Great news! Applications for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are now open. This article will explain the details of the scholarship program, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2025-2026 are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and master’s degrees. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living allowance, medical insurance, travel allowance, and research and thesis costs for research students.
Studying abroad is more than just getting an education; it’s a life-changing experience that goes beyond the classroom. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is a great opportunity for students to not only achieve academic success but also to experience the unique Kiwi lifestyle and culture.
This scholarship program offers a holistic experience, focusing on both education and personal growth. It’s not just about learning in a classroom—it’s about shaping your career, mind, and perspective. By studying in New Zealand, you get the chance to grow academically while enjoying the relaxed and vibrant Kiwi way of life.
New Zealand is known for its world-class education, and the Manaaki Scholarship gives you the opportunity to study at top-tier institutions. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree, the scholarship helps you succeed in various fields of study while promoting innovation and academic growth.
But the Manaaki Scholarship isn’t just about academics. It’s about embracing the Kiwi lifestyle. New Zealand’s culture is rich, diverse, and closely tied to its beautiful natural landscapes. From exploring stunning scenery to connecting with the warm and friendly Kiwi people, the experience goes beyond education. It’s about gaining a deeper understanding of the world, yourself, and others.
Winning the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is more than just an academic achievement. It’s a transformative journey that provides valuable skills, lasting friendships, and life-changing experiences. It’s an opportunity to expand your perspective, build resilience, and develop a global mindset.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters
- Institution(s): There are eleven approved education institutions where Manaaki New Zealand Scholars can study. Click here to find all available institutes.
- Study in: New Zealand
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Click here to find all available courses.
- Program Period: Depends on the course selected
- Deadline: 01 February 2025 – 29 February 2025
The 2025 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal will open at midnight on the 1st of February 2025 and close at midday on the 29th of February 2025.
Scholarship Coverage
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships will provide:
- Full Tuition Fees: All tuition costs are covered.
- Living Allowance: NZ$531 per week to help with basic living expenses. If you start your study program online from your home country, the stipend will be adjusted based on the living costs in your region.
- Establishment Allowance: NZ$3000 to help with costs like accommodation, textbooks, or other study materials when you first arrive in New Zealand.
- Medical Insurance: Coverage while you are in New Zealand.
- Tutoring Costs: Up to NZ$1000 to help with additional tutoring if needed during your studies.
- Travel Costs: Travel to and from your home country. This includes travel to New Zealand at the start of your scholarship and return travel at the end.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage for your travel.
- Travel Home: Scholars studying for more than 1.6 years can visit family during their scholarship. Typically, one or two trips are allowed, depending on the length of the scholarship. This is subject to border restrictions.
- Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ): MIQ is no longer required when entering New Zealand, but support may be provided if it’s needed when returning to your home country.
- COVID-19 Costs: Reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccination costs if required by your study or transit country, and for pre-departure tests. Note: This doesn’t cover costs for dependent family members, and costs will only be reimbursed if a receipt is provided.
- Reintegration Allowance: NZ$1000 to help with set-up costs when you return to your home country.
- Research and Thesis Costs: Assistance for many postgraduate students with research and thesis costs.
Eligibility Criteria for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
To be eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Required Language: English.
- Eligible Countries: The scholarship is available to citizens from eligible countries. If your country is not on the list, the New Zealand Government does not offer academic scholarships to you.
- Work Experience:
- One year of full-time work experience (30+ hours per week), OR
- Two years of part-time work experience (up to 29 hours per week).
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old when starting the scholarship.
- Contribution to Your Country’s Development:
- The purpose of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is to invest in the education of citizens from developing countries, enabling them to make a positive impact on their country’s development by sharing the skills and knowledge they gain during their studies. Scholars are expected to contribute to their country’s social or economic development for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
- Scholars must have been living in their home country for two years before applying for the scholarship. Preference is given to applicants who can clearly describe how they will contribute to their country’s development after the scholarship.
- Residency Requirements: Applicants must have lived in their home country for two years before starting their studies.
- Academic and English Requirements:
- As part of the application, you need to choose your preferred education institution and courses. You don’t need to apply for admission until notified that you are a preferred candidate, but you should check that you meet the academic and English requirements for your chosen courses.
- For postgraduate qualifications, you generally need at least:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL: 90 (internet-based) with a writing score of 21
- PTE Academic: 58 overall, with no communicative skills score less than 50
- Cambridge Academic English (advanced): Overall score of 176, with no bands less than 169
- For undergraduate qualifications, you generally need at least:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5
- TOEFL: 80 (internet-based) with a writing score of 21
- PTE Academic: 50 overall, with no communicative skills score less than 42
- Cambridge Academic English (advanced): Overall score of 169, with no bands less than 162
- Visa Requirement: If you are applying to study in New Zealand, you must meet the student visa requirements. You can find more information on the New Zealand student visa application process.
How to Apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?
Eligible applicants can only start an application from the application opening date for their country.
- Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
- Complete the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships online eligibility test to see if you are eligible to apply. If the Online Eligibility Test confirms that you are eligible, you will get an eligibility code (number).
- Step 2: Register for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account
- If you are eligible you will see a “register” button on the webpage, click on this to start your registration for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account. You will be asked to enter an email address (this will become your username for logging on again later). The system will run a check to make sure that this email address is not already being used. If the check passes, you will need to complete the rest of your account details and select ‘Register’. This is where you will enter your Eligibility Code that you have emailed to yourself or written down.
- Step 3: Set password for your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account
- You will be sent an email to set a password to complete the registration process. Click on the link in the email which will take you to a screen where you will need to set your password. Remember to look in your spam folder, where automated messages are sometimes filtered.
- Step 4: Complete and submit your application before the closing date
- Use your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account to access the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship online application system anytime between the opening and closing dates for your country. Check Deadlines here.
To know more about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, please visit the official website: