🇳🇿 New Zealand · Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid for studying in New Zealand — government, university, and international programs.
Quick answer
New Zealand's main government scholarships are the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, largely for students from developing countries), alongside university scholarships for international students. Explore options on the Manaaki and university sites and apply by each deadline.
The main government-funded awards for international students are the New Zealand Scholarships, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for students from eligible developing countries to study in New Zealand. Universities and other providers also offer their own scholarships; Study with New Zealand lists options.
- New Zealand Scholarships (MFAT) fund students from eligible developing countries.
- Universities and other providers offer their own scholarships.
- Study with New Zealand lists scholarship options.
Step-by-step
- 1
Map the funding landscape
Map NZ funding: the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (MFAT) and university scholarships for international students.
- 2
Check eligibility and deadlines
Confirm eligibility (level, nationality, grades, language) and note that scholarship deadlines are often months before course start.
- 3
Prepare your documents
Prepare transcripts, a language-test score, reference letters, a strong personal statement and (for research) a proposal.
- 4
Apply to the scheme and university
Submit the scholarship application and, where required, a separate university/admission application by each deadline.
- 5
Interview, results and acceptance
Attend any interview or selection stage; if awarded, formally accept the scholarship and your study place.
- 6
Handle visa, funds and conditions
Apply for your student visa, arrange disbursement, and note any conditions such as progress requirements or a return/service obligation.
Checklist
- Funding sources identified (government / university / private)
- Eligibility + deadlines confirmed
- Transcripts + language test + references
- Personal statement / research proposal
- Scholarship + university applications submitted
- Interview / selection completed
- Offer accepted + funding terms understood
- Student visa + disbursement + any bond/return rules
Official authorities
- New Zealand Scholarships (MFAT)
Official government scholarships for international students.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?
MFAT-funded scholarships, largely for students from eligible developing countries, covering tuition, living costs and travel.
Are there scholarships for other international students?
Yes — New Zealand universities offer their own merit scholarships and fee awards for international students.
Is there a return-home obligation?
Development scholarships like Manaaki often require you to return home for a period after study to apply your skills; check the terms.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- govt.nz — New Zealand government services portal
- Immigration New Zealand — Visas, work/student visas, and residence
- Inland Revenue (IRD) — Income tax, GST, and the IRD number
- business.govt.nz — Company registration, employment, and compliance