Top New Zealand Scholarships for Indian Students
Get comprehensive scholarship guidance from experts and turn your dream of studying in New Zealand into reality.
Securing a scholarship is the single most effective way for Indian students to afford a high-quality education abroad. New Zealand, with its world-class institutions and stunning natural beauty, offers a range of scholarships that help reduce the financial burden, allowing students to focus on their academic and personal growth.
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. Let us explore the different types of scholarships, their eligibility, application process and more in this guide for Indian students.
Types of New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
There are several scholarships in New Zealand that you can apply for as an international student. They can be divided into the following categories.
Government Scholarships
Government-funded scholarships are awarded by the New Zealand government, which extends an invitation to talented international students to enter their 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 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (formerly called New Zealand Development Scholarships).
Non-Government New Zealand Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by private organisations, foundations, and trusts; hence, they are termed non-government scholarships. Sometimes, these scholarships target specific fields of study, research projects, or even student demographics.
- New Zealand Excellence Awards
- ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Institution-Specific New Zealand Scholarships
Many New Zealand universities offer scholarships in an attempt to attract high-achieving international students. These are often fully funded scholarships in New Zealand, and they cover a whole 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
Scholarships in New Zealand for international students provide them with opportunities and the necessary financial support to accomplish educational goals and pursue successful careers.
Top Government Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students
Here is an overview of the top government scholarships open to international students to study in New Zealand.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | The main government scholarship programme for students from developing countries, including India. 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 |
| New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships (part of the Manaaki program) | A specific category under the Manaaki programme for postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries, including India. | Fully funded, covers full tuition fees, weekly stipend, establishment allowance, and return air travel |
| Short-Term Training Scholarships | Offers professionals from developing nations (including India) short-term training and skills development in New Zealand. | Fully funded, covers course and visa fees, return airfare, medical insurance, and a living allowance |
| New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarships | Supports PhD candidates from developing countries to undertake 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 student-demographic-oriented.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Excellence Awards | Awarded to high-achieving Indian students interested in pursuing graduate or undergraduate studies in New Zealand at specific institutions | Up to NZ $7,500 - $15,000 |
| ADB-Japan Scholarship Program | For students from ADB-borrowing member countries (which includes India) to pursue postgraduate studies at specific partner institutions in New Zealand | Covers full tuition fees and living allowances |
| 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, including those from India | 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, like the University of Otago and Lincoln University, also accept students on government scholarships like the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. The following is a list of some major university-specific scholarships for international students in New Zealand.
| Scholarship Name | University Name | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship | University of Auckland | Prizes for exceptional overseas students in all academic subjects | Up to NZ $10,000 |
| Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship | Victoria University of Wellington | 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 | These 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 |
| Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India | University of Waikato | To assist deserving Indian overseas students who are starting their undergraduate or graduate studies at the University of Waikato | Up to NZ $15,000 for undergraduates, up to NZ $10,000 for postgraduates |
| University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship | University of Auckland | To attract new international students of high calibre from India to enrol full-time in undergraduate or postgraduate study of one year or more | Up to NZ $5,000, NZ $10,000, NZ $20,000 (depending on different tiers) |
| 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 | 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 excel academically. Many scholarships have academic GPA requirements.
- Enrolment: Candidates must be enrolled in a full-time course.
Eligibility for Need-Based Scholarships
Need for Money or Financial Difficulty: The criteria for selection take into account the financial situation of the students, namely their need for immediate financial aid and housing arrangements.
Eligibility for Manaaki Scholarships
Intent to Return to Home Country: It is essential to state that recipients are required to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies. This is a very important condition.
Eligibility For Specific Equity Category
- The First Member of the Family to Enrol in College: This would suggest that the applicant is the first person in their immediate family, parents and siblings included, 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)
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in New Zealand?
Follow the steps below to apply for scholarships in New Zealand:
Step 1: Verify your eligibility first
To find out if you are qualified to apply, complete the online eligibility test for New Zealand. You'll get an eligibility code if the test results verify your eligibility.
Step 2: Open an account with the New Zealand Scholarship Fund
Clicking "Register" will initiate the registration procedure if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Step 3: Create a password for yourself
To finish the registration procedure and reset the password, an email will be sent to the registered email address.
Step 4: Fill out the application and send it in by the deadline
To submit the application form, the applicant must finish the application process by the nation's closing date.
New Zealand scholarships have become a very significant financial aid that makes the pursuit of higher education much easier and more affordable. Government, private organisations, and university scholarships extend partial aid at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Other than easing academic goals, these scholarships also facilitate future career prospects, hence increasing the interest of students in coming to New Zealand for studies.
Ready to take the next step towards your education in New Zealand? Unlock your full potential with scholarships in New Zealand. Register at AECC today to get expert advice and support in securing the best scholarship opportunities for your study abroad journey.