About the opportunity
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme helps build prosperity, security, and sustainable growth in partner countries while fostering lifetime connections to Aotearoa New Zealand. Funded by the New Zealand Government and managed by Education New Zealand, the scholarship offers recipients a globally recognized education and the tools to help their home countries achieve sustainable development. Scholars study at New Zealand’s world-class universities and institutes of technology across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Funding and benefits
- Full tuition fees
- A living allowance (stipend) to cover basic living costs
- Establishment allowance to help with set-up costs in New Zealand
- Medical and travel insurance
- Homeleave or airfares to and from your home country at the start and end of the scholarship
- Pastoral and academic support while studying in New Zealand
- Assistance with research and thesis costs for postgraduate research students
Who can apply?
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country or region listed on the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website
- Must meet academic entry requirements for the chosen study programme
- Must meet relevant work experience requirements if applicable
- Must commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship to apply your new skills and knowledge
Required documents
- Completed online application form
- Proof of citizenship (e.g., passport copy or birth certificate)
- Academic transcripts and graduation certificates
- Proof of meeting English language proficiency requirements where applicable
When to apply
- Tertiary applications for the primary round have closed.
- Specific application windows vary by country, region, and scholarship type (such as Samoa Foundation, which opens on 4 August 2026 and closes on 4 September 2026).
How to apply
- Check eligible countries and regions on the official Manaaki website.
- Complete the online eligibility questionnaire.
- Research available study subjects recommended for your country's needs and explore courses at New Zealand universities or institutes of technology.
- Submit an online application through the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships application portal during an active opening window.
Additional information
- The scholarship programme supports undergraduate and postgraduate study levels.
- Applicants should verify their country-specific opening and closing dates directly on the official portal.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students from eligible countries seeking high-quality undergraduate or postgraduate education in New Zealand.
- Individuals committed to returning to their home country for at least two years post-study to apply their skills.
- Applicants who meet the academic and English language requirements for their chosen field.
What should you think carefully about?
- The scholarship requires a mandatory return to your home country upon completion, which may affect long-term career plans.
- Application windows and eligibility vary significantly by country and region.
- The process is highly competitive and requires careful preparation of academic and personal documentation.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship offers a comprehensive path to gaining a world-class education while building international connections. It is ideal for students who want to gain specialized knowledge to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
Our take
Students from eligible countries should verify their specific application windows and apply if they are committed to the post-study return requirement. It is less suitable for those seeking to remain in New Zealand long-term.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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