Quick Information
| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Master's/PhD |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Scholarship Value | Full tuition + living allowance NZ$615 per week + establishment allowance NZ$3,000 + insurance and return airfares |
| Last Verified Date | November 11, 2026 |
| Official Source | https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/apply-online/ |
What the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Is
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is the New Zealand Government’s flagship international scholarship, funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It funds full-time study at New Zealand institutions for students from selected developing countries, with the aim of building skills that benefit the scholar’s home country. It is fully funded: tuition, a weekly living allowance, an establishment grant, insurance and return airfares are all covered.
What It Covers
The package covers full tuition fees for the approved programme, a living allowance of NZ$615 a week, a NZ$3,000 establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, return airfares, and approved research and thesis costs. The visa application fee, the immigration levy and one immigration medical check are reimbursed when receipts are shown. There is one firm condition attached: scholars must return to their home country for at least two years after finishing, so the award is designed for people who intend to use their qualification at home.
Who Can Apply
The official eligible-countries list for tertiary scholarships covers a small set of Pacific and Asian countries. Pacific: Fiji (postgraduate only), French Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna), Kiribati, Naoero, Niue, North Pacific (Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam. Older lists that circulated online did include other countries, but those are out of date and should not be relied on. The list is reviewed annually, so it can change — check the official list before applying.
Who Can Apply, and for What
For eligible countries, the award funds postgraduate study: a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s or PhD. Undergraduate study is only open to eligible students from Timor-Leste among the Asian countries. Applicants must be citizens of an eligible country, have lived in their home country for the last two years, be at least 18 when study starts, meet academic and English requirements, and show how their study will support development in their home country. Work experience is also expected for most awards.
When to Apply
The last tertiary round opened on 1 March 2026 and closed on 10 April 2026 (extended from 31 March), with small differences between countries. The next round opens on 1 March 2027 and closes on 31 March 2027. Eligible applicants should watch the official site from early in the year, because the system can close early for countries with many applicants.
Official source: Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships — official application site