New Zealand Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

New Zealand has emerged as a popular destination for international students seeking quality education and a vibrant cultural experience. To make education more accessible, numerous scholarships and awards are available to international students at various levels of study, from undergraduate to doctoral programs. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarships offered by New Zealand universities and the New Zealand government, helping prospective students navigate the application process and find the right funding opportunities.

Scholarships and Awards: Making Study More Affordable

Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships and awards can significantly reduce the financial burden. New Zealand universities offer a range of scholarships specifically for international students, in addition to those available to all students.

Types of Scholarships Available

A variety of scholarships are available, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process. Some scholarships cover tuition fees, while others also provide a stipend for living expenses. Scholarships are generally available for undergraduate, postgraduate (Master's and Doctoral), and pathway programs.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

The New Zealand government offers Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships to eligible citizens from developing countries. These scholarships aim to foster prosperity, security, and sustainable growth in partner countries while building lasting connections with New Zealand.

Objectives of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme aims to enhance the mana of partner countries and Aotearoa New Zealand through manaakitanga - the act of hosting, supporting, and honoring manaaki scholars. Recipients gain a globally recognized education, experience authentic New Zealand culture, and acquire the tools to contribute to their countries' development.

Read also: Study in New Zealand

University of Otago Scholarships

The University of Otago offers a wide array of scholarships for international students across various study levels.

Undergraduate Scholarships

University of Otago Global Scholarships: These scholarships are available to new international Bachelor degree students commencing full-time undergraduate study in 2026 (February or July intakes) and holding passports from specific countries, including Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The scholarship value is NZD $15,000, and no separate application is required. Students are automatically assessed during the admission process.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for International Students: These scholarships are for new international Bachelor degree students commencing full-time undergraduate study in 2026 (February or July intakes). The scholarship value is NZD $10,000 for tuition fees. Students are automatically assessed during the admission process.
University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are for high-achieving international students who have studied overseas and will be commencing a full-time Bachelor degree at Otago, commencing studies in 2026 (February or July intakes). The scholarship value is NZD~$35,000 (comprising first-year accommodation and tuition scholarships in year 2 and year 3). Eligible students are invited to apply in eVision after accepting any previous scholarship offer. This is a competitive selection scholarship.
University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship: This scholarship is applicable to international students applying into a degree program through an established partner articulation agreement (e.g., 2+2, credit recognition). Students must undertake a minimum of four semesters of study at Otago and commence study in 2026 (February or July intakes). The scholarship value is NZD $10,000. Students must actively respond ‘yes’ to the international scholarship question during eVision admission application steps.
University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (New Zealand-based students): These scholarships are applicable to international and domestic students studying in New Zealand high schools or in a New Zealand-based foundation program who will be commencing full-time Bachelor degree studies in 2026 (February or July intakes). The value ranges from NZD $10,000 to ~$45,000. Applications can only be made between 1 July-15 August via eVision.

Postgraduate Scholarships

Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students commencing selected postgraduate programs (Master coursework degrees or postgraduate coursework diplomas) at the University of Otago, studying full-time, course duration of at least two semesters, either on campus or by distance learning in 2026 (excludes MBA and Science Communication). The scholarship value is NZD $10,000 for tuition fees.
University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship: This scholarship is for international students enrolling in a research Master's program. The scholarship value is NZD $18,204 stipend per annum plus a partial tuition fee waiver (capped at the domestic fee rate).
University of Otago Coursework Master's Scholarship: This scholarship is for international and domestic students enrolling in a coursework Master's program (excludes MBA). The scholarship value is NZD $10,000 for tuition fees.

Doctoral Scholarships

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships: These scholarships are for international and domestic students enrolling in a Doctoral program. The scholarship value is NZ$33,624 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fees waiver for 36 months.

Pathway Scholarships

University of Otago Pathway Scholarships (Diploma students): Applicants for the pathway diplomas (DipArt DipSc DipCom) are automatically considered for the Global Scholarship or Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students. The scholarship value is NZD $10,000-$15,000. No extra scholarship application is required.
University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (New Zealand-based students): Onshore international students in a New Zealand high school or New Zealand-based foundation provider should apply for the University of Otago Entrance Scholarships (open 1 July-15 August) to be considered for a scholarship for either Bachelor or Diploma studies (in the case they do not meet university entrance directly).
Foundation Studies Certificate: Applicants may be considered for the University of Otago Te Huarahi scholarship. The scholarship value starts from NZD $5,000 (minimum value). International students need to complete and submit the PDF Te Huarahi Academic Scholarship application form to be considered for the scholarship.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Scholarships

AUT offers a range of scholarships for international students who want to study at the university.

International Scholarships for Semester 1, 2026

AUT provides international scholarships for specific regions, recognizing and supporting high-achieving international students.

AUT International Scholarships - South Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, Europe - Semester 1, 2026 Intake: These scholarships are available to international students from South Asia (Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives), Southeast Asia (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam), North Asia (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Mongolia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea), and Europe.

International Scholarships by AUT Faculty

The AUT International Scholarships Semester 1, 2026 intakes are available to support high-achieving international students in eligible programs across various faculties and schools.

Faculty of Business: Scholarships are available for Diploma in Business or Bachelor of Business programs (intake Semester 1, 2026).
Faculty of Culture and Society: Scholarships are available for specific undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies: Scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences: Scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

New Zealand AUT-NCUK Scholarship

This scholarship is exclusive to international students enrolled in the NCUK New Zealand Global Education Pathway programs who want to study at AUT.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA) - Vietnam: Exclusive scholarships for Vietnamese students, offered in collaboration with Education New Zealand (ENZ).
Hall of Residence Scholarships: Offered biannually, for the April and September intakes.
Music Scholarships: Awards of up to $8,000 to support international and domestic undergraduate and postgraduate music students undertaking study in organ or early keyboard. Scholarships of up to $10,000 to support domestic or international students enrolled full-time or part-time in postgraduate study in Music. Scholarships of up to $5,000 in total for international or domestic students undertaking postgraduate research in Music, focusing on the area of historical performance.
Vocal Studies Scholarships: Up to $25,000 in Scholarships totaling to support students undertaking a BMus(Hons) or a MMus in vocal studies enrolled in postgraduate study in Music at the University of Auckland.
Aeronautics Scholarship: A $6,000 Scholarship to support a postgraduate student carrying out research in a field related to aeronautics.
Master of Design Award: A $5,000 Award for students from diverse backgrounds enrolling in a Master of Design program.

American and Canadian Students Financial Aid

American and Canadian students may also be eligible for financial aid to help them study in New Zealand. For American students, this includes federal loans and veterans' benefits.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships

Research thoroughly: Identify scholarships that match your academic level, field of study, and nationality.
Meet the eligibility criteria: Ensure you meet all the requirements before applying.
Prepare a strong application: Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Proofread your application: Ensure your application is free of errors and presents you in the best possible light.
Apply early: Submit your application well before the deadline.
Accept offers actively: Scholarship offers must be actively accepted by the deadline indicated in the scholarship offer letter, in addition to accepting the admission offer.

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