New Zealand Scholarships (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships)

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · Oceania

FundingFully Funded
LevelMasters/PhD
DeadlineMarch
Application feeFree

About this scholarship

Full tuition, living allowance (NZD $400/week), establishment allowance, travel costs, and health insurance for students from eligible developing countries. Masters 1-2 years; PhD 3-4 years

ProviderNew Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
CountryNew Zealand (Oceania)
Host university / institutionNew Zealand universities (University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, etc.)
Degree levelsMasters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeFree
DeadlineApplications typically open in February and close in March. Check scholarships.mfat.govt.nz.
IntakeFebruary or July
Applications openFebruary
CompetitionHigh
Programme durationMasters 1-2 years; PhD 3-4 years
MastersPhD All fields

New Zealand Scholarships (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships) eligibility criteria

  • Citizen of an eligible developing country (including Pakistan)
  • Under 40 years of age
  • Bachelor's degree with good grades
  • Not already a NZ citizen/permanent resident
  • Meet university admission requirements
  • Not previously studied in NZ for 12+ months
  • IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+

Benefits and coverage

  • Full tuition fees
  • Living allowance NZD $400 per week
  • Establishment allowance NZD $3,000
  • Return economy airfare
  • Travel allowance within New Zealand
  • Health insurance
  • Research and thesis costs support

Required documents

  • Online application
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • English proficiency certificate
  • Two recommendation letters
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/Resume
  • Copy of passport
  • Medical certificate

How to apply for the New Zealand Scholarships (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships)

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
  2. Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
  3. Applications typically open in February and close in March. Check scholarships.mfat.govt.nz. Submit a complete application before the March deadline.
  4. Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageFull tuition, living allowance (NZD $400/week), establishment allowance, travel costs, an…
LevelsMasters/PhD

Frequently asked questions

Citizen of an eligible developing country (including Pakistan) Under 40 years of age Bachelor's degree with good grades Not already a NZ citizen/permanent resident Meet university admission requirements Not previously studied in NZ for 12+ months IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+

Full tuition fees Living allowance NZD $400 per week Establishment allowance NZD $3,000 Return economy airfare Travel allowance within New Zealand Health insurance Research and thesis costs support

Online application Academic transcripts and degree certificates English proficiency certificate Two recommendation letters Statement of purpose CV/Resume Copy of passport Medical certificate

Applications typically open in February and close in March. Check scholarships.mfat.govt.nz.

No — applications for the New Zealand Scholarships (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships) are free.

No application fee — apply free
Apply on the official website → Official info page
DeadlineMarch
OpensFebruary
IntakeFebruary or July
CompetitionHigh
CountryNew Zealand

Deadlines and details change — always confirm on the official website before applying.

Study in New Zealand

Practical guides on universities, costs, scholarships and visas.

🎓 Guide to studying in New Zealand → Browse all study guides →

Related guides

Learn how to win scholarships and build a strong application.