New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarships

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (previously known as New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarships) are funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and administered by Education New Zealand. These fully funded scholarships support citizens from eligible developing countries, primarily in the Pacific and parts of Asia, to undertake full-time tertiary study in New Zealand or select Pacific institutions. Scholars receive comprehensive support including full tuition fees, a living allowance (stipend) of NZ$615 per week, initial establishment allowance of NZ$3,000, ongoing establishment allowance of NZ$1,000 per year, medical and travel insurance, return economy airfares, reunion travel (for programmes over 1.6 years), research/thesis allowances for postgraduates, tutoring up to NZ$1,000/year, and a NZ$1,000 reintegration allowance upon return home. The scholarships aim to build skills for sustainable development in scholars' home countries, with priority fields such as agriculture, climate change, health, governance, and infrastructure.

Study durations vary by level: undergraduate degrees (3-4 years), postgraduate certificates/diplomas (6-12 months), Master's (1-2 years), PhD (3.5 years). Scholars must study full-time on-campus at one of eight New Zealand universities (e.g., University of Auckland, Massey University) or three institutes of technology, or in some cases at Pacific institutions like USP or SPC in Fiji. The programme fosters lifelong connections to New Zealand and requires scholars to return home for at least two years post-study to contribute to social and economic development. All allowances are tax-free and subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Applications for the 2026 cycle open on 1 March 2026 and close midday 31 March 2026 (NZ time), with studies commencing Semester 1, 2027. The portal may close early for high-volume countries, so early application is recommended. Selection is competitive, based on academic merit, leadership potential, development impact, and alignment with home country priorities.