New Zealand Government Scholarship 2026|Fully Funded

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for individuals from developing countries to access quality education in New Zealand.The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, facilitated by the New Zealand Government, extends opportunities for citizens from developing countries to undertake studies at New Zealand education institutions, universities, or Pacific universities.

About New Zealand Government

New Zealand Government Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of New Zealand Government Scholarship

With a full Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, scholars studying in New Zealand receive:

• Full tuition fees.
• Living allowance. This will help with basic living expenses. If you commence your scholarship study programme in your home country, your stipend will be adjusted to reflect the difference in living costs around the world.
• And establishment allowance to help with set-up costs in New Zealand. For example, you can use it for accommodation expenses, textbooks, or other study materials.
• Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand.
• Tutoring costs to assist with additional academic support if needed.
• Travel to and from your own country. This is for travel from your own country at the start of the scholarship, and for return travel at the end of your scholarship.
• Travel insurance.
• Travel home during your scholarship. Scholars studying over 1.6 years are entitled to travel home to visit family. We usually allow for one or two trips, depending on the length.
• Reintegration allowance. This is to help with set-up costs upon your return to your home country.
• Help with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate 

Requirements for New Zealand Government Scholarship Qualification

• To apply for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, you must be 18 years old or older when you start your scholarship. This means if you are 17 years of age when you apply, you must have your 18th birthday before you start your scholarship in semester one.
• Successful scholarship applicants must meet both the academic entry requirements and the English language requirements determined by each education institution.

Postgraduate scholarship applicants and applicants who finished high school more than 3 years ago, must have relevant work experience. Work experience can be paid, unpaid or voluntary, and must meet the following criteria:

• One year of full-time work experience (i.e. 30 hours or more per week), OR
• Two years of part-time work experience (i.e. up to 29 hours per week).

The New Zealand Government accept test scores from these four English competency testing systems:

• IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) OR
• TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) OR
• PTE Academic (the Pearson Test of English Academic) OR
• Cambridge Academic English (advanced).

Interview date, Process and Venue for New Zealand Government Scholarship

Scholars ofthe Manaaki New Zealand Scholarshipsare are chosen based on:

• Strong academic ability
• Commitment to the social and economic development of their country
• Age limit: 39 years or younger when the scholarship starts
• Alignment of chosen courses with recommended subjects
• Intention to foster positive relations with New Zealand
• Pursuit of a qualification beyond their highest obtained
• Contribution to the country’s development post-scholarship

Check also:How To Write a Winning Scholarship Essay (Upcoming Webinar)Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit New Zealand Government scholarship webpage.