Full funding · Study in New Zealand
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Fully funded: tuition, living allowance, establishment costs, insurance and return airfares
- Funder
- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Level
- Undergraduate · Postgraduate
- Coverage
- Full
About this scholarship
The New Zealand government's development scholarships fund students from eligible countries — including several in South and Southeast Asia — to study subjects that support their home country's development.
Scholars study at New Zealand universities with full financial support and return home to apply their skills after graduating.
🗓️ Deadline
Applications generally open in late January and close at the end of February each year
Award cycles shift year to year. Confirm the current deadline on the official site before you plan around it.
Eligibility
- Citizen of an eligible country (check the current list — several Asian and Pacific countries qualify)
- Applying for a subject aligned with your home country's development priorities
- Academic ability plus at least one year of relevant work experience for postgraduate awards
- Commitment to return home for at least two years after the scholarship
How to apply
- Confirm your country and subject eligibility on the official site
- Apply online during the January–February window
- Shortlisted candidates complete an interview and English test where required
- Successful scholars are placed at a New Zealand university for the following intake
- Your counsellor can check eligibility and prepare the application with you
Studying in New Zealand
Globally recognised degrees, stunning scenery and up to 3 years of post-study work. Post-study work: Up to 3 years.
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Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: your questions, answered
What does the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships cover?
Fully funded: tuition, living allowance, establishment costs, insurance and return airfares. The New Zealand government's development scholarships fund students from eligible countries — including several in South and Southeast Asia — to study subjects that support their home country's development.
Who is eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?
Core requirements are: Citizen of an eligible country (check the current list — several Asian and Pacific countries qualify); Applying for a subject aligned with your home country's development priorities; Academic ability plus at least one year of relevant work experience for postgraduate awards; Commitment to return home for at least two years after the scholarship. Eligibility rules are set by the funder and can change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
When is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships deadline?
Applications generally open in late January and close at the end of February each year. Because award cycles shift year to year, always check the official programme website for the current date.
Is the university placement service really free?
Yes, our service is 100% free. Counselling, university matching, application support and guidance right up to your offer cost you nothing. There are no consultation fees and no agent fees, because we are funded by our university partners. The only cost you take on is the university’s own tuition or semester fees, which you pay directly to the university after you accept your offer.
What exactly do you help with?
Everything from start to finish: understanding your options, shortlisting the right programme, preparing your application and personal statement, submitting to the university, and guiding you through the offer, enrolment and visa paperwork, all with a dedicated counsellor.
Which universities can you place me into?
We place students into a range of UK and international universities, and we shortlist the best-fit options for your grades, budget and goals rather than pushing a single school. On some pages we run dedicated free placement drives for a specific partner university, and we are always adding more partners. Tell us your goals and your counsellor will map out your options.