New Zealand has become a popular study destination for Indian and other international students, thanks to its globally recognised universities, safe cities, and post-study work options. Cost, however, remains the biggest concern for most families planning a New Zealand education. Scholarships in New Zealand can close much of that gap, whether through government funding, university-specific awards, or other funding bodies.
This guide covers every major scholarship route available for the 2026-2027 intake, including New Zealand government scholarships, Auckland University scholarship options, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and the full application process, so you know exactly where to start.
1. Government-Funded New Zealand Scholarships
New Zealand government scholarships for international students are known as Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. They are funded by the New Zealand government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and delivered by Education New Zealand.
Students who receive a New Zealand Scholarship are funded under one of four schemes:
- New Zealand Scholarships (undergraduate and postgraduate study)
- New Zealand Short-Term Training Scholarships
- New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
- New Zealand English Language Training for Officials
Important note for Indian applicants
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are only open to citizens of specific eligible countries in the Pacific and Asia. India does not currently appear on the eligible country list.
This means most Indian students should focus on university-specific scholarships, such as the Auckland University scholarship for Indian students covered in Section 5, rather than the Manaaki programme.
2. Check Eligible Countries
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are only available to citizens of the following regions and countries. Eligibility is checked before any other step in the application process.
Eligible Pacific countries
Fiji (postgraduate only), French Pacific territories (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna), Kiribati, Naoero, Niue, North Pacific states (Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Cook Islands scholars are managed separately through the Cook Islands Ministry of Education. Tokelau scholars are currently eligible only for Short-Term Training Scholarships.
Eligible Asian countries
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.
If your country is not listed, you can still explore university-specific and other New Zealand scholarships, which are open to a much wider range of nationalities, including India.
3. What Are the Criteria to Apply for Scholarships
Eligibility criteria vary between the Manaaki programme and individual universities, but most New Zealand scholarships assess applicants against a similar set of factors:
- Citizenship of an eligible country (for government-funded schemes) or citizenship of a specific target country (for university awards such as India-only scholarships)
- A confirmed or conditional offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider
- Strong academic record in your most recent qualification
- English language proficiency, usually through IELTS or an equivalent test
- For Manaaki applicants, alignment between your chosen subject and your home country’s development priorities
- No prior tertiary study already completed in New Zealand, for most new-student scholarships
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Since Manaaki scholarships are not open to Indian citizens at present, university-funded awards are the most realistic route for Indian students seeking a New Zealand scholarship. Auckland University scholarship options are among the most well-known and are updated for each intake.
University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship
This is a Manaaki New Zealand scholarship for Indian students specifically, offered directly by the University of Auckland rather than the New Zealand government.
- Value: up to NZD 20,000 credited toward tuition fees
- Eligibility: new international students from India starting an undergraduate degree, PGDip, or master’s programme
- Number on offer: around 30 scholarships per year, awarded across two intakes
- Basis of selection: academic merit, quality of the application, and referee endorsement
- 2026 intake dates: applications for Semester 1 open 9 September 2026 and close 21 October 2026; Semester 2 opens 18 February 2026 and closes 1 April 2026
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
This is a broader award open to new international students of any nationality, including India.
- Value: up to NZD 10,000 toward tuition fees
- Number on offer: up to 50 scholarships, awarded twice a year
- Eligibility: new international students starting an undergraduate degree, PGDip, or master’s programme
Other New Zealand universities, including Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, and Canterbury, also run their own international student scholarships. Each has its own value, deadlines, and eligibility rules, so always confirm details directly on the university’s official scholarships page before applying.
5. Other New Zealand Scholarships
Beyond government and university funding, a few other routes are worth checking:
- Institute of technology and polytechnic scholarships, which support vocational and diploma-level study
- Scholarships listed through education platforms such as IDP and QS Top Universities, which aggregate current offers across providers
- Subject-specific or donor-funded awards tied to particular faculties or research areas
Always verify any third-party scholarship listing against the university’s or agency’s official website before applying, since deadlines and values are updated frequently.
6. How Much Money Is Available Through Scholarships?
The amount available depends heavily on which scholarship route you qualify for. Government-funded Manaaki scholarships (where eligible) generally cover far more than university-specific awards.
| Scholarship type | Typical coverage | Typical value | Who it suits |
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship | Tuition, living costs, travel, insurance | Fully funded | Citizens of eligible Pacific and Asian countries |
| University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship | Tuition fee credit only | Up to NZD 20,000 | New Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students |
| University International Student Excellence Scholarship | Tuition fee credit only | Up to NZD 10,000 | New international students of any nationality |
| Other institution or polytechnic awards | Varies, usually partial tuition | Varies by provider | Vocational and diploma-level applicants |
7. Fully Funded Scholarships
A fully funded scholarship in New Zealand typically covers tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs, and insurance. This level of funding is mainly available through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship programme, and only to citizens of eligible countries.
University-specific scholarships, including the Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship, are valuable but partial. They reduce tuition costs significantly rather than covering the full cost of study, so applicants should still budget for living expenses, insurance, and travel.
8. Application Process
For Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (eligible countries only)
- Check eligible countries to confirm you can apply
- Check eligibility criteria through the official online questionnaire
- Review recommended study subjects for your country
- Research available courses at one of the participating universities or institutes of technology
- Submit your application with all required documents before the deadline
- Wait for the selection outcome and respond if selected as a preferred candidate
For university-specific scholarships
- Apply for and receive an offer of place from the university
- Check the scholarship’s opening and closing dates for your intake
- Submit the scholarship application with academic transcripts and a personal statement
- Provide a reference or endorsement letter where required
- Await the outcome, typically within a few weeks of the closing date
9. How They Select Students for Scholarships
Selection panels generally assess candidates on a combination of factors:
- Academic merit and consistency of performance
- Quality and clarity of the personal statement or letter of application
- Referee endorsement and supporting recommendation
- For Manaaki scholarships, how well the chosen subject aligns with the home country’s development needs
- For university scholarships, alignment between the intended programme and the institution’s strategic priorities
Selection timelines vary by scheme and by how many applications are received for that intake. Applying as early as possible improves your chances, since some programmes close early once volume targets are met.
10. NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
Students funded by an MFAT or Education New Zealand scholarship apply for the NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa to study in the country.
| Detail | Information |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years |
| Cost | From NZD 750 |
| Processing time | 80% processed within 3 weeks |
| Work rights | Up to 25 hours a week during study, full-time during holidays, for eligible schemes |
| Return home requirement | At least 2 years after completing the scholarship, or 1 year for short-term schemes of 12 months or less |
To apply, students must first be awarded an MFAT-funded scholarship, then provide an approved offer of place, proof of funding, and standard supporting documents such as health and character evidence.
11. Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
- Start early and track every deadline for your target intake
- Apply for multiple scholarships at the same time to improve your overall chances
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully before you begin your application
- Submit certified copies of academic and identity documents
- Proofread your personal statement and application form before submitting
- Be patient. Selection outcomes can take several weeks depending on applicant volume
Conclusion
Scholarships in New Zealand for international students fall into two broad categories. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships offer full funding but only to citizens of eligible Pacific and Asian countries. University-specific scholarships, including the Auckland University scholarship for Indian students, offer meaningful tuition support and remain open to a much wider group of applicants.
For most Indian students, the realistic path to a New Zealand scholarship for 2026-2027 runs through university-specific awards. Confirm your target university’s scholarship page, note the exact deadlines, and prepare a strong academic and personal statement well ahead of time.
Need help with your application?
Abroad Gateway can guide you through university selection, scholarship applications, and the New Zealand student visa process from start to finish.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Education New Zealand), Study with New Zealand, University of Auckland official scholarships pages.
