Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for Foreign Students

Applications will open for the 2026-2027 intake of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. Offered by the New Zealand Government, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship program supports international students from selected eligible countries to pursue tertiary study in New Zealand and, for some Pacific applicants, at approved Pacific universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, living costs, and other approved expenses for the duration of the study programme.

This government scholarship program aims to support the economic and social development of eligible partner countries by training their citizens to gain skills and knowledge that contribute to national development. The scholarship is highly competitive, and selection is based on eligibility compliance, academic merit, work experience (for postgraduate applicants), leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to the applicant’s home country after graduation.

The New Zealand Government Scholarship is available only to citizens of eligible Pacific and Asian countries who wish to study in New Zealand (and for some Pacific applicants, at approved Pacific universities). Available qualifications include Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s Degree, PhD, and limited Undergraduate Degrees (Timor-Leste only). The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is a fully funded programme funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme and managed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Program Details

• Host Institution: Approved universities and institutes of technology in New Zealand, and two approved Pacific universities (for eligible Pacific citizens).
• Field of Study: Specific subjects recommended for each eligible country (applicants must align their proposed course with recommended subjects).
• Number of awards: Not specified.
• Duration: Undergraduate Degree (3–4 years, Timor-Leste only), Postgraduate Certificate (6 months), Postgraduate Diploma (1 year), Master’s Degree (1–2 years), PhD (3.5 years).
• Target group: Citizens of eligible Pacific and Asian countries only (see list below).

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Benefits

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is a fully funded programme that provides scholars with the following coverage:

1. Full tuition fees;
2. Living allowance (as determined by the programme);
3. Establishment allowance to assist with initial set-up costs;
4. Medical and travel insurance during the scholarship period;
5. Return travel between home country and study destination;
6. Support for English language training (for eligible preferred candidates who do not yet meet entry requirements, except PhD applicants);
7. Reintegration support upon return home;
8. Assistance with approved research and thesis costs for many postgraduate students.

Eligible Countries for the New Zealand Scholarship

Candidates must be citizens of one of the eligible countries listed below.

Asian countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.

Pacific countries

Option 1 (Scholarships to study in New Zealand): Fiji (postgraduate only), French Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna), Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Option 2 (Scholarships to study at a Pacific university): Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Host Institutions for the New Zealand Scholarship

Manaaki New Zealand Scholars can study at ten approved education institutions in New Zealand: eight universities and two institutes of technology.

1. Auckland University of Technology
2. Lincoln University
3. Massey University
4. University of Auckland
5. University of Canterbury
6. University of Otago
7. University of Waikato
8. Victoria University of Wellington
9. Southern Institute of Technology
10. Unitec Institute of Technology

Pacific Universities

Eligible Pacific citizens may also study at one of the two approved Pacific universities:

1. University of the South Pacific
2. Fiji National University

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Eligibility

To apply for this Oceania scholarship, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, including:

• Age requirements:
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old when their scholarship begins. Applicants may apply at 17 but must turn 18 before the scholarship start date (exception: Samoa Foundation applicants may commence at 17).
  • There is no upper age limit; however, preference is given to applicants under 40 years old.
• Residency requirement: Applicants must have lived in their home country for at least two years prior to applying (with limited exceptions such as diplomatic assignments).
• Work experience: Postgraduate applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or two years part-time). Work experience is not required for applicants applying directly after completing high school.
• Commitment to development: Scholars must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship to contribute to social or economic development.
• Academic and English requirements: Applicants must meet the academic and English language entry requirements of their chosen institution. English test scores are not required at the application stage but are required if shortlisted (for those studying in New Zealand).
• Visa requirements: Selected scholars must meet New Zealand student visa requirements.

Applicants must complete the online eligibility questionnaire before submitting a full application. The questionnaire checks citizenship, residency duration, work experience, previous scholarship history, and country eligibility.

How to Apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Eligible candidates who would like to apply for this government scholarship must follow the steps below:

1. Check that your country is eligible and confirm you meet all eligibility criteria;
2. Research recommended subjects and approved education institutions;
3. Submit an online application through the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal during the application window.

Tertiary applications for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme will open at midnight on 1 March 2026 and close at midday on 31 March 2026. The selection process can take six to ten months after applications close. Applicants should regularly check their email for updates. For full details, please visit the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website.