Discover the best New Zealand scholarships for Indian students this year, including fully funded options, eligibility, top universities, and step-by-step application tips.
Find top scholarships in New Zealand specifically for Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Introduction
New Zealand has emerged as one of the most attractive study-abroad destinations for Indian students. Known for its top-ranked universities, exceptional research facilities, multicultural environment, and globally recognized degrees, the country consistently ranks high in education quality and student satisfaction. Every year, thousands of Indian students choose New Zealand for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies.
However, studying abroad can be expensive. Tuition fees for international students in New Zealand usually range between NZD 25,000 and NZD 45,000 per year depending on the course and university. Living expenses, accommodation, travel, and insurance further increase the total cost.
Thankfully, New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships exclusively for international students, and a large percentage of them are open to Indian applicants. These scholarships are provided by the New Zealand government, top universities, private organizations, and philanthropic institutions.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best New Zealand scholarships for Indian students this year, including fully funded and partially funded options. We also break down eligibility requirements, benefits, application procedures, deadlines, required documents, and tips to increase your chances of winning a scholarship.
This article is your complete roadmap to studying in New Zealand with financial support.
Why New Zealand Is a Top Choice for Indian Students
Before exploring the scholarships, it is important to understand why New Zealand remains a preferred education hub for Indian students:
1. World-Class Universities
New Zealand has eight state-funded universities, and all eight consistently rank in global university rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education.
2. Affordable Compared to UK, USA, and Australia
Tuition fees and living expenses in New Zealand are comparatively lower than in other major study-abroad destinations.
3. Safe and Student-Friendly Country
New Zealand consistently ranks among the safest countries globally, offering a peaceful environment where international students feel secure.
4. Excellent Post-Study Work Opportunities
Graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing temporary work experience after completing their degree.
5. Migration Pathway
New Zealand offers clear routes to skilled work and residency for qualified professionals, making it appealing for long-term career planning.
With these advantages, the demand for New Zealand scholarships among Indian students has risen significantly.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in New Zealand (This Year)
Below is the detailed list of the most valuable and competitive scholarships Indian students can apply for:
1. New Zealand Scholarships for International Tertiary Students (Fully Funded)
Provider: New Zealand Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade)
Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Fully Funded
This is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the New Zealand Government. It aims to support talented students from developing countries, including India, by funding their full academic journey.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Establishment allowance
- Travel costs
- Medical insurance
- Research and thesis support (for postgraduate students)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Must be an Indian citizen residing in India
- Strong academic performance
- Must meet English language requirements
- Must commit to return to India after completing studies
- Proven leadership qualities and community involvement
Why this scholarship is valuable:
It covers everything from tuition to travel, making it highly competitive and beneficial for academically strong Indian students.
2. New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) – Fully Funded
Provider: New Zealand Government
Level: PhD
Coverage: Fully Funded
This scholarship supports international students pursuing doctoral studies in New Zealand.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees for 3 years
- Annual living stipend
- Health insurance
- Research allowance
Eligibility Criteria:
- Exceptional academic record
- Strong research potential
- Meeting PhD admission criteria of a New Zealand university
This scholarship is perfect for Indian students aiming for advanced research careers.
3. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
This is a major government scholarship that covers full study costs for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs. It promotes leadership development and capacity-building.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees
- Living cost support
- Establishment allowance
- Research and thesis costs
- Medical and travel insurance
Eligibility:
- Must be from an eligible country, including India
- Must commit to returning to India after degree
- Strong leadership qualities and academic excellence
4. New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Fully Funded
This scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Government for students from Commonwealth countries, including India.
Benefits include:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
- Thesis and research allowance
- Medical insurance
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic excellence
- Commitment to contributing to home country development
- Strong English proficiency
5. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
Provider: University of Auckland
Level: UG & PG
Coverage: NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees
This university-specific scholarship supports high-performing international students.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum GPA of 6.0 or above
- Enrollment in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program
- Strong academic record
6. University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship
Provider: University of Otago
Level: Master’s (by thesis)
Coverage: Up to NZD 15,000 stipend + Tuition fee waiver
Eligibility:
- Must have excellent academic records
- Must be enrolled in a thesis-based Master’s program
7. University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship
Coverage: Up to NZD 15,000
This scholarship is offered to students with strong academic backgrounds applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
8. Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship
Coverage: NZD 5,000–10,000
A merit-based scholarship open to high-performing Indian students for all levels of study.
9. Lincoln University International Scholarships
Coverage: Up to NZD 10,000
Lincoln University offers multiple scholarships, including for agriculture, environmental studies, and business.
10. AUT International Academic Excellence Scholarship
Coverage: Up to NZD 7,000
AUT supports top-performing students from India with tuition fee discounts.
11. SEG Scholarship (For Geophysics, Geology, Engineering)
Coverage: NZD 7,000–15,000
Ideal for Indian students specializing in geology, engineering, and earth sciences.
12. ADB – Japan Scholarship Program (For Sustainable Development Courses)
Coverage: Fully Funded
This scholarship supports students studying sustainability, environmental management, and public administration in New Zealand.
13. Creative New Zealand Scholarships (Arts & Design)
Coverage: Partial & Fully Funded Options
Ideal for students in performing arts, visual arts, design, and creative media.
14. Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA)
Coverage: Fully Funded (Study + Internships)
This government-backed scholarship allows Indian students to participate in short-term study, internships, and research programs.
15. College-Specific Scholarships in New Zealand
Many colleges (polytechnics & institutes of technology) offer scholarships for Indian students, such as:
- Waikato Institute of Technology
- Ara Institute of Canterbury
- Otago Polytechnic
- Unitec Institute
These scholarships generally cover NZD 2,000–10,000.
Scholarship Comparison Table (Summary)
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Level | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ International Tertiary Scholarships | Fully Funded | UG/PG | Government |
| NZIDRS | Fully Funded | PhD | Government |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Fully Funded | PG/PhD | Government |
| Auckland Excellence | Partial | UG/PG | University |
| Otago Master’s Research | Partial | PG | University |
| Waikato Excellence | Partial | UG/PG | University |
| Tongarewa Scholarship | Partial | UG/PG | University |
| AUT Excellence | Partial | UG/PG | University |
| SEG Scholarship | Partial | UG/PG | Private |
| ADB-Japan | Fully Funded | PG | International |
Eligibility Requirements for New Zealand Scholarships
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but most require:
Academic Criteria
- Strong academic performance
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Relevant subject background
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: 6.0–7.0
- TOEFL or PTE equivalents
Leadership Skills
Many scholarships prefer candidates with leadership experience.
Community Contribution
Evidence of volunteering or societal contributions strengthens your application.
Financial Need (For Some Scholarships)
Some scholarships require proof of economic need.
Documents Required
Most New Zealand scholarship applications require:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport
- Updated resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- English language test results
- Research proposal (for PhD/Master’s by thesis)
- Work experience certificates (if applicable)
How to Apply for New Zealand Scholarships (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Choose your course and university
Identify the degree you want to pursue.
Step 2: Check scholarship availability
Explore university websites and government scholarship portals.
Step 3: Prepare required documents
Collect academic, financial, and language certificates.
Step 4: Write a strong SOP
Your SOP should highlight your goals, achievements, and motivations.
Step 5: Submit the scholarship application
Some scholarships require separate applications; others are automatic.
Step 6: Attend interview (If required)
Some high-value scholarships hold interviews to evaluate candidates.
Step 7: Wait for the decision
Successful applicants receive an offer letter.
Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances
- Maintain a high GPA
- Take English tests early
- Apply before priority deadlines
- Write a compelling SOP
- Gain leadership experience
- Participate in extracurricular activities
- Obtain strong recommendation letters
- Apply to multiple scholarships
New Zealand is one of the best study destinations for Indian students looking for high-quality education, global exposure, and excellent career opportunities. With a wide range of fully funded and partially funded New Zealand Scholarships available, students from India can significantly reduce their financial burden.
Whether you’re planning to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, New Zealand offers scholarships that reward academic brilliance, research potential, leadership qualities, and community impact.
By following the strategies and step-by-step guidance provided in this article, you can increase your chances of securing a scholarship and achieving your dreams of studying in New Zealand.
Also Read: How Can Students Apply for (RTP) Research Training Program Scholarships 2025?
Sources
FAQs
1. Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in New Zealand?
Yes. Several scholarships, such as NZIDRS, Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, provide full funding for Indian students.
2. What GPA is required for scholarships in New Zealand?
Most universities require a minimum GPA of 6.0 or equivalent, but fully funded government New Zealand Scholarships require higher academic excellence.
3. Is IELTS compulsory for New Zealand Scholarships?
Yes, English proficiency is required. IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores are accepted.
4. Which universities in New Zealand offer scholarships for Indian students?
University of Auckland, University of Otago, AUT, University of Waikato, Lincoln University, and Victoria University of Wellington offer several New Zealand Scholarships.
5. What is the easiest scholarship for Indian students?
University-specific merit scholarships are easier than fully funded government New Zealand Scholarships.
6. What is the age limit for New Zealand scholarships?
Most New Zealand Scholarshipsrequire applicants to be at least 18 years old. Some have upper age limits (usually 40–45 years).
7. Are PhD programs funded in New Zealand?
Yes, most PhD programs offer fully funded New Zealand Scholarships.
8. Do New Zealand Scholarships cover living expenses?
Certain New Zealand Scholarships, especially government-funded ones, cover both tuition and living expenses.