New Zealand Scholarships for International Students

New Zealand universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best, and a range of scholarships, bursaries, and grants are available to help make studying there more accessible for international students. Funding is available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level, from both the New Zealand government and individual universities.

StudyIn works closely with New Zealand universities and can help you identify the scholarships you are most likely to be eligible for, and support you through the application process.

Types of Scholarships Available in New Zealand

New Zealand scholarships for international students broadly fall into three categories:

• Government-funded scholarships: Awarded by the New Zealand government, typically targeting students from developing countries or specific regions. These are the most prestigious and often the most competitive, covering tuition fees, living costs, and travel.
• University scholarships: Merit-based awards offered directly by New Zealand universities to attract high-achieving international students. These range from partial tuition waivers to full funding packages and are available at most institutions.
• Private and external scholarships: Offered by foundations, trusts, and professional organisations, often focused on specific subject areas, nationalities, or career pathways.

New Zealand Government Scholarships

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the New Zealand government’s flagship international scholarship programme, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). They are open to eligible citizens from developing countries across the Pacific, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, and cover both undergraduate and postgraduate study at New Zealand universities and approved education institutions.

The programme includes three main scholarship types:

• Full tertiary scholarships: For eligible international students to study full-time at undergraduate or postgraduate level at a New Zealand university or Pacific university. These cover tuition fees, living costs, travel, and health insurance.
• Short-term training scholarships for Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens: Short skills training and work experience programmes for workers from eligible Pacific countries and Timor-Leste.
• Short-term training scholarships for Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste: Short skills training opportunities for workers from eligible Southeast Asian countries and Timor-Leste.

Eligibility and open application periods vary by country. Students should check the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal at nzscholarships.govt.nz for country-specific information and deadlines.

New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships

The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand government and administered by MFAT. They are available to eligible citizens from Commonwealth developing countries seeking to undertake a master’s or PhD programme at a New Zealand university.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, a weekly living allowance, a setup allowance of NZD $3,000, and comprehensive medical and travel insurance. These scholarships are designed to support individual academic development while strengthening connections between New Zealand and Commonwealth partner nations.

New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)

The NZIDRS is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious doctoral funding awards, open to high-achieving international students from eligible countries who wish to pursue a PhD at a New Zealand university. Funded by the New Zealand government, it covers university tuition fees and student levies, a living stipend of up to NZD $25,000 per year, and three years of comprehensive health insurance. Competition for this scholarship is strong, and applicants are expected to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and clear research potential.

New Zealand ASEAN Scholar Awards (NZAS)

The New Zealand ASEAN Scholar Awards are a government-funded scholarship programme specifically for postgraduate students from Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and others. The programme aims to build long-term connections between New Zealand and ASEAN nations, and many alumni have gone on to leadership roles in government, business, and research in their home countries. Full details and eligibility criteria are available through MFAT.

University Scholarships in New Zealand

All eight New Zealand universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students. These are typically awarded automatically during the admissions process or require a separate scholarship application. Below are some of the most notable examples:

New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

The New Zealand Excellence Awards are co-funded by Education New Zealand and participating New Zealand universities. They are open to international students from eligible countries applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, and provide partial tuition support to academically talented applicants. Award values and eligibility vary by institution and intake. Students should confirm current values and application requirements directly with their chosen university or through StudyIn.

University of Otago International Scholarships

The University of Otago offers a range of scholarships to international students, several of which require no separate application and are assessed automatically during the admissions process. These include the University of Otago Global Scholarship (NZD $15,000 for undergraduate international students) and the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students, for high-achieving applicants commencing a full-time bachelor’s degree. Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships are also available.

Victoria University of Wellington International Scholarships

Victoria University of Wellington offers both undergraduate and postgraduate international scholarships, including the VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship and the VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship, introduced in 2025. Doctoral students at VUW may also be eligible for the Victoria Doctoral Scholarship. Students from eligible countries can additionally apply for fully funded study through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme in partnership with VUW.

Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Scholarship

Sponsored by Palmerston North City Council, this scholarship supports international students choosing Palmerston North as their study destination, providing NZD $1,000 towards first-year tuition fees for career-based undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It is available to international students studying at institutions in the Palmerston North region, including Massey University.

How to Apply for a Scholarship in New Zealand

Scholarship application processes vary significantly by award. However, the following general guidance applies to most New Zealand scholarship applications:

• Start early: Many scholarship deadlines fall several months before the academic intake. Government scholarships in particular often close six to nine months before the start of study.
• Check eligibility carefully: Most scholarships have specific nationality, academic level, or subject area requirements. Applying for awards you are not eligible for wastes valuable time.
• Prepare a strong personal statement: Most competitive scholarships require a statement of purpose or scholarship essay. This should clearly articulate your academic background, career goals, and why studying in New Zealand is the right choice for you.
• Secure strong references: Academic references from professors or supervisors who can speak to your ability and potential are essential for most government and university scholarships.
• Apply to multiple scholarships: You are not limited to one application. Applying to several awards, across both government and university schemes, increases your chances of success.

Find a Scholarship

Are you looking for a scholarship, grant, or bursary? Contact StudyIn, and we can help you find funding for your studies in New Zealand. If you have any questions, arrange a free consultation with today.

FAQs

Are there scholarships for international students in New Zealand?

Yes. A wide range of scholarships are available to international students in New Zealand, including government-funded awards such as the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships and the NZIDRS, as well as merit-based awards offered directly by universities. Funding is available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level.

Can I get a fully funded scholarship to study in New Zealand?

Yes, although fully funded scholarships are competitive. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships and New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships both offer full funding packages covering tuition fees, living costs, travel, and health insurance for eligible students from developing countries. The NZIDRS provides full doctoral funding for eligible PhD applicants.

How do I apply for a New Zealand government scholarship?

Government scholarships such as the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are applied for through the official MFAT scholarship portal at nzscholarships.govt.nz. Application windows vary by country, and deadlines typically fall six to nine months before the intended start of study. StudyIn can help you identify which government scholarships you are eligible for.

Do New Zealand universities offer scholarships to international students?

Yes. All eight New Zealand universities offer some form of merit-based scholarship to international students. Some, such as the University of Otago Global Scholarship, are assessed automatically during the admissions process with no separate application required. Others require students to submit a dedicated scholarship application with supporting documents.

When should I apply for scholarships in New Zealand?

As early as possible. Government scholarship deadlines often fall six to nine months before the academic year begins. University scholarship deadlines vary by institution but typically align with early admissions rounds. Missing a scholarship deadline by even a few days can result in your application not being considered.

Can I apply for more than one New Zealand scholarship?

Yes. Applying to multiple scholarships, across both government and university schemes, is encouraged and increases your chances of receiving funding. Some scholarships can even be held concurrently, though this varies by award. StudyIn can help you build a scholarship application strategy tailored to your profile.

Do I need to return home after my scholarship ends?

This depends on the specific scholarship. Some government-funded scholarships, particularly the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, include a requirement for recipients to return to their home country and contribute to its development after completing their studies. University and private scholarships generally do not include this requirement. Always check the terms and conditions of any scholarship before accepting.