Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to New Zealand Scholarships for Indonesian Students

New Zealand has emerged as a popular destination for international students, including those from Indonesia, drawn by its world-class education system, top-tier universities, and welcoming environment. International scholars value New Zealand’s friendly people, its world class education, the approachable lecturers, and the opportunity to develop critical thinking in a safe and multicultural environment. The nation provides a very good quality of life and a rich cultural experience that promotes students’ intellectual and personal development. Securing a scholarship is the single most effective way for international students to afford a high-quality education abroad. New Zealand international student scholarships are essential in making education more affordable. These scholarships provide not only financial assistance but also the opportunity for personal and academic growth. This guide explores the various scholarships available to Indonesian students seeking to pursue their academic dreams in New Zealand.

Types of New Zealand Scholarships for International Students

Several New Zealand scholarships for international students offered by the government and universities can be divided into the following categories. New Zealand offers an abundance of scholarship opportunities to foreign students, opening up high-quality education for them. Among the well-known scholarships for international students are the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, and the Victoria University of Wellington Doctoral Scholarships.

Government Scholarships

Government-funded scholarships are awarded by the New Zealand government, which extends an invitation to talented international students to enter the country and supports them in their education. These include tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowance. The most popular government scholarship in New Zealand for international students is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (formerly known as New Zealand Development Scholarships).

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are offered by the New Zealand government to international students who wish to undertake postgraduate studies at one of eleven approved education institutions in New Zealand. The scholarships support study at four levels: postgraduate certificates (6 months), postgraduate diplomas (1 year), master’s degrees (1 to 2 years), and Ph.D. programmes (3.5 years). The scholarship covers recipients’ full study and living costs during their study of an academic subject recommended for their country.

The purpose is for candidates to gain knowledge and skills through their study in specific subject areas that will assist in the development of their home country. Scholars are expected to contribute to their country’s social or economic development for two years after completing their scholarship study.

Non-Government New Zealand Scholarships

These scholarships are offered by private organisations, foundations, and trusts; therefore, they are referred to as non-government scholarships. Sometimes, these scholarships target specific fields of study, research projects, or even student demographics. Education New Zealand & New Zealand Universities Scholarships are a general category for various scholarships funded by Education New Zealand and its partner universities, which are specifically for international students.

Institution-Specific New Zealand Scholarships

Many New Zealand universities offer scholarships in an attempt to attract high-achieving international students. University-specific scholarships: Every university in New Zealand offers university-specific scholarships for international students. These include the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship and the Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded based on academic success, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities. These are often fully funded scholarships in New Zealand, covering a wide range of expenses. Usually merit-based, awarded for leadership, or concentrated on certain fields of study, the popular ones are listed below:

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
Victoria University of Wellington Doctoral Scholarships
University of Otago International Research Master's Scholarship

Top Government Scholarships in New Zealand

Here is an overview of the top government scholarships available to international students for studying in New Zealand.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

The main government scholarship programme for students from developing countries. It is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Fully funded, covers full tuition fees, a weekly living stipend (NZ $531), an establishment allowance for initial costs, travel costs (flights, visas), and health and travel insurance. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are prestigious, fully funded awards offered by the New Zealand government to international students. These scholarships support study across a wide range of academic disciplines and are available in select countries. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are fully funded awards offered by the New Zealand government to support international students from eligible countries. These are full tertiary scholarships for eligible students who wish to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at a New Zealand university or a Pacific education institution. Several leading universities in New Zealand partner with the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme, offering fully funded opportunities for eligible international students. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are available to citizens from selected countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

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New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships (part of the Manaaki program)

A specific category under the Manaaki programme for postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries. Fully funded, covers full tuition fees, weekly stipend, establishment allowance, and return air travel.

Short-Term Training Scholarships

Offers professionals from developing nations short-term training and skills development in New Zealand. Fully funded, covers course and visa fees, return airfare, medical insurance, and a living allowance. Designed for citizens of Pacific nations and Timor-Leste, these scholarships support short-term skills training and on-the-job work experience. These scholarships are tailored for groups of workers from eligible Southeast Asian countries and Timor-Leste. These short-term scholarships are for government officials from eligible countries in Asia and Africa. These include Thematic Short Term Cohort Training Scholarships. With this award, professionals from developing countries around the world are funded to complete short courses in New Zealand or online.

New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarships

Supports PhD candidates from developing countries in undertaking research in agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation. Fully funded scholarship, including an annual stipend of NZ $28,000, tuition fees up to NZ $10,000 per year, and medical insurance and visa costs.

Top Non-Government Scholarships in New Zealand

In New Zealand, many private organisations, charities, and trusts offer non-government scholarships to help international students in their academic pursuits. Most of the time, these scholarships are field-specific, research-based, or targeted at specific student demographics.

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

For students from ADB-borrowing member countries to pursue postgraduate studies at specific partner institutions in New Zealand. Covers full tuition fees and living allowances.

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Education New Zealand & New Zealand Universities Scholarships

A general category for various scholarships funded by Education New Zealand and its partner universities, which are specifically for international students. Amounts vary widely, from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships.

University-Specific Scholarships to Study in New Zealand

University scholarships in New Zealand are meant to attract and support international students. Many universities, such as the University of Otago and Lincoln University, also accept students on government scholarships, including the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. The following is a list of some major university-specific scholarships for international students in New Zealand.

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

University of Auckland prizes for exceptional overseas students in all academic subjects. Up to NZ $10,000. At postgraduate level, you should also have options. The University of Auckland's International Student Excellence Scholarship is worth up to NZD 10,000 to master's students.

Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington awards based on leadership and academic merit for overseas students. Up to NZ $5,000 - $10,000.

University of Otago International Research Master's Scholarship

University of Otago aids foreign students seeking master's degrees in research. An annual stipend of NZ $18,204 combined with a one-year tuition fee remission capped at the domestic cost for master's study.

AUT International Excellence Scholarships

Auckland University of Technology honours leadership and academic success among overseas students. NZ $5,000 towards fee payment; AUT has several tiers of international scholarships, some of which are valued higher.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarships

University of Otago merit-based scholarships are intended to assist overseas students in their academic endeavours and acknowledge academic accomplishment, diversity, and leadership potential. Up to NZ $15,000 for undergraduates, up to NZ $10,000 for postgraduates.

Lincoln University International Scholarships

Lincoln University scholarships are based on the academic achievements and abilities you have demonstrated so far. NZ $7,000 - $10,000.

Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships

Lincoln University awards for foreign students enrolled in master's programmes that are taught. NZ $7,000 or NZ $10,000.

Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Scholarships

While most scholarships for international students in New Zealand are merit-based, not need-based, international students must meet the following eligibility requirements for New Zealand scholarships:

Eligibility for Merit-Based Scholarships

Academic Excellence: Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence. Many scholarships have academic GPA requirements.
Enrolment: Candidates must be enrolled in a full-time course.

Eligibility for Need-Based Scholarships

Financial Need or Difficulty: The selection criteria consider the financial situation of the students, specifically their need for immediate financial aid and housing arrangements.

Eligibility for Manaaki Scholarships

Intent to Return to Home Country: It is essential to note that recipients are required to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their studies. This is a crucial condition.

Eligibility For Specific Equity Category

The First Member of the Family to Enrol in College: This suggests that the applicant is the first person in their immediate family, including parents and siblings, to register in a university programme.
Background as Refugees: Students or the pupils' primary guardians, such as parents, have been given sanctuary in New Zealand.

Requirements for All New Zealand Scholarships

A well-written Scholarship Essay/SOP
Strong references supported with Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

To apply for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, you must be 18 years old or older when you start your scholarship. There is no upper age limit for applicants. This means if you are 18 and over, you can apply.

Postgraduate and mature undergraduate applicants (those who do not meet the below school leaver definition) must have relevant work experience.

One year of full-time work experience (i.e.
Two years of part-time work experience (i.e.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees in preferred fields of study that are most relevant to the development needs of your country (i.e. renewable energy, agriculture development, disaster risk management, private sector development, public sector development). The scholarships are open to citizens of selected countries in the Pacific and Asia. International students from a range of developing countries in Asia and the Pacific region are able to apply. Notably, you must have lived in your home country for at least the past two years, and intend to return there for at least two more after your studies. In some cases, there are also work experience requirements. Applicants at postgraduate level must have at least one year of full-time or two years of part-time experience in an area linked to their study subject. This can be paid or unpaid. There are no total restrictions on the subjects that you can study with a Manaaki Tertiary Scholarship. However, your application is unlikely to be successful unless your choice appears on the list of those recommended for your region. All applicants can apply to study for a postgraduate certificate or diploma, master's degree, or PhD.

How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in New Zealand?

Follow the steps below to apply for New Zealand scholarships for international students:

Step 1: Verify your eligibility first

To determine if you are eligible to apply, complete the online eligibility test for New Zealand. The New Zealand Scholarship application process differs depending on which country or region you are from. For most countries, you can apply online using specific links for each region.

As part of the New Zealand Scholarships application process, you need to choose your preferred education institution and preferred courses. Scholarship applicants don’t need to apply for admission to their preferred education institution and courses until they are notified that they are a preferred candidate for a scholarship. However, scholarship applicants do need to check that they are likely to meet the minimum academic requirements and the minimum level of English required for their courses.

After registering, you can begin completing the online submission form. Additionally, you will need to answer several questions in the manner of a personal statement. Applications are open from February 1 each year for courses beginning at the start of the next year. However, it is worth noting that applications from some countries can close sooner. The Manaaki programme say this could happen if a large volume are received from there at an early stage. If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, your application will be assessed in detail with respect to the selection guidelines. While this is happening, you will be invited to complete an online reasoning test. After providing evidence of your English language test score, this will take place at some point between May and July. You will be interviewed either in person, by phone or by video call by two Manaaki representatives.

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