The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is a fully funded award for students from developing countries. It funds full time study at a New Zealand institution. It supports undergraduate, master’s, and PhD study. Many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Research Training Program Scholarship, another major option in the Pacific region.
Overview
- Host country, New Zealand
- Level of study, Undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and diploma
- Field of study, Fields tied to your home country’s development needs
- Nationality, Open to citizens of over 80 eligible countries
- Funded by, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through Education New Zealand
Benefits of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
First, scholars get full tuition. Also, they get a weekly living allowance. Plus, they get travel and health cover. In short, the scholarship covers this.
- Full tuition fees at your chosen institution
- A living allowance of NZ 615 dollars per week
- An establishment allowance of NZ 3,000 dollars, paid on arrival
- Return airfare, at the start and end of the award
- Medical and travel insurance for the full study period
- Extra research and thesis support, for PhD scholars
Who Should Apply
This scholarship suits students who plan to return home and support their country’s growth. Meanwhile, students who want a fully funded UK based path instead may look at the Chevening Scholarship, which also funds study abroad for future leaders.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, applicants must meet these points.
- Be a citizen of an eligible country, from the official list
- Apply for a course that fits your country’s listed development priorities
- Meet the academic and English language rules for your chosen course
- Show relevant work experience, for most postgraduate courses
- Commit to return home for at least two years after the award
A Cycle That Has Not Yet Opened
Notably, the 2027 tertiary round has not opened yet. Applications open on March 1, 2027, and close on April 10, 2027. This clear, fixed opening window is close to the setup used for the Schwarzman Scholars program, where a firm date also marks the start of each cycle.
Required Documents
- Completed application through the official Manaaki portal
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language skill
- Proof of relevant work experience, where required
- Reference letters, as set by the application
How to Apply
First, check that your country and course match the current eligibility list. Next, prepare your documents ahead of March 1, 2027, since the window is short. Then, submit your full application through the Manaaki portal before it closes. This early document habit is close to the one used for the Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarships, where a short window also rewards early preparation.
Application Deadline
Applications open on March 1, 2027, and close on April 10, 2027. So, this cycle has not opened yet, which gives you real time to prepare a strong application before the window begins.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship offers strong, complete support for study in New Zealand. However, if your goal sits in North America instead, check other options too. For instance, the Ontario Trillium Scholarship funds PhD study in Canada.
I am interested in this scholarship opportunity and would like to apply. I am a student and I am eager to continue my education and improve my skills. Thank you for providing this opportunity.