Explore the top scholarships available for international students in New Zealand in 2025. This in-depth guide covers government scholarships, university awards, and research grants — plus tips on eligibility, application timelines, and frequently asked questions.
Studying in New Zealand is an attractive option for students worldwide, thanks to its world-class universities, diverse cultures, and high quality of life. However, international education comes with significant costs — tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. To support talented students, both the New Zealand government and individual universities offer a variety of scholarships tailored for international students. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive, up-to-date guide (as of 2025) on the key scholarships available, eligibility criteria, application processes, and tips for success.
1. Major Government Scholarships
1.1 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
- Provider: New Zealand Government / Education New Zealand
- Description: One of the most well-known government-funded programs, Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships aim to support students from developing countries to study at tertiary level in New Zealand. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs, and health insurance.
- Eligible Levels: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD (depending on specific scholarship)
- Application Period: Usually in early in the year — for example, for 2025–26 intake, the deadline was around 28 February.
- Eligibility: Citizens of selected developing countries; academic excellence; meeting New Zealand university admission criteria.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living costs, travel, health insurance.
1.2 GCSB Women in STEM Scholarship
- Provider: New Zealand Government
- Description: Specifically for women pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines.
- Value: Approximately NZD 10,000.
- Eligibility: Women in STEM fields; international students eligible in certain categories. Deadline referenced as 1 October 2025 on some sources.
1.3 Other Government-Linked Scholarships
There are additional government-affiliated scholarships, though some are more specific or limited in scope:
- Fisheries New Zealand Scholarships – for studies related to fisheries; partial funding.
- TeachNZ Scholarships (Te Huarau Scholarship) – more oriented toward teacher education.
- Pacific Health Scholarships – for health or disability-related studies (though often restricted to certain groups).
2. University Scholarships for International Students
Many universities in New Zealand provide merit-based scholarships for international students at different study levels. Here are some prominent ones for 2025.
2.1 University of Auckland
- International Student Excellence Scholarship
- For new undergraduate and postgraduate students with outstanding academic records.
- Value: Up to NZD 10,000 toward tuition fees.
- Eligibility: International students; must have a conditional or unconditional offer.
- India High Achievers Scholarship
- Specifically for students from India enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the University of Auckland.
- Value: Up to NZD 20,000 for tuition.
- Tenure: One year.
- Doctoral/PhD Scholarships
- The University of Auckland offers full doctoral scholarships, often including a stipend. Sources list generous funding, e.g., up to NZD 33,000/year plus tuition.
2.2 Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
- AUT International Scholarships
- Vary by region: e.g., Southeast Asia, South Asia, North Asia.
- Value:
- Undergraduate: ~NZD 5,000
- Postgraduate: NZD 7,000 (for some regions)
- Eligibility: High academic achievers; new full-fee paying international students.
2.3 University of Waikato
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
- For new international students (undergraduate or postgraduate) at Waikato.
- Value: Up to NZD 15,000 toward tuition fees.
2.4 Massey University
- Toroa International Undergraduate Fee Scholarship
- For international undergraduate students enrolling full time.
- Value: NZD 5,000 toward tuition, for one year.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be international students (non-NZ, non-Australian), plan to do first 120 credits, and have a strong prior qualification (e.g., equivalent of NZ B grade).
2.5 University of Otago
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
- For first-year undergraduates.
- Value: NZD 10,000 toward first year tuition.
- International Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Can apply to both undergrad and postgrad students with very high academic performance.
- Value: Up to NZD 15,000.
- International Research Master’s Scholarship
- For research-based master’s programs.
- Benefit: Fee waiver plus a stipend / grant for research. According to some sources, up to NZD 15,000 for research master’s.
- Doctoral Scholarships
- Fully funded PhD scholarships are also offered. For example, University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship includes stipend, tuition coverage, etc.
2.6 Victoria University of Wellington
- Tongarewa Scholarship
- For new international students (undergraduate or postgraduate).
- Value: Up to NZD 10,000.
- Wellington Doctoral Scholarships
- More focused on doctoral-level study, including funding for research. (Listed on scholarship aggregation sites for 2025.)
2.7 Lincoln University
- International Taught Master Merit Scholarship
- For international students enrolling in taught master’s programs.
- Value: Approximately NZD 10,000 toward tuition.
3. Research and Specialized Scholarships
3.1 Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Scholarships
- Focus: Indigenous / Māori research, especially in social sciences, education, environment, or related areas.
- Coverage: Fully funded — tuition, stipend, travel, research costs.
- Eligibility: Open to both international and domestic students with research proposals that align with indigenous studies and community engagement.
- Living Stipend (2025): Reports suggest around NZD 2,100–2,500/month for selected students.
3.2 Massey / University-specific Doctoral Scholarships
- For example, Massey University Doctoral Scholarship: according to MIE Connect, they provide generous funding for PhD study, including stipend and fee coverage.
- Auckland University Doctoral Scholarships: Many universities in NZ offer their own PhD scholarships — some include living stipends, travel grants, and full-fee coverage.
4. Private, NGO, and Internationally Funded Scholarships
While government and university scholarships are the most common, international students can also explore private scholarships, external trust funds, or globally funded awards. Some examples or routes:
- Ah Nua Scholarship: Mentioned in some overviews; for international students.
- Commonwealth Scholarships / Fellowship Plan: Depending on your country, there may be shared-country scholarship schemes. (Be sure to check if your country is a participant.)
- Zonta International’s Amelia Earhart Fellowship: For women pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering or space sciences; international students can apply to study in New Zealand.
5. Eligibility, Application Tips & Timeline
5.1 Eligibility Criteria (General Patterns)
- Academic Merit: Most scholarships require strong academic records—high school grades (for undergrad) or GPA / research potential (for postgrad).
- Nationality: Some government scholarships are restricted to students from developing countries; others (university scholarships) are open broadly to “international students.”
- Study Level: Scholarships differ by level—some only for undergraduates, others for master’s (research or taught), and many for PhD.
- Intake Requirements: You often need a conditional or unconditional offer from a New Zealand institution before applying.
- Extra Requirements: Some scholarships might ask for a letter of intent, research proposal (especially for PhD), proof of English proficiency, and evidence of leadership or community engagement.
5.2 Application Process
- Search and Shortlist: Use scholarship portals, university websites, and Education New Zealand resources to find relevant scholarships.
- Get an Offer: Apply to universities first; secure a place or conditional offer to become eligible.
- Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, research proposal (if needed), proof of language proficiency.
- Write Strong Application: Articulate why you deserve the scholarship — highlight achievements, goals, and how you contribute to your field or community.
- Submit Before Deadlines: Key deadlines are often early in the year (e.g., February–April for many scholarships). For instance, Manaaki Scholarships often close in late February.
- Follow-Up: After submitting, check with your institution’s scholarship office for updates and possible interview requirements.
6. Challenges & Considerations
- Competition: Many of these scholarships are highly competitive. Make sure your application is strong.
- Living Costs: Even if tuition is covered, you may need to budget for living expenses if the scholarship does not fully cover them.
- Visa & Immigration: Securing a scholarship does not guarantee visa approval — you must meet immigration and financial requirements.
- Work Rights: International students in New Zealand can work part-time; as of late 2025, rules allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours/week during the academic term.
- Tax and Stipend: Understand whether your scholarship stipend is taxable or not, and whether health insurance or other benefits are included.
- 7. Why Choose Scholarships in New Zealand?
- High-Quality Education: New Zealand universities consistently rank well globally and are known for research, innovation, and teaching quality.
- Supportive Environment: Scholarships often include not just tuition but also living allowances, travel grants, and health insurance — reducing financial stress.
- Global Recognition: A degree from a New Zealand university is well-regarded, enhancing global career prospects.
- Work Opportunities: As noted, international students can work part-time, which helps supplement living costs.
- Diversity and Safety: New Zealand is known for being safe, culturally diverse, and welcoming — a plus for students far from home.
Also Read: How Can International Students Secure Canada Government Scholarships in 2025?
Sources
Victoria University of Wellington
FAQs
Q1: What is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship and who can apply?
A1: Manaaki New Zealand is a government-funded scholarship for students from eligible developing countries. It typically covers tuition, living allowance, travel, and health insurance. Applicants must meet academic criteria and apply within the specified cycle (e.g., February for 2025–26).
Q2: Are there scholarships available specifically for women in STEM?
Yes — the GCSB Women in STEM Scholarship is aimed at women pursuing STEM disciplines. The value is about NZD 10,000, and there are eligibility conditions which you should check carefully for 2025.
Q3: Can I get a scholarship for a PhD in New Zealand?
Absolutely. Many universities like the University of Auckland, Otago, and Victoria University offer PhD scholarships that cover tuition and provide a stipend. There are also specialized scholarships for research fields.
Q4: Do I need an offer from a New Zealand university before applying for scholarships?
In most cases, yes. For university-specific scholarships, you often need either a conditional or unconditional offer.
Q5: When should I start applying?
Start early. For government scholarships like Manaaki, deadlines may be around February/March, while university scholarships can have varying deadlines (e.g., April, October). Check individual scholarship pages for exact dates.
Q6: Will my scholarship cover living costs in New Zealand?
It depends. Government scholarships like Manaaki often include a living allowance, but many university merit scholarships only cover tuition. Always read the scholarship terms carefully.
Q7: Can I work in New Zealand while studying with a scholarship?
Yes. International students in New Zealand can work part-time, and from late 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week during academic terms.
Conclusion
New Zealand offers a broad and competitive range of scholarships for international students in 2025 — from government-backed programs like Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships to university-specific merit awards, research scholarships, and targeted funds (such as those for women in STEM or indigenous research). With proper planning, a strong application, and early effort, many students can secure significant financial support to study in this beautiful and academically rigorous country.
If you’re considering applying in 2025, start by researching the scholarships relevant to your level and country, gather your documents, and reach out to the scholarship offices at your prospective universities. Good luck — and don’t hesitate to ask if you need help choosing the right scholarship or preparing your application!