Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 for International Students | Fully Funded

If you are planning to pursue a world-class education and build lifelong connections with one of the most welcoming countries in the world, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 is exactly what you have been waiting for. The New Zealand Government is inviting eligible international students from Pacific and Asian countries to apply for fully funded scholarships to study in New Zealand or at selected Pacific universities for the academic year starting in 2027.

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This Fully Funded Scholarship is open to international students at multiple degree levels — including Undergraduate, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and PhD. Furthermore, eligible citizens from select Pacific countries also have the option to study at approved universities in the Pacific, giving applicants even greater flexibility in choosing where they pursue their education.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Program covers tuition fees, English language training where applicable, and reimburses visa and medical costs upon arrival. Additionally, scholars get to study at some of the world’s top-ranked institutions, with New Zealand universities ranked in the top 3% globally and in the world’s top 100 in over 30 subjects.

Beyond academic excellence, this scholarship is designed to invest in the future leaders of developing countries. Scholars are expected to return home after completing their studies and contribute to their country’s social and economic development for at least two years. Therefore, this is not just a scholarship — it is a long-term investment in your country’s future and yours.

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Applications opened at midnight on March 1, 2026, and close at midday on April 10, 2026. Do not delay — apply for the scholarship as early as possible, as the application system may close early for countries with a high volume of applications.

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Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 Summary

• Host Country: New Zealand (and select Pacific universities in Fiji)
• Study Abroad: Study in Australia
• Host: New Zealand Government (Center for International Programs)
• Category:  Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
• Eligible Countries: Select Pacific and Asian Countries (see details below)
• Reward: Fully Funded – Tuition fees, English language training, visa and medical cost reimbursement
• Deadline: April 10, 2026

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Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 Details

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme aims to enhance the mana of partner countries and New Zealand through manaakitanga — the act of hosting, supporting, and honouring scholars. Recipients build lifelong connections to each other and to New Zealand while gaining a globally recognised education and the tools to help their countries achieve the futures they deserve.

Scholars can study at one of ten approved education institutions in New Zealand — eight universities and two institutes of technology — or, for eligible Pacific citizens, at one of two approved Pacific universities.

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Eight Available Universities in New Zealand:

• Auckland University of Technology
• Lincoln University
• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington

Two Available Institutes of Technology:

• Southern Institute of Technology
• Unitec Institute of Technology

Two Approved Pacific Universities (for eligible Pacific citizens):

• University of South Pacific
• Fiji National University

Eligible Pacific Countries (to study in New Zealand): Fiji (postgraduate only), French Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna), Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, North Pacific (Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Eligible Pacific Countries (to study at a Pacific University): Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Eligible Asian Countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam

Levels of Study Available:

• Undergraduate Degree (3–4 years) — Pacific countries and Timor-Leste only for undergraduate
• Postgraduate Certificate (6 months)
• Postgraduate Diploma (1 year)
• Master’s Degree (1–2 years)
• PhD (3.5 years)

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Eligibility Requirements for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students

• Must be a citizen of an eligible Pacific or Asian country as listed above
• Must be 18 years or older when the scholarship commences (exception: Samoa Foundation applicants may be 17 years old; there is no upper age limit, though preference is given to applicants under 40)
• Must have been residing in your home country for at least two years prior to applying (exceptions apply for diplomatic assignments or overseas study)
• Postgraduate applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience (30+ hours per week) or two years of part-time work experience (up to 29 hours per week)
• Work experience is not required for applicants in their final year of high school or applying immediately after completing high school

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• Must not currently be serving in the military
• Must not be within a stand-down period from a previous Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
• Applicants terminated on grounds of inappropriate conduct from a previous Manaaki scholarship are permanently ineligible
• Must meet the academic entry requirements of the chosen education institution and course
• Must be willing to return home and contribute to your country’s social and economic development for at least two years after completing the scholarship
• Must choose courses that align with the recommended study subjects for your country or region
• PhD applicants must identify and contact a suitable PhD supervisor as early as possible in the application process

English Language Requirements (Please check institution for specific requirements):

Postgraduate study:

• IELTS: Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0
• TOEFL IBT: 90, writing score of 21
• PTE Academic: Overall 58, no communicative skills score below 50
• Cambridge Academic English (Advanced): Overall 176, no band below 169

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Undergraduate study:

• IELTS: Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5
• TOEFL IBT: 80, writing score of 21
• PTE Academic: Overall 50, no communicative skills score below 42
• Cambridge Academic English (Advanced): Overall 169, no band below 162

Note: English language test scores are only required at the shortlisting stage, not at the time of initial application.

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Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 for International Students Benefits

• Fully funded scholarship covering tuition fees for the entire duration of study
• English language training available for preferred candidates who score just below the required English level (up to one year in New Zealand or home country, depending on region — not available for PhD applicants)
• Reimbursement of visa application fees, immigration levy, and immigration medical check fee upon arrival at the host institution
• IELTS test organised and paid for by the programme for shortlisted applicants from select countries
• Opportunity to study at world-class New Zealand universities ranked in the global top 3%
• Access to eight universities and two institutes of technology in New Zealand, or two Pacific universities for eligible Pacific citizens
• Lifelong connections to New Zealand and a global network of Manaaki Scholarship alumni
• Expected commencement from Semester 1 of the year following the application

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Required Documents for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 for International Students

• Copy of academic transcript for your qualification, including the grading scale (required at application stage)
• Verified English-translated copies of academic transcripts and completion certificates (required only if shortlisted)
• English language test score — IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge Academic English (required only at the shortlisting stage)
• Valid passport (required for IELTS test applicants)
• Evidence of PhD supervisor contact or confirmation (required for PhD applicants who reach the interview stage)
• Research proposal (required for Master’s by Thesis and PhD applicants)

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How to Apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Step by Step)

1. Check that your country is listed among the eligible Pacific or Asian countries on the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website before starting your application. Click here
2. Confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria — including age, residency, work experience, and academic requirements — before proceeding.
3. Research your preferred study subjects, ensuring they align with the recommended subjects for your country or region, as applications that do not align are highly unlikely to be considered.
4. Research the ten approved education institutions in New Zealand (or two Pacific universities for eligible Pacific citizens) and identify the courses that best match your academic goals and country’s development needs.
5. For PhD applicants, begin identifying and contacting suitable PhD supervisors at New Zealand universities as early as possible.
6. Visit the official application portal and complete the online scholarship application form, uploading your academic transcript (including grading scale) as required.
7. Select your preferred education institution and courses within the application form — you do not need to formally apply for admission at this stage.
8. Submit your application between March 1, 2026 (midnight) and April 10, 2026 (midday). Apply as early as possible, as the system may close early for high-volume countries.
9. Complete the psychometric abstract reasoning and personality test within 10 days of receiving the email link from the programme team.
10. If shortlisted, provide verified English-translated academic transcripts and arrange your English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge Academic English) if you do not already have a valid score.
11. Attend your online video interview if invited — interviews typically take place between May and July and last approximately 40 minutes covering six questions.
12. If selected as a preferred candidate, apply for admission to your preferred course and begin your student visa application immediately, as the visa process can take two to three months.

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Deadline

April 10, 2026

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