2026 Government of New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships | How to Apply

About the scholarship

Applications for the 2026 Government of New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships have been announced for interested and qualified international students.

The Government of New Zealand is offering fully funded Manaaki Scholarships to applicants from developing countries who are seeking to study graduate programs at the country’s top tertiary institutions.

The Government of New Zealand Scholarships cover tuition, travel, housing, and provide a subsistence monthly living allowance for selected candidates.

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.

Joining the Government of New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship will expose applicants to experience these benefits:

• 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.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Scholarship, you must:

• 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