How much scholarship is possible for me and how much partial scholarship do they offer in New Zealand for a Master's?
New Zealand scholarship funding ranges from fully funded Manaaki government awards covering all costs, to university partial scholarships of five thousand to twenty thousand New Zealand dollars off tuition. Otago's research Master's stipends run around eighteen thousand two hundred four dollars a year, alongside a full first-year tuition waiver.
Yes, both full and partial Master's scholarships are available in New Zealand, and how much you can expect ranges from a government-funded full ride down to a partial university merit award. Most international students realistically land in the partial tier unless they qualify for a specific government scheme.
Scholarship amounts by type
| Scholarship type | Typical amount/coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (government) | 100% tuition + living stipend + flights + insurance | Students from eligible developing countries |
| University of Auckland merit awards | NZD $10,000 to $20,000, or up to 50% fee reduction | High-achieving international students |
| University of Otago research stipends | ~NZD $18,204/year + full first-year tuition waiver | Thesis/research-based Master's |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Up to NZD $10,000 toward tuition | International excellence applicants |
| Other universities (Canterbury, Waikato, Massey, Lincoln) | NZD $5,000 to $15,000 off first year | Automatic or application-based awards |
How to plan your application
- Manaaki scholarships are restricted mainly to eligible developing countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa and Latin America, so check the country list first.
- University partial awards are largely GPA driven, so your Bachelor's transcript is the single biggest factor in the amount you receive.
- Scholarship deadlines at New Zealand universities often close several months before the intake, well ahead of the general application deadline.
My Advice
Check the Manaaki eligibility list for your country before assuming you only qualify for a partial award, since it is the only route to a genuinely full ride in New Zealand. If you do not qualify, apply to your target university's international scholarships page the day applications open, since several of these are assessed in the order applications arrive.
More expert answers
Yes, scholarships are available for studying abroad, especially for master's programs in countries like New Zealand.
- Partial scholarships typically range from NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000.
- Prestigious government scholarships (such as Manaaki New Zealand or Commonwealth Scholarships) may cover full tuition plus living allowances.
- University merit-based scholarships can offer NZD 5,000 - 18,000 or more, depending on your academic record and program type.
The amount and eligibility depend on your academic background, chosen university, and program.
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