- 29 New Zealand Excellence Awards are available exclusively for Indian students, with scholarships ranging from NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000.
- University of Auckland offers the highest New Zealand Excellence Award at NZD 20,000 for undergraduate Indian students in business, fashion, and STEM fields.
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships provide NZD 28,000 per year for PhD students and NZD 24,000 for Master’s students.
Are you planning to study in New Zealand? With careful preparation and a proactive approach, you can make it a budget-friendly experience. Start by seeking scholarships from universities and colleges in New Zealand well before the application deadlines.
These New Zealand scholarships for international students can significantly reduce your educational expenses. They may cover a portion or even the total cost, depending on factors such as qualifications, program of study, and school. The government of New Zealand and various private and public organizations offer numerous scholarships.
As you progress on this journey, carefully review each scholarship’s criteria and application deadlines.
Types of Scholarships In New Zealand
New Zealand offers many scholarship opportunities for international students, catering to various academic goals and financial needs.
Government Funded: Government-funded programs like the New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships support students from developing countries, while others like the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships provide total funding for PhD pursuits.
University Specific: Universities also offer scholarships, ranging from merit-based awards to those focused on fields like agriculture or philosophy. With this range of options, international students can find financial aid to support their studies in New Zealand.
Government Funded Scholarships
Every year, New Zealand scholarships, fully or partially funded, assist international students with their studies. International students can engage with New Zealand’s top-tier education and learning system. Receiving a scholarship in New Zealand for international students that covers all expenses can transform and enhance your future. Here are some government-funded scholarships in New Zealand:
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are now consolidated under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program. The New Zealand Government has rebranded its international scholarship offerings, and while Commonwealth pathways still exist, they operate under the Manaaki umbrella.
Eligibility
To meet the eligibility criteria, the candidate must:
- Be a resident of the Commonwealth member countries
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet all New Zealand visa requirements, including health evaluations, security verifications, endorsement from native country, and English language skills.
- Have a bachelor’s degree if applying for master’s degree in New Zealand
- Have a master’s degree if applying for a PhD in New Zealand
- Have appropriate work experience, if required.
- Move to New Zealand for 2 years or until the scholarship expires.
Demonstrate strong proficiency in English through IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAE or equivalent.
Award
Successful awardees of the New Zealand Scholarships get the following benefits:
- Study at a top-ranking institute in New Zealand
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living allowance of NZD 28,000 per year (approximately INR 14.3 Lakh) for PhD students, and NZD 24,000 per year (approximately INR 12.3 Lakh) for Master’s students
- Initial establishment allowance of NZD 3,000 (INR 1,54,100)
- Medical and travel insurance
- Return flights from home country
Other costs related to research and thesis (for graduate students)
New Zealand Excellence Awards
The NZEA provides Indian students with the chance to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in business, fashion, and STEM fields in New Zealand. It receives funding from both New Zealand universities and Education New Zealand (ENZ). The NZEA is providing scholarships in these universities:
- AUT University
- Lincoln University
- Massey University
- The University of Auckland
- The University of Waikato
- University of Otago
Victoria University of Wellington
Eligibility
Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old at the time of applying and must possess citizenship in India. Additionally, a minimum GPA equivalent to B+ is required for the most recent or highest tertiary qualification.
Award
29 scholarships are awarded annually with a total package value of NZD 260,000. Postgraduate scholarships range from NZD 5,000 to NZD 10,000 depending on the university, while undergraduate scholarships range from NZD 10,000 to NZD 20,000. The University of Auckland offers the highest value at NZD 20,000 for undergraduate students
NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship
The new NZ-GRADS program, launched by the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions, has quickly gained popularity as a scholarship opportunity in New Zealand. If you are from a developing nation and prepared to earn your PhD in the field of science, you have the chance to do so in New Zealand without any cost. NZ-GRADS is a PhD scholarship awarded to science students from developing countries who want to pursue a doctoral degree at a university in New Zealand.
Eligibility
- PhD must be conducted in New Zealand
- Not a permanent resident of New Zealand
- You must be from a developing country.
Can only apply to one of the available projects
Award
Successful awardees of the scholarship get the following benefits:
- Tuition fee of up to NZD 10,000 (INR 5,10,891.30) per year
- Living stipend NZD 28,000 (INR 14,32,000) per year (tax-free)
- Medical insurance that covers up to NZ D 700 (INR 35,758.72) per year
- Maximum visa application costs of NZD 1,000 (INR 51,100.46)
- Return flights of a maximum of NZD 6,000 (INR 3,06,615.26)
Books and thesis preparation allowance for NZD 1,500 (INR 76,653.81)
SEG Scholarship
The scholarship from SEG aims to promote the study of geophysics and related geosciences at top universities in New Zealand. Scholarships vary from USD 500 (INR 41,000) to USD 10,000 (INR 8.2 Lakh) per academic year and are awarded based on merit. Students should use the funds for tuition, books, and other fees. Scholarships from SEG in New Zealand are given to students globally.
Eligibility
- You have to be a high school senior planning to attend college next year or an undergraduate or graduate college student;
- You have above-average grades
You intend to pursue a college curriculum directed toward a career in applied geophysics
Award
- USD 500 to USD 10,000 per academic year
University Specific Scholarships
In addition to government scholarships, New Zealand universities offer various scholarships. They provide a diverse range of funding opportunities for international students. These New Zealand scholarships can be merit-based, rewarding academic excellence, or program-specific, targeting students in particular fields like engineering or sustainability.
This variety ensures a potential scholarship match for students across all disciplines, making a New Zealand education even more attainable. Here is a list of university-specific scholarships:
The University of Canterbury’s College of Engineering Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Thirty-five scholarships are offered on an annual basis. Scholars from other countries are given NZD 15,000 (INR 7.61 lakh) annually if they are not citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia or hold New Zealand residency visas.
Eligibility
- Individuals who are citizens of New Zealand or Australia, permanent residents of Australia, or holders of New Zealand residence class visas are not eligible for this position.
- An applicant must have submitted their application to the University for admission to a BE(Hons) degree program by the deadline.
Candidates who are currently or previously enrolled in the BE(Hons) degree program at the University are not eligible to apply.
Award
The scholarship, valued at NZD 15,000, is provided to the recipient by being deposited into their University tuition fees account upon confirmation of enrolment.
Victoria Master’s Scholarship
The university provides a wide range of scholarships in New Zealand financed by external sources to help many international students. The scholarship program offered by their master’s by thesis is a one-year program with a tax-free stipend of NZD 15,000 (INR 7.61 lakh), which covers one-year tuition fees. Individuals who meet the eligibility can apply to pursue a Master’s degree and a thesis worth at least 90 points. Qualification must be obtained at enrollment or by the beginning of Semester 2.
Eligibility
You must be an international student studying eligible courses at VU Melbourne in 2024.
Award
30% of tuition fees are offered to new international students enrolled in eligible courses.
The Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship
The University of Canterbury funds The Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship program at the University of Canterbury is designed to assist Asian undergraduate students from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, or Vietnam, as well as holders of Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards.
Eligibility
This New Zealand scholarship is available to full-fee paying students for a tenure of 1 year.
Award
A sum of or up to NZD 15,000 (INR 7.61 Lakh)
Other New Zealand Scholarships
In addition to scholarships funded by the government and universities, there are other opportunities for students to apply for financial aid.
Bayer Boost Environmental Scholarship Scheme
The BayerBoost Environmental Scholarship is an annual program offered in New Zealand that provides environmental science work experience and financial support to aspiring researchers. Funded entirely by Bayer New Zealand and administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand, this scholarship aims to nurture future environmental leaders by fostering research interests and practical skills.
Eligibility
- Be a senior secondary (Year 12 or 13) or undergraduate student
- Be enrolled in a New Zealand academic institution
- OR be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or permanent humanitarian visa holder
Be 24 years old or younger at the time of application
Award
Successful awardees of the scholarship get the following benefits:
- Opportunity to participate in a 6-12 week environmental research project with a host organization
Financial scholarship of up to NZD 6,000 to support further research
New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship
The NZIUFS offers eligible international students financial assistance by covering their full-time tuition fees for six semesters or three years. Academic merit-based scholarships in New Zealand are given to applicants from Asian and Latin American nations. A maximum of 28 scholarships are presented annually to students pursuing an undergraduate education in New Zealand.
Eligibility
- Must be permanent residents of Asia (China, Korea, Japan, India, Taiwan)
Have completed their final two years of secondary school and a minimum of one year of tertiary study in their home country.
Award:
The New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarships cover full undergraduate tuition fees for either six semesters or until the completion of the undergraduate degree program. This excludes expenses for housing, insurance, and transportation to and from New Zealand. Candidates must consistently maintain a strong academic performance in order to be eligible for the awards.
Documents Required For Applying to the Scholarship Program
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, international students applying for New Zealand scholarships will need to submit the following supporting documents:
- Academic Background:
- Preferred Course and Institution (must align with previous qualifications)
- Achieved Qualification with Transcripts and Grading Scale (translated if necessary)
- Experience and Achievements:
- Personal accolades, awards, publications (if applicable)
- Relevant work experience descriptions (not required for school leavers/first-year applicants)
- Description of how your experience relates to your chosen field
- Motivation and Goals:
- Explanation of how your chosen guides relate to endorsed study subjects
- Description of a situation where you demonstrated determination
- Reasons for wanting to study in New Zealand
- Anticipated challenges of studying in New Zealand and your coping strategies
Key Takeaways
New Zealand offers extensive scholarship opportunities for international students, with government-funded programmes like Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships providing up to NZD 28,000 annually plus full tuition coverage for PhD candidates. Indian students can access 29 New Zealand Excellence Awards ranging from NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000, with the University of Auckland offering the highest undergraduate award of NZD 20,000.
University-specific scholarships complement government funding, with institutions like Canterbury offering NZD 15,000 annually for engineering students. Doctoral candidates benefit from university scholarships providing stipends between NZD 28,000 and NZD 35,468 per year. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, medical insurance, and return flights, making New Zealand education financially viable.
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FAQs
What grades do you need to apply for the scholarships in New Zealand?
You must hold an A to A+ grade in your most recent or highest postgraduate qualification.
When is the best time to apply for scholarships in New Zealand?
It is advisable to submit scholarship applications in New Zealand a few months before the beginning of the academic year. Also, verify the deadline for each scholarship application, as they may vary individually.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship in New Zealand?
Yes, you can apply for multiple New Zealand scholarships. However, read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to check the terms and conditions.
What is the living allowance for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships in 2026?
PhD students receive NZD 28,000 per year whilst Master’s students receive NZD 24,000 per year as a living stipend.
How many New Zealand Excellence Awards are available for Indian students?
29 scholarships are awarded annually with amounts ranging from NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000 depending on the level and university.
How long can international students work on a post-study work visa in New Zealand?
Graduates can work for up to three years depending on qualification level and study location outside Auckland and Wellington.
Which New Zealand university ranks highest in QS World University Rankings 2026?
The University of Auckland ranks 65th globally, making it New Zealand’s only university in the top 100.
Do scholarship recipients need to return to their home country after graduation?
Manaaki scholars are expected to contribute to their country’s development for at least two years post-graduation.
Are doctoral students allowed to work unlimited hours in New Zealand?
PhD and master’s by research students can work unlimited hours whilst enrolled in their programmes.
Can international students work part-time whilst studying in New Zealand?
Full-time tertiary students can work up to 20 hours weekly during term and full-time during scheduled breaks.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
