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Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) · Auckland University of Technology, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Waikato, and selected Institutes of Technology
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded 🔴 Active / Periodic Application Window 🎓 Undergraduate, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, PhD 🌍 New Zealand 📌 Government-funded / Full Merit-based Scholarship
60%
Match
8%
Win Rate
9/10
Effort
10/10
Reward
60-80 hrs
Time Needed
Award
Full coverage of all academic and living costs; stipend of approximately NZD $562 per week
Duration
1 to 4 years depending on the level of study and program length
Deadline
Typically late February for most countries (e.g., February 28th)
Level
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, PhD
Acceptance
Varies by region but remains highly selective
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary

For students aiming to study in New Zealand, Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships is a fully funded scholarship from New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The award covers A comprehensive package covering all educational expenses, travel, health, and a weekly allowance to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies. and is open to undergraduate, postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, masters, phd students studying climate change and resilience, disaster risk management, food security and agriculture, renewable energy, good governance, health, and education (varies by country). The scholarship runs for 1 to 4 years depending on the level of study and program length. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be from an eligible country, intend to return home for at least 2 years post-study, and meet work experience requirements (if applicable). The application deadline is Typically late February for most countries (e.g., February 28th), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies by region but remains highly selective. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.

✨ Should I Apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Estimated 5% to 10% (highly competitive)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full coverage of all academic and living costs; stipend of approximately NZD $562 per week
Duration
1 to 4 years depending on the level of study and program length
📅
Deadline
Typically late February for most countries (e.g., February 28th)
🏥
Fields
Climate Change and Resilience, Disaster Risk Management, Food Security and Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Good Governance, Health, and Education (varies by country)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 600 to 800 scholarships awarded annually across all eligible regions
🌏
Study Country
New Zealand
🏛️
Provider
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
📊
Acceptance
Varies by region but remains highly selective
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the New Zealand Government's flagship international scholarship program, designed to build potential leaders and provide them with skills to support the sustainable development of their home countries.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be from an eligible country, intend to return home for at least 2 years post-study, and meet work experience requirements (if applicable).
🏛️ Host University
Auckland University of Technology, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Waikato, and selected Institutes of Technology
🏥 Fields of Study
Climate Change and Resilience, Disaster Risk Management, Food Security and Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Good Governance, Health, and Education (varies by country)
✨ Key Benefits
A comprehensive package covering all educational expenses, travel, health, and a weekly allowance to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies.
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing countries seeking higher education to contribute to home country development
🏷 Tags
New Zealand Fully Funded International Students Leadership Masters PhD Undergraduate
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Over 10,000 globally
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 650
Winners
Varies by region but remains highly selective
Acceptance Rate
Estimated 5% to 10% (highly competitive)
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
60%
Competition
95%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100% of tuition fees are covered for the duration of the program
Living Stipend
Approximately NZD $562 per week for basic living expenses (subject to annual review)
Total Award
Full coverage of all academic and living costs; stipend of approximately NZD $562 per week
✈️ Travel: Economy class return airfare from home country at start and end of scholarship, plus some internal travel 🏠 Accommodation: Funded through the initial establishment allowance and the weekly living stipend 💊 Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the duration of the scholarship 🔄 Renewable: No 💳 App Fee: Free of charge
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition fees are covered for the duration of the program
🏠 Living Stipend
Approximately NZD $562 per week for basic living expenses (subject to annual review)
🏡 Accommodation
Funded through the initial establishment allowance and the weekly living stipend
✈️ Travel Allowance
Economy class return airfare from home country at start and end of scholarship, plus some internal travel
💊 Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the duration of the scholarship
🎁 Other Benefits
Establishment allowance (approx. NZD $3,000) upon arrival, thesis allowance for research students, and pastoral care support
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
The scholarship is granted for the specific duration of the approved program and is not extended unless academic necessity is proven
Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizens of eligible countries in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Caribbean, and Latin America; aged 18-40; must meet academic and English requirements
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
Equivalent to a B average or higher (varies by specific host university requirements)
🗣️ English Requirement
IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (90 overall with 21 in writing)
🍢 Age Limit
Minimum 18 years; preferred maximum 40 years at the time of application
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time relevant work experience required for most applicants
🏆 Leadership
Strong emphasis on demonstrating leadership potential and a commitment to their country's development
💰 Financial Need
Not the primary factor; selection is based on merit and potential development impact
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing countries seeking higher education to contribute to home country development
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, applicants must provide statements on their career goals and how they will contribute to their country's development
Rec Letters
Yes, usually two references (academic or professional) are required at the final stages
Interview
Yes, shortlisted candidates must attend a formal interview (often conducted online or at the local embassy)
Application Fee
Free of charge
Documents Required
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Passport / National ID
  • Yes, usually two references (academic or professional) are required at the final stages Recommendation Letters
  • CV / Resume
  • Personal Statement / Essays
  • IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (90 overall with 21 in writing)
  • Interview: Yes, shortlisted candidates must attend a formal interview (often conducted online or at the local embassy)
  • Min GPA: Equivalent to a B average or higher (varies by specific host university requirements)
📋 Application Process
Review your country's specific priority sectors on the MFAT website before choosing your course of study.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure all documents are certified and that your English proficiency test is valid for the upcoming academic year.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Typically opens in early February each year
⏰ Deadline
Typically late February for most countries (e.g., February 28th)
🎤 Interview
Yes, shortlisted candidates must attend a formal interview (often conducted online or at the local embassy)
🎓 Study Starts
February or July of the following academic year
Typically opens in early February each year
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Typically late February for most countries (e.g., February 28th)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes, shortlisted candidates must attend a formal interview (often conducted online or at the local embassy)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
February or July of the following academic year
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, leadership qualities, and the alignment of the chosen study field with home country development needs.
Similar Scholarships
ScholarshipCountryCoverageLevel
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships CurrentNew ZealandFull FundingUndergraduate, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, PhD
🇳🇿 Lincoln University International Excellence ScholarshipNew ZealandPartial FundingUndergraduate and Postgraduate (Taught)View →
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🇹🇰 Tokelau Education Grant (Tokelau Scholarship Scheme)Tokelau / New ZealandFull FundingSecondary, Undergraduate, and PostgraduateView →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must be from an eligible country, intend to return home for at least 2 years post-study, and meet work experience requirements (if applicable).
This scholarship covers: A comprehensive package covering all educational expenses, travel, health, and a weekly allowance to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Typically late February for most countries (e.g., February 28th). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Estimated 5% to 10% (highly competitive). Acceptance rate: Varies by region but remains highly selective. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (90 overall with 21 in writing), Yes, usually two references (academic or professional) are required at the final stages recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.
🌎 Official Information
🌎
Official Website
Visit →
✍️
Apply Now
Apply →
📧
Contact
scholarships@mfat.govt.nz
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
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