New Zealand Scholarships for International Students for 2024-2025

13 min read

A staggering 69,000 international students have chosen New Zealand as their academic home in 2023. 

You could also benefit from New Zealand scholarships for international students and work part-time to manage your living expenses.

New Zealand offers an ideal academic and personal growth setting with its high-ranking universities, diverse scholarship options, and stunning natural environment.

This blog will guide you through the various scholarship opportunities for international students like you.

Key Highlights

This table provides a concise overview of the essential aspects of New Zealand scholarships for international students. 

Category	Details
Types of Scholarships	Government-funded, non-governmental, and university-specific scholarships
New Zealand Scholarships for International Students	Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, NZIDRS, New Zealand Excellence Awards
Fully Funded Scholarships	Manaaki and Commonwealth Scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarships	University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, University of Otago Global Scholarships
New Zealand Master’s Scholarships for International Students	NZIS, Tongarewa Scholarship
New Zealand PhD Scholarships for International Students	NZIDRS, Marsden Fund Doctoral Scholarships, University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria	Includes age (18+), residency, work experience, academic excellence, and English proficiency
Application Process	Requires transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays, and proof of English proficiency

Types of New Zealand Scholarships for International Students

New Zealand offers a variety of scholarships tailored to international students like you, helping to ease the financial burden of studying abroad.

These scholarships fall into three categories: government-funded, non-governmental, and university-specific.

Here’s a closer look at each type, with examples of New Zealand scholarships for international students.

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

The New Zealand government provides scholarships to attract top international students like you. These scholarships often include obligations, such as a requirement to return to your home country after graduation to contribute to its development. Here are some examples.

• Fulbright New Zealand General Graduate Awards
• New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
• Commonwealth Scholarships

2. Non-Governmental Scholarships

Non-governmental organisations also offer scholarships to support international students in New Zealand. These scholarships are typically awarded based on specific criteria like leadership potential, community service, or alignment with the organisation’s mission. Here are some examples.

• Rotary International Scholarships
• New Zealand-ASEAN Scholar Awards (NZ-AS)

3. University-Specific Scholarships

New Zealand universities offer scholarships to attract and support international students. These scholarships are usually merit-based and often tailored to attract students with exceptional academic achievements or unique talents to enhance the university’s diversity and reputation. Here are some examples.

• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
• Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship
• University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship

Top New Zealand Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

Securing a scholarship can significantly reduce your financial burden when considering studying in New Zealand.

Did you know? The University of Otago Global Scholarships offer benefits to new international Bachelor degree students from China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam who are commencing their studies in 2025 or 2026.

Here’s a table of three key New Zealand undergraduate scholarships for international students that you should explore.

New Zealand Scholarships for International Students	University	Amount Offered
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship	University of Auckland	Up to NZD 10,000 (INR 5.2L)
Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship	Victoria University of Wellington	Up to NZD 10,000 (INR 5.2L)
University of Otago Global Scholarships	University of Otago	NZD 15,000 (INR 7.7L)

1. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship is designed to attract high-caliber international students like you for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Below are the key eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Student Status	Must be a new international student
Academic Requirement	Minimum GPA of 6.00
Program Requirement	Must have an offer of admission to an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program
Enrollment	Must be enrolled full-time and on campus

2. Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship

The Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington provides partial tuition fee assistance to international students like you. Here are the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Student Status	Must be an international student paying full fees
Program Requirement	First-year undergraduate or postgraduate student
Academic Excellence	Demonstrated academic excellence
Program Restrictions	Not available to students who completed their secondary education in New Zealand or those already in the second year of their program

3. University of Otago Global Scholarships

The University of Otago Global Scholarships are available to international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Here are the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Student Status	Must be an international student
Program Requirement	Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Selection Basis	Based on academic merit and potential contribution to the university community

Top New Zealand, Master’s Scholarships for International Students

If you plan to pursue a master’s degree in New Zealand, scholarships can greatly reduce your financial burden.

For instance, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (government-funded) cover full tuition and living expenses for students from eligible countries.

Below is a table of three top scholarships highlighting government and non-government options.

Scholarship Name	University/Provider	Amount Offered
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Government)	New Zealand Government	Fully funded
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (Non-Government)	University of Auckland	Fully funded
Kathleen Ann Stevens Scholarship (Non-Government)	Lincoln University	NZD 2,500 (INR 1.3L)

1. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Government)

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are prestigious, fully funded scholarships offered by the New Zealand government to students from developing countries. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and research funding.

Here are the eligibility criteria for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Age Requirement	Must be at least 18 years old; preference is given to those under 40.
Residency Requirement	Must have lived in their home country for at least 2 years before applying.
Academic Requirement	Must meet the university’s admission requirements, including English language proficiency.
Development Commitment	Must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to their country’s development after study.

2. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (Non-Government)

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program is a non-governmental scholarship funded by the Asian Development Bank in collaboration with the Government of Japan.

Here are the eligibility criteria for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Nationality Requirement	Must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country.
Professional Experience	Requires at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience after completing a degree.
Academic Requirement	Must have gained admission to an approved master’s course at a designated institution.
Age Requirement	Must be under 35 years of age, unless waived in exceptional cases.

3. Kathleen Ann Stevens Scholarship (Non-Government)

The Kathleen Ann Stevens Scholarship is a non-governmental scholarship offered by Lincoln University, focusing on international students pursuing postgraduate studies, particularly in Humanities or Social Sciences.

Here are the eligibility criteria for the Kathleen Ann Stevens Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Student Status	Must be an international student applying for postgraduate studies. | Must be a graduate of Lincoln University.
Academic Requirement	Focuses on academic merit and leadership qualities.
Field of Study	Postgraduate study into animal science or wool science.

Top New Zealand PhD Scholarships for International Students

Several scholarships can make this journey more affordable if you’re considering pursuing a PhD in New Zealand.

For instance, the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS), fully funded by the New Zealand government, cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs. Making it one of the most comprehensive New Zealand scholarships for international students.

Below is a table of the three top PhD scholarships available.

Scholarship Name	University/Provider	Amount Offered
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) (Government)	New Zealand Government	Fully funded
University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship (Government)	University of Otago	NZD 32,544 (INR 16.8L) stipend per annum
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (Government)	University of Auckland	NZD 33,825 (INR 17.5L) per annum

1. New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) (Government)

The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) are prestigious, fully funded scholarships that aim to attract and retain top international researchers to New Zealand.

Here are the eligibility criteria for the NZIDRS.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students; New Zealand citizens or permanent residents are ineligible.
Academic Requirement	Hold a minimum equivalent 3.6/4.0 GPA OR A / A+ average in your most recent or highest postgraduate tertiary qualification.
Field of Study	Applicable to all fields of study available at New Zealand universities.
Commitment	Must demonstrate research potential and contribute to the academic and research environment in New Zealand.

2. University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship (Government)

The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship supports both domestic and international students pursuing a PhD at the University of Otago. This scholarship provides a stipend along with a tuition fee waiver, helping to reduce the financial burden for you during your doctoral studies.

Here are the eligibility criteria for the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Student Status	Open to both domestic and international students.
Academic Requirement	Must have a GPA of 8.0 (A-grade) or higher and have completed an Honours or Master’s degree with a research component.
Enrollment	Must be enrolled or intending to enroll in a full-time PhD program at the University of Otago.

3. University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (Government)

The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship is a competitive scholarship designed to support high-achieving international and domestic students pursuing doctoral studies.

Here are the eligibility criteria for the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Student Status	Open to both domestic and international students.
Academic Requirement	Must meet the University of Auckland’s doctoral program entry requirements.
Enrollment	Must be enrolled or applying for full-time doctoral study at the University of Auckland.

Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students

New Zealand provides a variety of fully funded scholarships to support international students across different levels of study.

These scholarships cover all essential costs, ensuring you can focus entirely on your academic pursuits. Below is a table of two fully funded scholarships available to international students like you.

Scholarship Name	University/Provider	Amount Offered
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships	New Zealand Government	Fully funded
Fulbright New Zealand Graduate Awards	Fulbright New Zealand	Fully funded

1. New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships 

Commonwealth Scholarships are a prestigious part of the NZAID scholarship program, designed to support international students like you from Commonwealth countries studying in New Zealand.

As a recipient of a Commonwealth Scholarship, you can pursue your academic goals at several top universities in New Zealand, including:

• Auckland University of Technology
• Lincoln University
• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury

2. Fulbright New Zealand Graduate Awards

The Fulbright New Zealand Graduate Awards are prestigious scholarships offered to US citizens who wish to pursue postgraduate study or research in New Zealand.

These awards are part of the broader Fulbright Program, which fosters academic and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries. Recipients receive funding that covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for up to one academic year. 

Here are a few key details.

• Covers full tuition, living allowances, and travel expenses.
• Focuses on fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic collaboration.

Scholarships in New Zealand: New Zealand Excellence Awards

The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) is a prestigious scholarship program designed for you as an Indian student.

This program, jointly funded by New Zealand’s top eight universities and Education New Zealand, aims to attract talented Indian students like you to pursue your studies in New Zealand.

Key Details of the New Zealand Excellence Awards

Category	Details
Postgraduate Students	NZD 10,000 (approx. INR 5.2L) each
Undergraduate Students	NZD 10,000 (approx. INR 5.2L) each
Eligibility	Open to Indian students applying to any of the eight participating universities
Universities Offering NZEA	Lincoln University, Massey University, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Victoria University of Wellington, The University of Waikato

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Scholarships in New Zealand: Application Requirements

Applying for scholarships in New Zealand typically involves an online application process, which requires you first to secure admission to a New Zealand educational institution. Once you’ve applied to study, you can proceed with your scholarship application.

Below are the general requirements you’ll need to fulfil.

• Academic Transcripts: You must provide scanned copies of transcripts or mark sheets from your previous academic courses.
• Letters of Recommendation: 2-3 scanned copies of recommendation letters from authorised personnel, such as professors or employers, is required.
• Personal Essay: You’ll need to submit a self-written essay, often detailing your academic goals, motivations, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
• Passport or Student Visa: Your application must include a scanned copy of your passport or student visa.
• English Proficiency Test Results: Depending on the program, you may need to provide proof of your English language proficiency through test results such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A scanned copy of your CV detailing your academic and professional background is required.
• Photographs: Photos of the applicant are usually required for identification purposes.

Some scholarship programs may also ask for extra documents, such as sports certificates or proof of participation in extracurricular activities. These documents can enhance your application by showcasing a well-rounded profile​.

Selection Process for Scholarships in New Zealand

The selection process for New Zealand scholarships for international students varies across different scholarship programs. However, most programs follow a similar structured approach to evaluate and select the most deserving candidates.

Here are the typical steps involved in the selection process.

1. Screening

All submitted documents are meticulously verified and assessed to meet the essential eligibility criteria.This includes checking the completeness and accuracy of the application materials.

2. Feedback 1

After the initial screening, you will receive an update on the status of your application. This feedback indicates whether you have progressed to the next stage or if additional information is required.

3. Psychological Tests

Some New Zealand scholarships for international students require you to undergo psychological assessments. These tests may include abstract reasoning and personality evaluations to gauge cognitive abilities and personal traits relevant to academic and social success.

4. Interview

The final stage typically involves one or more interviews, often conducted online. During the interview(s), you are assessed on their potential, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for the scholarship. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate their motivation and commitment and how they align with the scholarship’s objectives.

Scholarships in New Zealand: Student Loans

In New Zealand, students with strong academic merit can access student loans to help finance their education.

Popular schools and financial institutions offer these loans to eligible candidates. They cover a range of educational expenses, including tuition fees, course-related costs, and living expenses.

Here are the key conditions and features of student loans in New Zealand:

1. Eligibility Criteria

• You can apply for student loans if you transition from secondary school to college.
• Even if you are bankrupt, you may qualify for a student loan, depending on your circumstances.

2. Loan Coverage

• Tuition Fees: Student loans can be used to cover the total cost of tuition for your chosen course.
• Course-Related Fees: The loan can also cover additional fees related to your course, such as textbooks, lab fees, or equipment costs.
• Living Expenses: The loan can include funds for living expenses, helping to support accommodation, food, and other daily needs while studying.

3. Interest-Free Loans

One of the most attractive features of student loans in New Zealand is that they are interest-free, provided certain conditions are met.

This makes it easier to manage your finances during and after your studies, as you only need to repay the principal amount borrowed.

To Conclude

There are many options for New Zealand scholarships for international studentslike you, ranging from fully funded options like the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships to specialised programs like the New Zealand Excellence Awards for Indian students.

With opportunities available at all of New Zealand’s top universities, these scholarships not only make education more accessible but also allow you to experience one of the most beautiful and academically renowned countries in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions