New Zealand is a very sound country with the availability of all kinds of resources for better living. The country has only eight universities in total, and these universities of New Zealand rank among the top universities worldwide. Institutions like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington consistently rank in the top 3% globally.
Studying in New Zealand might be expensive for some students. Therefore, New Zealand provides a variety of fully and partially funded scholarships, which encompass tuition, living expenses, and travel expenses. Securing those scholarships for international students in New Zealand makes quality education more accessible to students worldwide.
Following are the scholarships for international students in New Zealand that students can explore for financial support and a better learning experience:
One of the most prestigious offerings by the New Zealand government is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. If you’re from an eligible developing country, this scholarship can fund your entire education journey.
Manaaki Scholarships are available to citizens from the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following:
Here’s a breakdown of the support you get:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Tuition Fees | 100% covered by the government |
| Living Allowance | NZD $531 per week |
| Establishment Allowance | NZD $3,000 (to cover accommodation, textbooks) |
| Medical and Travel Insurance | Fully covered |
| Travel Costs | Return economy airfare + travel expenses |
| Research & Thesis Support | For postgraduate students |
Applications typically open in February and close by the end of March. It’s an online process through the official Manaaki portal, where you submit academic documents, a personal statement, and references.
Besides some government programs for scholarships, universities in New Zealand offer their scholarships made for international students. These scholarships help reduce The scholarship covers tuition fees and often reward students for their academic excellence, leadership, and research potential. Below are some of the universities in New Zealand offering scholarships, including PhD scholarships in New Zealand.
| University | Scholarship | Eligibility Criteria | Award Amount (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Otago | Doctoral Scholarships | For international PhD students enrolled in a doctoral program. | $30,696 annual stipend + full domestic tuition fee waiver (up to 36 months) |
| International Master's Research Scholarship | For international students entering a research-focused Master’s program. | $17,172 stipend/year + partial tuition coverage | |
| Coursework Master's Scholarship | For international students enrolled in a coursework-based Master's program. | $10,000 towards tuition fees | |
| Lincoln University | Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship | Open to new international students enrolled full-time in undergraduate study. | $5,000 |
| International Pathway Merit Scholarship | For deserving international students enrolled in Certificate or Diploma in University Studies. | $2,500 | |
| International School Leavers Scholarship | For international school leavers starting full-time undergraduate study. | $10,000 | |
| International Undergraduate Scholarship | For students showing academic merit and English proficiency in undergraduate programs. | $3,000 | |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship | For academically talented new undergraduate international students. | $10,000 |
| Tongarewa Scholarship (for Excellence) | For new undergraduate and postgraduate students with strong academic records. | $5,000 or $10,000 | |
| Study Abroad Scholarship | For international students joining the Study Abroad programme. | One-off payment of $1,000 | |
| The University of Auckland | ELA High Achiever Award | For students who excel in English Language Academy (ELA) courses at the university. | $5,000 |
| International Student Excellence Scholarship | For international students starting a taught Master’s, PGDip, or Bachelor’s degree. | $10,000 towards compulsory fees | |
| ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship | For students from ASEAN nations applying to UG/PG Diploma/Master’s programmes. | $10,000 | |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | International Scholarship – Southeast Asia | For Southeast Asian students applying for UG or PG (excluding PhD) programmes of 120 points or more. | $5,000 |
| International Scholarship – Faculty of Culture and Society | For full-time international students accepted in programs under this faculty. | $7,000 | |
| University of Waikato | Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship | For new international undergraduate and postgraduate students. | Up to $15,000 |
| Michael Baldwin Memorial Scholarship | For students with financial need undertaking full-time study at Waikato. | $10,000 |
Each university has its application deadlines and criteria, so students are advised to regularly check the respective university websites for updated information.
There are also international scholarships available through global partnerships and regional programs that support study in New Zealand.
Jointly funded by the governments of the UK and New Zealand, these scholarships are open to students from Commonwealth nations pursuing postgraduate degrees. They usually cover full tuition, living costs, and travel.
Focused on students from Asia-Pacific countries, this scholarship supports postgraduate study in development, economics, and management, covering tuition, housing, medical insurance, and monthly allowance.
Let’s not sugarcoat it—studying abroad can be expensive. Between tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and materials, the costs add up fast. That’s why scholarships are a game changer.
They offer:
And the good news? New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships—many of them fully funded.
While each scholarship has unique requirements, most follow similar eligibility criteria:
Applying for scholarships in New Zealand involves several key steps. Here's how to go about it:
Given the competition, standing out is key. A strong personal statement that connects your academic goals with New Zealand’s offerings can significantly boost your chances. Focus on:
Flying to New Zealand for a better future comes with a lot of preparation and responsibility. Checking for better universities for financial management, every process is important for a student to study in New Zealand. While thinking of studying in a foreign country, the 1st thing that strikes the mind of a student is financial ability. So to reduce the stress, countries like New Zealand offer various government and university scholarships for their students. Join Aus Studies to gain better knowledge of the visa application process and the scholarship application process to study in New Zealand. Explore various scholarships in New Zealand that suit your needs, course, and career. We, with our experts, provide you with knowledge in every sector and in every step.
