NZ Scholarships for International Students 2026
Top scholarships for studying in New Zealand 2026: NZ Excellence Awards, MFAT scholarships, university-specific funding at Auckland, Otago, and Victoria.
New Zealand offers dozens of scholarships for international students — from government-funded awards covering full tuition to university-specific grants that reduce fees by 10–50%. The New Zealand Excellence Awards provide NZD$5,000–$10,000 for students from select countries. MFAT scholarships cover full tuition, living costs, and flights for students from developing nations. Individual universities run their own merit and need-based programs. This guide lists every major funding option, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
Government Scholarships
New Zealand Scholarships (MFAT)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) funds the New Zealand Scholarships program for students from selected developing countries in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These scholarships cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance: NZD$491/week (single) or NZD$655/week (with partner)
- Return airfare
- Health insurance
- Research and thesis costs
- Establishment allowance: NZD$3,000 on arrival
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries. Must return home for at least 2 years after study. Priority given to fields that align with the development goals of the applicant’s home country. Applications open February–March each year.
New Zealand Excellence Awards
Education New Zealand offers NZ Excellence Awards (formerly known as ENZ scholarships) worth NZD$5,000 to NZD$10,000 for students from China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, and other partner countries. These are partial tuition waivers applied directly to your fees.
Criteria: Academic merit, leadership potential, and community involvement. You must hold an offer of place at a participating NZ institution.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Students from Commonwealth countries can apply through their home country’s Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. New Zealand hosts a small number of Commonwealth scholars each year, primarily at master and doctoral level.
University-Specific Scholarships
University of Auckland
| Scholarship | Value (NZD) | Level | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Excellence Scholarship | $10,000/year (renewable) | Bachelor | Academic merit, auto-assessed on application |
| Auckland Doctoral Scholarship | $28,500/year + fees waiver | PhD | Research potential, supervisor support |
| Faculty Scholarships | $5,000–$20,000 | All levels | Varies by faculty |
University of Otago
| Scholarship | Value (NZD) | Level | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Excellence Scholarship | $10,000 (one-year) | Bachelor / Master | Academic achievement |
| Otago Doctoral Scholarship | $30,000/year + fees waiver | PhD | Research excellence |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | $25,000 | Bachelor | Top academic results + leadership |
Victoria University of Wellington
| Scholarship | Value (NZD) | Level | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tongarewa Scholarship | $5,000–$10,000 | Bachelor / Master | Academic merit, auto-assessed |
| Victoria Doctoral Scholarship | $27,500/year + fees | PhD | Research potential |
| Wellington Faculty of Law Scholarship | $10,000 | Master (LLM) | Academic excellence in law |
University of Canterbury
| Scholarship | Value (NZD) | Level | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC International First Year Scholarship | $15,000–$20,000 | Bachelor | Academic results |
| UC Master’s Scholarship | $13,000 + fees waiver | Master (research) | Research proposal quality |
| UC Doctoral Scholarship | $25,000/year + fees | PhD | Research excellence |
University of Waikato
| Scholarship | Value (NZD) | Level | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Excellence Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Bachelor / Master | Academic merit |
| Waikato Doctoral Scholarship | $25,000/year + fees | PhD | Research potential |
External and Private Scholarships
Rotary Foundation Global Grants
Rotary offers grants for graduate-level study abroad, typically USD$30,000+. You must apply through a local Rotary club in your home country. Focus areas include peace, disease prevention, water/sanitation, education, and economic development.
DAAD (German Students)
German students can apply to the DAAD for study abroad funding. Grants cover living costs and travel to New Zealand for master and doctoral research.
Fulbright New Zealand (US Students)
American students can apply for Fulbright awards to study or research in New Zealand. Awards cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Highly competitive with a 15–20% acceptance rate.
Country-Specific Government Programs
Many governments sponsor students to study abroad. Check with your national education ministry. Notable programs include India’s National Overseas Scholarship, Malaysia’s MARA, and Saudi Arabia’s SACM.
Scholarship Application Timeline
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| March–May (year before) | Research scholarships, prepare documents |
| June–August | Apply to universities (offers needed for most scholarships) |
| August–October | Submit scholarship applications (most deadlines fall here) |
| November–January | Receive scholarship decisions |
| February | Semester 1 starts (main intake) |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early: Most scholarships have limited spots. Early applications receive priority review.
- Tailor each application: Generic essays fail. Address the specific criteria of each scholarship.
- Show leadership: Committees value community involvement, volunteering, and leadership roles.
- Get strong references: Ask professors who know your work well. Give them 4–6 weeks notice.
- Proofread everything: Spelling errors and formatting mistakes signal carelessness.
- Apply to multiple scholarships: Do not rely on one application. Cast a wide net.
- Contact the scholarship office: Ask questions before applying. This shows genuine interest.
- Demonstrate fit: Explain why New Zealand and why this specific program matters to your goals.
PhD Funding: A Special Case
New Zealand stands out for PhD funding. International PhD students pay domestic tuition rates (NZD$6,500–$9,000/year), and most universities offer doctoral scholarships that cover tuition plus a living stipend of NZD$25,000–$30,000/year. This makes a fully funded PhD in New Zealand a realistic option.
To secure a doctoral scholarship, you typically need:
- A strong master’s degree with research component
- A clear research proposal aligned with a potential supervisor
- Publications or research experience (preferred but not always required)
- Contact a supervisor before applying — this dramatically increases your chances
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest scholarship for NZ?
The MFAT New Zealand Scholarships are the most generous, covering full tuition, living costs, flights, and insurance. They target students from developing countries.
Can I get a full scholarship to study in NZ?
Yes. MFAT scholarships and doctoral scholarships at most universities provide full funding. Competition is strong — start preparing 12+ months before deadlines.
Do NZ universities offer merit scholarships?
All eight universities offer merit-based scholarships ranging from NZD$5,000 to NZD$20,000. Some assess automatically based on your application. Others require separate scholarship applications.
When should I apply for scholarships?
Most deadlines fall between August and October for a February start. Start researching 12–15 months before your intended enrollment date.
Are there scholarships for master programs?
Yes. University-specific awards, MFAT scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and external programs like Rotary all fund master-level study.
Do PhD students get funded in NZ?
Most PhD students receive domestic-rate fees plus a scholarship stipend of NZD$25,000–$30,000/year. Contact potential supervisors early to increase your chances.
Can I work while on a scholarship?
Most scholarships allow part-time work (20 hours/week). MFAT scholarships restrict employment — check your specific conditions.
What GPA do I need for a NZ scholarship?
Most merit scholarships require the equivalent of a B+ average or above. Top awards (Vice-Chancellor’s, doctoral) expect A-range grades.
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