Apply now for fully funded Manaaki New Zealand scholarships for international students 2026. Fully funded opportunity covering tuition, living costs, travel & insurance. Deadline 31 March 2026.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026/27
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 offer a fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in New Zealand. Funded by the New Zealand Government, this prestigious program supports students from eligible Pacific and Asian countries to gain world-class education while contributing to their home country’s development.
Applications open 1 March 2026 and close 31 March 2026 (12:00 PM NZT). Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your future and start your journey today.
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Overview of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are designed to empower future leaders with quality education and professional skills. The program focuses on development-related fields aligned with the needs of participating countries.
Key highlights:
- Fully funded by the New Zealand Government
- Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees
- Study at approved New Zealand universities and institutes
- Strong focus on sustainable development and economic growth
- Scholars must return home for two years after graduation
This scholarship is highly competitive and aims to build long-term development partnerships.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country: New Zealand
- Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Funding Type: Fully Funded Opportunity
- Opening Date: 1 March 2026
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Scholarship Provider: New Zealand Government
Selected candidates will begin their studies in 2026.
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Eligible Countries
Pacific Countries
- Fiji (Postgraduate only)
- New Caledonia
- French Polynesia
- Wallis and Futuna
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Niue
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Palau
- Marshall Islands
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Asian Countries
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Lao PDR
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Viet Nam
Applicants must confirm their country’s eligibility before applying.
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Participating Universities in New Zealand
Students can study at approved New Zealand institutions, including:
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- Massey University
- Lincoln University
- Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
- Waikato Institute of Technology
- Other recognized Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics
Applicants do not need to secure admission before applying. However, they must ensure they meet academic and English entry requirements.
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Offered Study Fields
The scholarship prioritizes fields aligned with national development needs, such as:
- Renewable Energy
- Agriculture Development
- Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management
- Public Sector Development
- Private Sector Development
- Environmental Management
- Education
- Governance and Policy
- Infrastructure Development
Applicants must choose a field relevant to their country’s growth priorities.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026, you must:
- Be 18 years or older at the time of starting your scholarship
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Have lived in your home country for at least two years prior
- Meet academic entry requirements of your chosen institution
- Meet English language requirements
- Have relevant work experience (for postgraduate and mature undergraduate applicants)
Work Experience Requirements
- One year full-time work (30+ hours/week), OR
- Two years part-time work (up to 29 hours/week)
Applicants under 40 years are generally preferred.
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English Language Requirements
For Postgraduate Study:
- IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT 90 (Writing 21)
- PTE Academic 58
- Cambridge 176
For Undergraduate Study:
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL iBT 80
- PTE Academic 50
- Cambridge 169
Is a Supervisor Required?
- For PhD applicants: Yes. You must contact potential supervisors early. At the interview stage, you must show proof that you have secured or are in active discussions with a supervisor.
- For Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants: No supervisor is required.
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Financial Benefits
This is a fully funded opportunity covering:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance of NZ$615 per week
- Establishment allowance of NZ$3,000
- Medical and travel insurance
- Round-trip airfare to and from New Zealand
- Travel home during the scholarship
- Research and thesis support for postgraduate students
These comprehensive benefits allow students to focus entirely on academic success.
Scholarship Duration
- Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 3–4 years
- Master’s Degree: 1–2 years
- PhD Degree: Up to 3.5–4 years
Duration depends on the chosen program and institution.
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Required Documents
Applicants typically need:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English proficiency test results
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Work experience evidence
- Development impact statement
- Referee reports
Ensure all documents are complete before submission.
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Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Check your country eligibility.
- Review preferred study fields.
- Confirm you meet academic and English requirements.
- Research eligible New Zealand institutions.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Submit your online application between 1–31 March 2026.
Important: Applications close 31 March 2026 at 12:00 PM (midday). Late submissions are not accepted.
Apply now and secure your future with this prestigious scholarship.
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Start Your Journey Today
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 provide a life-changing, fully funded opportunity to study in one of the world’s most innovative education systems. With full financial support, leadership development, and global exposure, this program is designed to transform your future and your country’s growth. Don’t miss this opportunity. Apply now. Secure your future. Start your journey today.