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Are there scholarships available for my course and what is the eligibility criteria in New Zealand for a Master's?

25 Aug 2026 · Answered by Saru Sharma · 2 min read
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Yes, New Zealand offers Master's scholarships through three routes: government awards like Manaaki (full tuition plus around NZD 531 weekly stipend), university merit awards worth NZD 5,000 to 20,000, and subject grants. You generally need a B+ average, IELTS 6.5, and a confirmed admission offer.

Saru Sharma
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Yes, you have real scholarship options for your Master's in New Zealand, and your eligibility depends on which category you target. Government-funded awards give you the most money but ask for strict conditions, while university and subject scholarships are easier to combine with a normal admission file. Once you confirm your course and home country, you can shortlist the exact awards that fit your profile.

Scholarship Types and What They Cover

ScholarshipTypeValueKey Condition
Manaaki New Zealand ScholarshipGovernmentFull tuition, travel, insurance, about NZD 531/week stipendReturn home for 2 years after graduation
Commonwealth ScholarshipGovernmentFull funding for Master's/PhDStrong first-class or upper-second undergraduate record
University of Auckland Excellence AwardUniversity meritNZD 10,000 to 20,000Exceptional GPA, automatic consideration
Otago Research Master's ScholarshipUniversity meritFull tuition waiver plus NZD 18,204 stipendResearch-based Master's enrollment
Victoria Wellington Tongarewa ScholarshipUniversity meritNZD 5,000 to 10,000Strong academic profile
SEG ScholarshipSubject-specificNZD 3,000 to 7,000Geophysics or geoscience course

Baseline Eligibility You Must Meet

  • A completed Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution
  • A B+ average or roughly 75 to 80 percent for merit-based awards
  • IELTS overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT 90 or higher
  • A valid conditional or unconditional Master's offer before your scholarship application is reviewed

My Advice

Do not wait for your offer letter to start scholarship research. Apply to your target university first, then submit merit scholarship forms the same week your offer arrives, since several of these, like Auckland's award, are considered automatically only at that stage. If you belong to an eligible country and have relevant work experience, treat the Manaaki scholarship as your first serious application rather than a backup plan.

More expert answers

Vishnu priyanga
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Yes, scholarships are available for international students pursuing a Master's in the UK or New Zealand for Jan 2027, including those with a background in Pharmacy and a graduation GPA of 6.2.

- UK: Many universities offer automatic consideration for scholarships based on academic merit and nationality. Typical awards range from £3,000 - £6,500 for eligible international students.
- New Zealand: Several universities provide postgraduate scholarships for international students. Eligibility and application processes vary by university and are subject to change.

Application processes differ - some scholarships require a separate application, while others consider you automatically when you apply to the course. Scholarship details, deadlines, and requirements can change, so stay updated.

For tailored guidance and support with scholarship applications, please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

Rakshitha Muthukumar
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Yes, scholarships are available for international students pursuing a Master's in Artificial Intelligence in New Zealand.

Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students in postgraduate programs. The exact amount and eligibility criteria vary by institution, but your strong academic background (GPA 7.8) and relevant experience make you a competitive candidate.

Scholarship options and amounts are subject to change each year. For the latest opportunities and personalized guidance, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

Prakhar Pragy Dixit
Prakhar Pragy Dixit Verified
Leap Scholar's Counsellor
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Yes, scholarships are available for international students pursuing management or marketing master's courses in New Zealand.

- Several universities offer scholarships specifically for business, management, or marketing programs.
- Eligibility usually depends on your academic record (typically a minimum GPA or equivalent) and sometimes your background or country of origin.
- Application process varies: some scholarships are automatic with your course application, while others require a separate application.

Scholarship details and criteria are subject to change. For personalized guidance on current options and next steps, please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

Hardika Gautam
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Leap Scholar's Counsellor
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Yes, you are eligible to apply for several scholarships at New Zealand universities for your master's studies, given your strong academic record (8.2/10 in engineering) and extensive work experience (over 11 years).

- Merit-based scholarships: Many universities in New Zealand offer scholarships for international master's students with high academic achievement.
- Typical requirements: Strong undergraduate grades and relevant work experience, both of which you have.
- Availability: Scholarship offerings, funding levels, and eligibility criteria are subject to change each year.

You should discuss your target universities and courses with your LeapScholar counsellor to shortlist the most suitable scholarships for your profile and intake.

Sai Sunayan Reddy P
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Yes, several scholarships are available for Indian students pursuing a master's in New Zealand, each with specific eligibility criteria.

- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: Covers full tuition, living allowance, airfare, and more. For Indian citizens with strong academics applying to full-time master's programs. Application for 2027 intake typically opens around March 2027.

- University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship: Stipend of NZD 18,204 plus tuition waiver up to NZD 35,000 for thesis-based master's. Automatic consideration for international students with excellent academics.

- University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship: Up to NZD 20,000 towards tuition for Indian students in master's programs. Application deadlines: 1 April 2026 (Semester 2) and 23 October 2025 (Semester 1).

- University of Canterbury UC Master's Scholarship: NZD 14,000 stipend plus domestic tuition for research-based master's. For international students with strong academic records.

- Victoria University of Wellington Postgraduate International Scholarship: NZD 10,000 towards tuition. Automatic consideration for full-time master's students.

- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship: Tuition waivers and grants for research-focused master's students with strong academics.

Most scholarships require:
- Strong academic performance
- Admission or conditional offer to a full-time master's program
- Some are specific to research/thesis-based degrees

Scholarship amounts, deadlines, and criteria are subject to change.

Komal Yadav
Komal Yadav Verified
Leap Scholar's Counsellor
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Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities for Indian students pursuing a master's in New Zealand. Key options include:

- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: Covers full tuition, living allowance, airfare, and insurance. Eligibility requires Indian citizenship, age 18+, at least two years’ residency in India, and relevant work experience (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time). You must return to India for at least two years after graduation.

- New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA): Offers NZD 7,500 - 15,000 towards tuition. Requires Indian citizenship, strong academic record (minimum 75% in undergraduate studies), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0).

- University-specific scholarships: Examples include the University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship (up to NZD 20,000) and University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship (NZD 10,000). These require strong academics and an offer of admission.

Scholarship details and eligibility are subject to change.

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