Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 | Requirements | Deadlines

If you are planning to study in New Zealand with financial support, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are one of the best opportunities available for international students. This scholarship provides fully funded programs at the top New Zealand universities across a wide range of fields. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026-2027 are available for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and Diploma students. The Manaaki scholarship covers full tuition fees, living allowance, medical insurance, travel allowance, and research and thesis costs for research students.

Studying abroad is more than just an academic pursuit; it’s a transformative journey that extends far beyond the classroom. Among the plethora of opportunities available, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship stands as a beacon, offering a gateway to not only academic excellence but also an immersion into the captivating Kiwi lifestyle and culture.

The experience encapsulated within the scholarship program is nothing short of life-altering. It’s a holistic journey that transcends the boundaries of  education, aiming to shape not just careers but also minds and perspectives. From enriching academic pursuits to relishing the relaxed and vibrant Kiwi lifestyle, this scholarship has the potential to redefine and elevate your life in numerous ways.

At the core of this experience lies the chance to expand one’s horizons academically. Studying in New Zealand, renowned for its world-class  educational institutions, offers an unparalleled opportunity to receive a top-tier education. The scholarship opens doors to diverse fields of study, fostering an environment where academic growth and innovation thrive.

However, beyond the lecture halls and libraries lies an adventure waiting to unfold. Embracing the Kiwi lifestyle is an integral part of this journey. New Zealand’s culture is rich, diverse, and deeply connected to its stunning natural landscapes. From exploring breathtaking landscapes to engaging with the warm and welcoming Kiwi community, the experience goes beyond academia. It’s about fostering a deeper understanding of the world, oneself, and others.

Securing the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship isn’t just about an academic achievement; it’s about embarking on a transformative voyage. The skills acquired, friendships forged, and experiences gained will be invaluable assets that resonate throughout life. It’s an opportunity to broaden perspectives, cultivate resilience, and nurture a global outlook.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD / Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma
• Institution(s): There are eleven approved educational institutions at which Manaaki New Zealand Scholars can study. Click here to find all the available institutes.
• Study in: New Zealand
• Opportunity Focus Areas: Click here to find all the available courses
• Program Period: Undergraduate Degree (3-4 years), Postgraduate Certificate (6 months), Postgraduate Diploma (1 year), Master’s Degree (1-2 years), and PhD (3.5 years).

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 is March 31, 2026.

Scholarship Coverage

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

• Full tuition fees.
• Living allowance. This will help with basic living expenses. If you commence your scholarship study program in your home country, your stipend will be adjusted to reflect the difference in living costs around the world.
• And establishment allowance to help with set-up costs in New Zealand. For example, you can use it for accommodation expenses, textbooks, or other study materials.
• Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand.
• Tutoring costs to assist with additional academic support if needed.
• Travel to and from your own country. This is for travel from your own country at the start of the scholarship and for return travel at the end of your scholarship.
• Travel insurance.
• Travel home during your scholarship. Scholars studying over 1.6 years are entitled to travel home to visit family. We usually allow for one or two trips, depending on the length.
• Reintegration allowance. This is to help with set-up costs upon your return to your home country.
• Help with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate students.

Eligibility Criteria for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

To qualify for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements:

• Required Language: English.
• Eligible Countries: Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are available to citizens from eligible countries. If your country is not on the list, then the New Zealand Government does not offer any academic scholarships to you.
• Work Experience: Postgraduate applicants must have relevant work experience. Work experience can be paid, unpaid, or voluntary and must meet the following criteria:
  • One year of full-time work experience (i.e., 30 hours or more per week), OR
  • Two years of part-time work experience (i.e, up to 29 hours per week).
• Age Requirement: The candidate must be 18 years old or older when they start the scholarship
• Candidates must contribute to their country’s development: The purpose of a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is to invest in the education of citizens from developing countries, enabling them to positively impact their country’s development by sharing new skills and knowledge gained while on scholarship. The authority expects scholars to contribute to their country’s social or economic development for at least two years after completing their scholarship study. The authority also only selects scholars who have been living in their home country for 2 years before applying for a scholarship. Preference is given in selection to applicants who can clearly describe on their application form how they will improve their country’s social and economic development after their scholarship.
• Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in their home country for two years before commencing their studies.
• Academic and English Requirement: As part of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships application process, you need to choose your preferred  education institution and preferred courses. Scholarship applicants don’t need to apply for admission to their preferred education institution and courses until they are notified that they are a preferred candidate for a scholarship. However, scholarship applicants do need to check that they are likely to meet the minimum academic requirements and the minimum level of English required for their courses. Course entry requirements are set by your chosen education institution, so you must check the minimum entry requirements on their website before you apply for a scholarship.
  • Generally, to study for a postgraduate qualification, you must have at least:
    • An overall IELTS score of 6.5 and no band less than 6.0
    • A TOEFL score of 90 on the internet-based test with a writing score of 21
    • An overall PTE Academic score of 58, with no communicative skills score less than 50
    • A Cambridge Academic English (advanced) overall score of 176 with no bands less than 169.
  • Generally, to study for an undergraduate qualification, you must have at least:
    • An overall IELTS score of 6.0 and no band less than 5.5
    • A TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based test with a writing score of 21
    • An overall PTE Academic score of 50, with no communication skills score less than 42
    • a Cambridge Academic English (advanced) overall score of 169 with no bands less than 162.
• Visa Requirement: If your scholarship application is for study in New Zealand, then you must meet these visa requirements: Student visa requirements and application form for New Zealand.

How to Apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?

Eligible applicants can only start an application from the application opening date for their country.

Step 1: Register for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

• Citizens from eligible Asian countries who want to study in New Zealand can apply for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship online here.
• Eligible citizens from the Pacific who want to study in New Zealand can apply for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship online here. Note: Cook Islands scholars apply to their own Government scholarships here.

Step 3: Set a password for your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

You will be sent an email to set a password to complete the registration process. Click on the link in the email, which will take you to a screen where you will need to set your password. Remember to look in your spam folder, where automated messages are sometimes filtered.

Step 4: Complete and submit your application before the closing date

Use your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account to access the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship online application system anytime between the opening and closing dates for your country. Check deadlines here.

Website

To know more about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, please visit the official website:

Apply for Scholarship