From where can I get scholarships for my profile in New Zealand for a Master's/MBA?
New Zealand scholarship funding comes from three sources: government awards like Manaaki New Zealand or Commonwealth Scholarships, university merit grants such as Auckland's NZD 10,000 award or Waikato's NZD 2,500 to 15,000 grant, and industry bodies like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for finance-focused Master's or MBA candidates.
Your scholarship options for a Master's or MBA in New Zealand fall into three buckets: government-funded awards, university merit scholarships, and industry-specific trusts. Which one fits you best depends heavily on your nationality, your academic record, and whether your target field has a dedicated funding body.
Where the Money Comes From
| Source | Example Award | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| NZ Government | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, NZ Commonwealth Scholarships | Fully funded, tuition, stipend, travel, setup costs |
| University of Auckland | International Student Excellence Scholarship | Up to NZD 10,000 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Tongarewa International Scholarship | NZD 5,000 to 10,000 |
| University of Waikato | Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship | NZD 2,500 to 15,000 |
| University of Otago | Coursework Master's Scholarship | Around NZD 10,000 |
| Massey University | MBA awards | Up to NZD 6,000 |
What Makes Your Profile Stand Out
- Strong academic merit, typically a high B+ to A- average, gives you the best shot at university merit scholarships.
- For an MBA specifically, your post-qualification work experience and leadership trajectory carry heavy weight with scholarship panels.
- Manaaki and Commonwealth awards usually require you to return home for at least two years after graduating, so factor that into your career plan.
- If your field is economics, banking, or finance, check field-specific trusts like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for targeted funding.
My Advice
Apply to your target university's merit scholarship automatically through your admission application, but also separately check the Manaaki New Zealand database and your home country's outward scholarship scheme, since stacking a government award with a smaller university grant is entirely possible and worth the extra paperwork.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which NZ universities you still qualify for.
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