So you’re thinking about studying in New Zealand? Smart move. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program helps build prosperity, security, and sustainable growth in partner countries and fosters a lifetime connection to Aotearoa New Zealand and the leaders of tomorrow. But here’s the thing – getting one of these scholarships isn’t just about filling out forms and hoping for the best.
I’ve been helping students navigate these waters for years, and honestly, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program is something special. It’s not just about funding your education (though it does that incredibly well). Recipients of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships build life-long connections to each other and to Aotearoa New Zealand while gaining a globally recognised education, an authentically New Zealand experience, and the tools to help their countries achieve the futures they deserve.
If you’re considering other prestigious international opportunities, you might also want to explore the Stanford University Scholarships 2026 Fully Funded program, which offers similar comprehensive coverage for outstanding students.
Actually, let me clarify something that trips up a lot of applicants. These aren’t your typical “pay-for-college” scholarships. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships hold full tuition fees, living allowance, medical insurance, travel allowance, and research and thesis costs for research students. We’re talking about comprehensive support that covers everything from your flight to New Zealand to your daily coffee money.
Scholarship Overview
Here’s what you need to know upfront about the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program:
- Academic Level: Undergraduate degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs
- Host Institution: 8 participating New Zealand universities, including the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago
- Country: Study takes place in New Zealand (Aotearoa)
- Target Recipients: Citizens from eligible developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
- Duration: Varies by program – typically 1-4 years depending on degree level
- Annual Awards: Approximately 200 scholarships are awarded each year
- Program Focus: Development-related fields of study aligned with partner countries’ priorities
- Language Requirements: English proficiency demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL
- Selection Basis: Academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing to home country development
Also read: Monash University Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Coverage
What I love about the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program is how comprehensive the coverage is – they’ve thought of everything. When I say “fully funded,” I mean it covers way more than most people realize.
The scholarship package includes these essential components:
- Full tuition fees for your entire degree program
- Monthly living allowance to help with basic living expenses (amount adjusted based on study location)
- Return economy airfare from your home country to New Zealand
- Medical and travel insurance coverage throughout your study period
- Establishment allowance to help with set-up costs in New Zealand (accommodation, textbooks, study materials)
- Research and thesis costs for postgraduate students (up to NZ$3,000)
- Computer allowance for certain programs
- Tutoring costs up to NZ$1,000 for additional academic support if needed
- Travel home during scholarship (for programs over 1.6 years, typically 1-2 trips allowed)
- Reintegration allowance of NZ$1,000 to help with costs when returning home
- COVID-19 vaccination and testing cost reimbursement if required
- Support for dependents in specific circumstances (spouse and children)
- English language training is required before starting your main program
Also read: Chinese Government Scholarship 2026 | Application Guide
Eligibility Criteria for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Now, here’s where things get specific for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships – and this is crucial stuff. I’ve seen too many students waste time applying when they don’t meet the basic requirements.
The core eligibility requirements include:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible developing country (check the official list – it changes)
- Cannot be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Must have completed qualifications equivalent to New Zealand requirements for your chosen level of study
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 minimum per band) for postgraduate; IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 minimum per band) for undergraduate.
- Must have relevant work experience: 1 year full-time (30+ hours/week) OR 2 years part-time (up to 29 hours/week)
- Must be 18 years or older when starting the scholarship
- Must be able to take up the scholarship within 12 months of the award date
Many students also explore similar government-funded programs like the MEXT Scholarship 2026 for studying in Japan, which has comparable eligibility requirements for international development.
- Cannot have previously received a New Zealand government-funded scholarship for study at the same level
- Must have lived in your home country for 2 years before applying (residency requirement)
- Must commit to contributing to your home country’s development for at least 2 years after completing studies
- Must be applying to study a subject that aligns with your country’s development priorities
- Must not hold dual citizenship with Australia, Canada, European Union countries, or the USA
- Must not have lived or studied in a developed country for more than 12 months in the last 5 years
- Must meet health and character requirements
- Cannot be receiving funding from other New Zealand government sources
Required Documents for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Getting your documents together for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships is honestly one of the most time-consuming parts, but it’s also where you can really strengthen your application. Don’t leave this until the last minute.
You’ll need to submit these essential documents:
- Completed online application form through the official portal
- Official academic transcripts and certificates (certified English translations required)
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Two professional or academic references with contact details
- Personal statement explaining your study goals and how they align with your country’s development needs
- Curriculum vitae or resume highlighting relevant experience
- Research proposal (for research-based programs)
- Passport-style photographs
- Copy of passport or national identity document
- Medical certificate confirming good health
- Police clearance certificate (may be required during the selection process)
For a comprehensive breakdown of what each document should contain and formatting requirements, check our detailed guide on essential scholarship documents to ensure your application stands out.
Participating Universities and Institutions
Here’s something crucial that many applicants overlook – you can’t just study anywhere in New Zealand with this scholarship. There are 11 approved education institutions where Manaaki scholars can study.
The participating institutions include:
- University of Auckland – New Zealand’s largest and highest-ranked university
- Auckland University of Technology (AUT) – Known for practical, career-focused programs
- University of Waikato – Strong in engineering, management, and sciences
- Massey University – Renowned for agriculture, veterinary science, and creative arts
- Victoria University of Wellington – Excellent for law, public policy, and humanities
- University of Canterbury – Leading engineering and sciences programs
- Lincoln University – Specialized in agriculture, environment, and commerce
- University of Otago – New Zealand’s oldest university, famous for medicine and health sciences
- Selected Pacific universities for Pacific-based study programs
Each institution has different strengths, so you’ll want to research which one aligns best with your field of study and career goals. Don’t just pick the most famous one – pick the one that offers the best program for your specific needs.
If you’re interested in prestigious university programs, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 offers another excellent fully funded opportunity at one of the world’s top institutions.
Eligible Study Fields and Development Focus
The scholarship isn’t just about getting any degree – it’s specifically designed to support development in your home country. Your chosen field of study must align with your country’s development priorities.
The application process is entirely online, which makes it convenient but also means you need to be tech-savvy. The next tertiary Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships application round for all eligible countries and regions will open on 1 February 2025. Applications are online through the Manaaki New Zealand website.
Here’s your step-by-step application roadmap:
- Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility – Complete the online eligibility test to get your eligibility code
- Step 2: Register Your Account – Create your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account using your eligibility code
- Step 3: Set Your Password – Check your email (including spam folder) for password setup instructions
- Step 4: Complete Your Application – Access the online application system and submit before the deadline
- Research and select up to 3 study programs from participating New Zealand universities
- Gather all required documents and ensure they’re in the correct format
- Upload all supporting documents to your application portal
- Monitor your email for communication from the scholarship team
- If shortlisted, prepare for potential interviews or additional assessments
- Accept your scholarship offer and complete pre-departure requirements
Application Deadline for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Current Application Status: Applications for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2025 Samoa Foundation round will open from 1 August 2025 and close at 12 pm (midday NZ time) on 31 August 2025.
For all other eligible countries and regions, applications will open early in 2026 for the following year’s intake. The application system can get overloaded near closing time, which can cause technical issues. To avoid any disappointment, submit your application 3-10 days before the closing deadline.
Important: Deadlines are in New Zealand Time (NZDT), and applications close at midday, not midnight.
What I always tell students is this: don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Start your application at least 3 months before the closing date. You’ll thank me later when you’re not scrambling to get references or translations done at the last minute.
Official Website
Ready to take the next step? You’ll want to bookmark the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website – that’s your primary source for everything. Don’t rely on third-party sites for application information because details change, and you don’t want to miss anything important.
Also, check other scholarships in New Zealand: Scholarships in New Zealand.
When you’re ready to start your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships application journey, head to Apply Now on the official portal. The application system is user-friendly, but make sure you save your progress frequently – I’ve heard too many stories about lost work due to internet connections dropping.
