The Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships 2026 are a fantastic opportunity for international students to study in New Zealand with full financial support. Funded by the Government of New Zealand, this scholarship aims to develop future global leaders by offering high-quality education, professional development, and cultural exchange opportunities.
Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs, the Manaaki Scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and research support. This allows students to focus fully on their studies, personal growth, and career development without worrying about financial constraints.
Beyond academics, the scholarship emphasizes leadership, development impact, and global networking. Graduates are expected to return to their home countries with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to society and drive positive change.
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Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: New Zealand
- Host Universities: Leading New Zealand universities and institutes
- Sponsored by: Government of New Zealand
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded (tuition, living allowance, travel, insurance, research support)
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
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Benefits of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026
The Manaaki Scholarship is fully funded, covering almost every cost associated with studying in New Zealand:
- Full tuition fee coverage at New Zealand universities
- Weekly living allowance: NZ$491
- Establishment allowance: NZ$3,000
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Return airfare to your home country
- Travel insurance for international travel
- Research and thesis allowance for postgraduate students
- One or two home-country visits (depending on program duration)
Eligible Countries
The Manaaki Scholarship is open to students from developing countries across the globe. Eligible countries are divided into regions:
Pacific Countries: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji (postgraduate only), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Asian Countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives
African Countries: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Djibouti, Eswatini, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Caribbean Countries: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname
Latin American Countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela
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Host Universities in New Zealand
The scholarship is offered at leading universities and institutes in New Zealand, including:
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- University of Canterbury
- Victoria University of Wellington
- Massey University
- University of Waikato
- Lincoln University
- Auckland University of Technology
- Southern Institute of Technology
- Unitec Institute of Technology
- Wintec – Waikato Institute of Technology
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Manaaki Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Aged 18–40 years at the start of your study
- Meet academic entry requirements for the chosen program
- Relevant work experience for postgraduate applicants
- Meet New Zealand student visa requirements
- Secure admission to an eligible New Zealand institution
- Provide English language proficiency if awarded
- PhD applicants: submit a research proposal and supervisor support
Required Documents
- Certified academic degree certificates and transcripts
- Proof of citizenship and birth certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Referee reports (academic + professional)
- English language test results
- PhD applicants: supervisor support letter and research proposal
- Medical/health certificate
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Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships 2026 is 31 March 2026.
How to Apply for Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships
Follow these steps to apply:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm your country, age, and academic requirements.
- Choose Study Program: Select an approved course and institution in New Zealand.
- Prepare Documents: Ensure all required documents are ready and certified.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the official Manaaki scholarship application form.
- Await Results: Check your email for selection updates or interview requests.
