New Zealand Government - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · Oceania
FundingFully Funded
LevelBachelors/Masters/PhD
DeadlineFebruary
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Full scholarship covering tuition, living costs, travel, insurance and related allowances for the study period in New Zealand. Full length of the qualification (Masters ~1-2 yr, PhD ~3+ yr)
ProviderNew Zealand Government - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
DeadlineDeadlines vary by country/region (roughly February-March); high-volume countries may close early, so apply early.
IntakeAnnual (one main tertiary round per year)
Applications openVaries
CompetitionVery High
Programme durationFull length of the qualification (Masters ~1-2 yr, PhD ~3+ yr)
BachelorsMastersPhDDevelopment priority areas
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships eligibility criteria
Citizen of an eligible developing country (current cycle: Pacific and Asia)
At least 18 when signing the offer letter
Postgraduate applicants: 1 year full-time relevant work experience (some waivers)
Meet institution academic entry standards
English proficiency (postgrad generally IELTS 6.5; undergrad IELTS 6.0)
Resided in home country for 2 years before applying (some exceptions)
Commit to return and contribute to home country for at least 2 years
Benefits and coverage
Full tuition fees
Living allowance for basic expenses
Establishment allowance for set-up costs
Medical insurance while in New Zealand
Return airfares (plus one home visit for programs over 1.6 years)
Travel insurance
Reintegration allowance on return home
Research/thesis cost support and tutoring where needed
Required documents
Online application form
Academic transcripts including the grading scale
Verified English-translated transcripts and completion certificates
Evidence of English proficiency
Proof of citizenship/eligibility
Work-experience evidence (postgraduate)
How to apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Deadlines vary by country/region (roughly February-March); high-volume countries may close early, so apply early. Submit a complete application before the February deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageFull scholarship covering tuition, living costs, travel, insurance and related allowances…
LevelsBachelors/Masters/PhD
Frequently asked questions
Citizen of an eligible developing country (current cycle: Pacific and Asia) At least 18 when signing the offer letter Postgraduate applicants: 1 year full-time relevant work experience (some waivers) Meet institution academic entry standards English proficiency (postgrad generally IELTS 6.5; undergrad IELTS 6.0) Resided in home country for 2 years before applying (some exceptions) Commit to return and contribute to home country for at least 2 years
Full tuition fees Living allowance for basic expenses Establishment allowance for set-up costs Medical insurance while in New Zealand Return airfares (plus one home visit for programs over 1.6 years) Travel insurance Reintegration allowance on return home Research/thesis cost support and tutoring where needed
Online application form Academic transcripts including the grading scale Verified English-translated transcripts and completion certificates Evidence of English proficiency Proof of citizenship/eligibility Work-experience evidence (postgraduate)
Deadlines vary by country/region (roughly February-March); high-volume countries may close early, so apply early.
No — applications for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are free.