Scholarships in New Zealand

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

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's 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.

1. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

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

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.

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.

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 the three top scholarships, highlighting government and non-government options.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.

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:

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​.

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 your potential, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for the scholarship. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your motivation and commitment and how you align with the scholarship’s objectives.

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.