New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships 2026-2027

Overview

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are fully funded awards from the New Zealand government, offered through Education New Zealand to students from over 80 partner countries. The programme embodies manaakitanga, the Maori concept of hospitality, generosity, and care, by supporting international scholars to earn recognized qualifications at New Zealand universities and tertiary institutions. Scholarships cover undergraduate, postgraduate (master's and PhD), diploma, short-term training, and English language programmes.

Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the programme prioritises candidates whose study aligns with development priority sectors identified for their home country. Awardees receive full tuition fees, a weekly living allowance, establishment costs, medical insurance, and return airfare. After completing their studies, scholars must return to their home country for at least two years so that newly acquired skills contribute directly to local development.

The programme targets citizens from Pacific Island nations, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, making it one of the most geographically inclusive government scholarship schemes available. Applications open in March each year.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) via Education New Zealand
Host Country	New Zealand
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	Full tuition fees, NZ$615/week living allowance, NZ$3,000 establishment allowance, medical insurance, return airfare, and up to NZ$1,000 for tutoring costs
Deadline	March–April 2026
Duration	Varies by programme: 1–4 years for degree programmes; short-term training up to 18 months
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of 80+ partner countries across the Pacific, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
Official Website	https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold qualifications equivalent to the entry requirements of their chosen programme. A strong academic record is required, and selection committees weigh academic merit alongside alignment with home-country development priorities.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be citizens of an eligible partner country and reside in that country at the time of application. The eligibility list includes nations across the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Country-specific eligibility can be verified on the official website.

Language Requirements

English language proficiency is required. Most programmes require an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent (TOEFL iBT). Some postgraduate programmes may require higher scores. Test results must be from within the last 18 months.

Work Experience

Work experience is not required for degree programmes, but professional experience relevant to your field of study and home-country development priorities strengthens applications. Short-term training scholarships require current employment in a relevant role.

Other Requirements

Applicants must commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship. The study subject must align with a priority sector identified for the applicant's country. Applicants must not already hold a qualification at the same or higher level as the one they are applying for.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees for the entire duration of the programme
• Weekly living allowance of NZ$615 (about NZ$32,000 per year)
• Establishment allowance of NZ$3,000 to cover initial set-up costs in New Zealand
• Return economy airfare between the scholar's home country and New Zealand
• Full medical and travel insurance for the duration of the scholarship
• Research and thesis costs covered for research-based postgraduate students
• Tutoring support costs up to NZ$1,000
• Orientation programme upon arrival in New Zealand
• Access to academic support services and alumni networks

How to Apply

1. Check Country Eligibility: Visit the official Manaaki website and use the eligibility checker to confirm your country is listed. Each country has specific priority sectors that your chosen field of study must align with.
2. Verify Personal Eligibility: Confirm you meet all criteria: citizenship, residency, academic qualifications, and English language proficiency. Make sure you do not already hold a qualification at the same or higher level.
3. Research Study Subjects and Courses: Identify subjects that align with your country's priority development sectors. Browse available courses at New Zealand universities and tertiary institutions listed on the Manaaki website.
4. Prepare Required Documents: Gather certified academic transcripts with grading scales, English proficiency test results, a passport copy, and any other documents specified for your country. All non-English documents must be officially translated.
5. Complete the Online Application: Submit your application through the official Manaaki online portal between 1 March and 10 April 2026. Complete all sections, including your personal statement explaining how your study will benefit your home country.
6. Selection and Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or asked for additional documentation, including verified translated copies of academic transcripts and completion certificates.
7. Receive Offer and Prepare for Departure: Successful candidates receive a preferred candidate notification. Accept the offer, complete pre-departure requirements, and attend the orientation programme upon arrival in New Zealand.

Required Documents

• Certified copies of academic transcripts with grading scale
• Completion certificates for previous qualifications
• Digital colour copy of a valid passport
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL) from the last 18 months
• Personal statement or motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Employer endorsement form (for short-term training applicants)
• Two referee reports or recommendation letters
• Medical examination certificate (upon selection)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	1 March 2026
Application Deadline	10 April 2026 (midday NZT)
Results Announced	June–August 2026 (varies by programme)
Course Start	February 2027 (Semester 1) or July 2027 (Semester 2)

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Show exactly how your proposed study aligns with your home country's development priorities. Selection panels weigh this heavily.
• Lay out a concrete plan for applying your skills when you return home after the two-year bond period
• Highlight community leadership, volunteer work, or professional achievements that show your commitment to development
• Be specific about why New Zealand and your chosen institution are the right fit for your goals
• Explain how you will share what you learn with others in your home country to multiply the impact

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a study subject that does not align with your country's identified priority sectors. This is a disqualifying factor.
• Submitting English proficiency test results that are older than 18 months
• Failing to provide certified translations of non-English academic documents
• Applying for a qualification at the same level as one you already hold
• Submitting the application after the midday deadline. The portal closes at 12:00 PM NZT on the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries are eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

Over 80 countries, spanning the Pacific Islands (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and others), Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The full list is on the official Manaaki website's eligibility checker.

How much is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship living allowance?

NZ$615 per week, which comes to about NZ$32,000 per year. Scholars also receive a NZ$3,000 establishment allowance upon arrival to cover initial set-up costs.

Do I need to return to my home country after the Manaaki Scholarship?

All Manaaki scholars must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship. This ensures the skills gained benefit the scholar's home country directly.

What IELTS score do I need for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

Most programmes require a minimum overall band score of 6.0, though specific requirements may vary. Some postgraduate programmes require a higher score. TOEFL and other equivalent tests are also accepted.

Can I do a PhD on the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

Manaaki Scholarships support undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, master's, and PhD-level study. PhD candidates also receive support for research and thesis costs.

When does the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship application open for 2026?

Tertiary applications open at midnight on 1 March 2026 and close at midday on 10 April 2026. Applications go through the official Manaaki online portal.

Does the Manaaki Scholarship cover travel costs?

The scholarship covers return economy airfare between your home country and New Zealand at the start and end of the programme. Travel insurance is also included for the full duration.

Can I bring my family on the Manaaki Scholarship?

The scholarship is for the individual scholar and does not cover dependants' travel or living costs. Scholars may bring family members at their own expense, subject to New Zealand immigration requirements.

What fields of study are available under the Manaaki Scholarship?

A wide range of fields, but your chosen subject must align with a priority development sector identified for your country. Common priority areas include education, health, agriculture, environmental management, governance, and economic development.

How competitive is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

Competitive, with hundreds of applications from eligible countries each year. Selection is based on academic merit, alignment with home-country development priorities, leadership potential, and the strength of your return-home plan.

Is work experience required for the Manaaki Scholarship?

Not required for degree-level programmes, but it strengthens your application, especially if relevant to your chosen field and your country's development priorities. Short-term training scholarships require current employment.

Can I apply for the Manaaki Scholarship if I already have a master's degree?

You cannot apply for a qualification at the same level as one you already hold. You may apply for a higher-level qualification, such as a PhD if you already hold a master's degree.

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