What is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the government's fully funded awards for students from eligible developing countries, mainly in the Pacific and Asia. They cover tuition, a living allowance, travel and insurance. There is no money to repay, but recipients must return to their home country for at least two years after finishing, and study fields must match development priorities.

Can international students study in New Zealand for free?

Yes, for research students especially. International PhD students pay domestic tuition rates (roughly NZD 6,500 to 9,000 a year) and most receive a doctoral scholarship with a tax-free living stipend, so a funded PhD is realistic. Fully funded undergraduate or master's study is mainly available through Manaaki for eligible countries and is competitive.

Is it true that PhD students pay domestic fees in New Zealand?

New Zealand is one of the few countries where international PhD students pay the same tuition as domestic students, about NZD 6,500 to 9,000 a year instead of the much higher international rate. Combined with a doctoral scholarship and stipend, this makes research study unusually affordable.

Are New Zealand scholarships full or partial?

Mostly partial. Most university merit awards are tuition discounts, often NZD 5,000 to 15,000, rather than full funding, and many are awarded automatically at admission. Full packages come mainly from Manaaki or doctoral scholarships. Budget on the basis of a partial award unless you hold a confirmed full scholarship.

When should I apply for New Zealand scholarships?

Early. Government Manaaki deadlines are often 6 to 12 months before study begins, and university awards are usually tied to your admission application. Aim to have your grades, English test and application ready well ahead, and for a PhD, contact potential supervisors before applying.

Scholarships for International Students in New Zealand 2026

Real scholarships, genuinely available

New Zealand's universities are smaller than Australia's, which can mean less competition per applicant for some awards. Both the government and the universities fund international students, though most merit awards are partial (a tuition discount rather than full funding), so treat scholarships as a way to reduce costs and confirm every amount on the official page.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (government)

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the government's fully funded awards, named for manaakitanga, the Māori value of hospitality and care. Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and administered by Education New Zealand, they support students from eligible developing countries, mainly across the Pacific and Asia (with other regions in some cycles), to study at New Zealand institutions.

A full Manaaki scholarship covers tuition, a weekly living allowance (recently around NZ$615), an establishment allowance, return airfares, and medical and travel insurance. There is no money to pay back, but there is an important condition: recipients must return to their home country for at least two years after finishing, to apply their skills locally. Study fields usually need to match your country's development priorities. Check your country's eligibility and priority sectors on the official Manaaki website, and note deadlines fall well ahead of intake.

University merit scholarships

University of Auckland: the Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship (listed at up to NZD 10,000) and faculty awards.
University of Otago: the Otago International Excellence Scholarship for strong international students.
Victoria University of Wellington: undergraduate international scholarships and well-funded PhD stipends.
University of Canterbury: international first-year merit awards (listed at up to around NZD 15,000).

Many of these are automatically considered when you apply for admission, so you often need strong grades rather than a separate essay. Amounts and names change, so confirm the current award on each university's scholarships page.

PhD funding: New Zealand's standout advantage

Here is the point most guides skip: international PhD students pay the same domestic tuition rate as New Zealanders at New Zealand universities, roughly NZD 6,500 to 9,000 per year, rather than the much higher international fee. On top of that, most PhD students receive a doctoral scholarship with a tax-free living stipend through the university or a supervisor's grant. If you have a strong research profile, a funded New Zealand PhD is a realistic goal. Awards like the New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarships add further support for research students from developing countries.

Commonwealth and regional awards

Some Commonwealth scholarships and development-agency awards include New Zealand placements, covering tuition plus allowances for participating countries. Check your national education ministry for what is available to you.

How to apply

Apply for admission with your best grades and a clear study statement, since most merit scholarships are auto-considered.
For government funding, apply through your home country's official Manaaki route, with deadlines usually 6 to 12 months ahead.
For PhD funding, approach potential supervisors directly before you apply, since doctoral scholarships are often tied to a supervisor and project.
Budget as if you have no award until you receive a written offer.

Sources: Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Education New Zealand / MFAT), including the two-year return-home requirement; university international-scholarship pages; international PhD domestic-fee policy (NZD 6,500 to 9,000/year). Amounts and eligibility change, so confirm on each official page.

Explore study options in New Zealand, compare institutions in our top universities in New Zealand guide, or read the full New Zealand country guide.

Scholarships for International Students in New Zealand