travel insurance cover for the duration of the scholarship.
- A travel allowance to cover the cost of return airfares from the home country to New Zealand.
- A research and thesis allowance of up to 1500 NZD for master’s students or up to 3000 NZD for PhD students, to cover the cost of research-related expenses such as fieldwork, data collection, and printing.
- Pastoral and academic support from the education provider and MFAT, including orientation, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships
The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) are scholarships for international students who want to pursue a PhD degree at a New Zealand university. The NZIDRS is funded by the New Zealand government and administered by Education New Zealand (ENZ). The NZIDRS was established in 2005 to attract high-quality international students to New Zealand and to enhance the country’s research and innovation capacity1. Since then, the NZIDRS has supported more than 300 doctoral students from over 50 countries to study in New Zealand.
Eligibility:
- You must be a citizen of any country except New Zealand, Australia, or Fiji
- You must hold a minimum equivalent GPA of 3.6/4.0 or an A to A+ average in your most recent or highest postgraduate qualification
- You must have an unconditional offer of admission to a Ph.D. program at a New Zealand university
- You must conduct your PhD study in New Zealand (not from a distance)
- You must have a clear academic or career relevance for your proposed research topic
- You must have a well-defined and achievable outcome for your research project
- You must demonstrate a commitment to New Zealand’s research and innovation agenda
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees and associated student levies
- An annual living stipend of 25,000 NZD (tax-free)
- Medical insurance coverage up to 600 NZD per year
- Visa application costs up to 1,000 NZD
- Return flights to New Zealand up to 6,000 NZD
- Book and thesis preparation allowance up to 1,500 NZD
New Zealand Excellence Awards Scholarships
The New Zealand Excellence Awards Scholarships (NZEA) are jointly funded by Education New Zealand (ENZ) and New Zealand’s eight universities, which are among the best in the world. As per the QS World Rankings 2024, all of them rank within the top 3% of universities worldwide.
The NZEA was launched in 2016 as a pilot program to attract high-achieving Indian students to New Zealand. Since then, the NZEA has awarded scholarships to more than 100 Indian students. The NZEA 2023-24 awards feature an overall package of 320,000 NZD offering eligible Indian students an opportunity to study at world-class New Zealand universities and experience a warm welcoming multicultural society. The NZEA 2023-24 awards offered 29 scholarships for the undergraduate level and 6 scholarships for the postgraduate level. Each scholarship has a value of up to 10,000 NZD towards the first-year tuition fees.
Eligibility:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Hold current citizenship of India (and not be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia)
- Must meet Immigration New Zealand’s requirements for a student visa
- Applicant should be residing in India at the time of application
- Hold an unconditional offer for one of the NZEA-eligible courses
Benefits:
- Financial support for the first-year tuition fees at a New Zealand university
- Access to high-quality education and research facilities
- Exposure to real work scenarios and applied learning approaches
- Opportunity to experience New Zealand’s culture, lifestyle, and natural beauty
- Chance to join a network of NZEA alumni and mentors
- Possibility to work part-time while studying and full-time during holidays
- Potential to apply for a post-study work visa after graduation
University-Specific Scholarships
The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) International Excellence Scholarship, is open to students who have an excellent academic record and demonstrate leadership potential. The scholarship covers up to 7,500 NZD towards the tuition fees for undergraduate or postgraduate programs at AUT. The benefits of this scholarship include access to high-quality education, exposure to a multicultural campus, and opportunities to network with other international students and alumni.
Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarship, is awarded to students who have achieved a minimum GPA of 75% in their previous qualification and are enrolled in a taught master’s program at Lincoln University. The scholarship covers 10,000 NZD towards the tuition fees for the first year of study. The benefits of this scholarship include support for research and innovation, access to world-class facilities and experts, and a chance to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand.
Massey University Doctoral Scholarship, which is available for both domestic and international students who are enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Massey University. The scholarship provides a stipend of 25,000 NZD per annum and covers the tuition fees for up to three years. The benefits of this scholarship include financial security, academic excellence, and contribution to the advancement of knowledge and society.
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Tips for Applying to New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
Research Scholarships: Begin by thoroughly researching the scholarships available in New Zealand. The government, universities, private organizations, and international entities offer various scholarships. Each scholarship may have different eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines.
Understand Eligibility Criteria: Pay close attention to the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Ensure that you meet all the requirements before investing time and effort into the application process. Eligibility criteria may include academic merit, financial need, nationality, field of study, and more.
Prepare in Advance: Start preparing for scholarship applications well in advance. Gather all the necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and essays. Take note of any standardized tests required, such as the IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency.
Customize Your Application: Tailor your application for each scholarship you apply to. Highlight your achievements, experiences, and aspirations that align with the scholarship’s objectives and criteria. Personalize your essays and statements to demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment.
Emphasize Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: Showcase your leadership skills, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and any relevant volunteer work. Scholarship providers often value well-rounded individuals who have made meaningful contributions beyond academics.
Seek Guidance and Feedback: Seek guidance from mentors, teachers, or advisors who can provide valuable insights and feedback on your scholarship application. They can help you refine your essays, review your application materials, and offer constructive criticism.
Submit a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement or essay is your opportunity to make a compelling case for why you deserve the scholarship. Be sincere, articulate, and persuasive in expressing your academic goals, and career aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and ensure that you submit your application well before the due date. Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered, so plan your time effectively to avoid any last-minute rush.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Read the application instructions and guidelines thoroughly, and adhere to them meticulously. Failure to follow instructions or provide the required documentation may result in your application being disqualified.
Stay Persistent and Positive: Applying for scholarships can be competitive, so it’s essential to stay persistent and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Don’t get discouraged by rejections, and continue seeking out other scholarship opportunities.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no shortage of New Zealand scholarships for international students. Many scholarships are available for different levels and fields of study, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, and from engineering to arts and humanities. However, applying for a scholarship requires careful research, planning, and preparation. Students need to consider all the factors that affect their eligibility, such as academic performance, country of origin, area of interest, and leadership potential. They also need to make informed decisions about which scholarship suits their goals and needs best, and how to meet the application deadlines and requirements. Moreover, they need to prepare good applications that showcase their achievements, skills, and motivation. They can seek advice from their education providers, scholarship sponsors, or other sources to improve their chances of success. For more information regarding the same contact our experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
