Government of New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship 2026
New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship experience from developing your mind and your career to enjoying the relaxed Kiwi lifestyle and culture.
The scholarship has the potential to shape your life in the most enriching ways. We are sure that securing a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship and studying abroad in New Zealand will be one of the best things you ever do.
Why Should You Apply?
gain a world-class education and better career prospects:
- All New Zealand universities are in the top 3% of universities worldwide by QS World University Rankings (external link).
gain leadership skills and practical skills to share with your country:
- Your study programme will relate to your country’s human resource and development needs.
- After your study, you will return home to make a positive difference in your home country.
feel welcome in New Zealand’s multi-cultural society that proudly celebrates its bicultural heritage:
- Around 15% of Kiwis are indigenous Māori, 12% are Asian and 7.5% are Pacific Islanders.
Overview
- Type: Masters, PhD Scholarships
- Country: New Zealand
- Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
- Benefits: Full Scholarship, $25,448 Stipends/Yr, Travel Allowance, Accommodation
- Deadline: March 31st, 2026
Eligibility Criteria for the Government of New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship 2026
- you must be 18 years old or older when you start your scholarship.
- Successful scholarship applicants must meet both the academic entry requirements and the English language requirements determined by each education institution.
- Postgraduate scholarship applicants and applicants who finished high school more than 3 years ago, must have relevant work experience.
- Work experience can be paid, unpaid or voluntary, and must meet the following criteria:
- One year of full-time work experience (i.e. 30 hours or more per week), OR
- Two years of part-time work experience (i.e. up to 29 hours per week).
- applicants must meet both the academic entry requirements and the English language requirements determined by each education institution
Benefits of the Government of New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship 2026
With a full Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, scholars studying in New Zealand receive:
- full tuition fees.
- living allowance (a stipend) of NZ$531 per week.
- This will help with a scholar’s basic living expenses.
- If you commence your study programme online in your home country, your stipend will be adjusted to reflect the difference in living costs around the world.
- an establishment allowance of NZ$3000. This is to help with set-up costs in New Zealand. For example, you can use it for accommodation expenses, text books, or other study materials.
- medical insurance when you are in New Zealand.
- tutoring costs up to the value of NZ$1000, to assist with the cost of additional tutoring while you are studying if needed.
- travel to and from your own country. This is for travel from your own country at the start of the scholarship, and for return travel at the end of your scholarship.
- travel insurance.
- travel home during your scholarship. Scholars studying over 1.6 years are entitled to travel home to visit family. We usually allow for one or two trips, depending on the length of your scholarship. However, this is subject to border settings and other restrictions.
- reintegration allowance of NZ$1000. This is to help with set-up costs upon your return to your home country.
- help with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate students.
Application Guidelines
- First, complete the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships online eligibility test to see if you are eligible to apply.
- If you are eligible you will see a “register” button on the webpage, click on this to start your registration for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account.
- Use your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account to access the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship online application system anytime between the opening and closing dates for your country.
- Make sure you submit your application before the deadline.
Deadline: March 31st, 2026