The New Zealand government offers fully funded tertiary scholarships for eligible international students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at New Zealand institutions or select Pacific universities.
Host Institutions
There are eligible universities and institutes of technology across New Zealand.
Fields of Study
Degrees are offered in priority areas relevant to the development needs of the applicant’s home country, such as renewable energy, agriculture, disaster risk management, and public and private sector development.
Who Can Apply
The scholarships target citizens of eligible Pacific and Asian countries. Check the official website for a list of qualifying nations.
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Scholarship Benefits
The program covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Weekly living allowance (NZ$615)
- Establishment allowance (NZ$3,000)
- Medical and travel insurance
- Travel costs to and from New Zealand
- Research and thesis funding for postgraduate students
Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of their scholarship. While there is no upper age limit, candidates under 40 are preferred.
Academic and Language Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum academic and English proficiency requirements for their chosen courses. Institutions set specific standards; generally:
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.
Work Experience
Postgraduate and mature undergraduate applicants need relevant work experience:
- One year of full-time work (30+ hours/week) OR
- Two years of part-time work (up to 29 hours/week).
Contribution to Development
Applicants must demonstrate how their studies will contribute to the social and economic development of their home country after graduation.
Application Details
The next application round opens on 1 February 2025 and closes on 28 February 2025 (midday). Application processes vary by country, and most applicants can apply online.
Visit the official website for detailed application instructions and country-specific information.
