New Zealand is a country known for its exceptional education system, offering a unique blend of high academic standards, research opportunities, and stunning landscapes. For international students planning to study in New Zealand in 2025, there are numerous scholarships in New Zealand available to help make this dream a reality. These scholarships cover a range of academic programs, from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate research, making education in New Zealand more accessible for talented students worldwide.
Top universities such as University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, and University of Canterbury provide a wide array of scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships not only help in reducing tuition fees but also offer living allowances and other financial support to ensure students have a successful academic journey. In this blog, we will explore some of the most prominent scholarships in New Zealand for international students in 2025, including those offered by the New Zealand government, universities, and other organizations.
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1. New Zealand Government Scholarships for International Students
The New Zealand Government Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for students from developing countries. The government offers these scholarships to support international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies at New Zealand universities. It’s an excellent choice for students looking for a fully-funded option.
Eligibility
- Students from eligible developing countries
- Applicants must meet the university entry requirements
- Must be pursuing full-time study in an eligible program
What it covers
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living allowance for accommodation, food, and other living costs
- Travel expenses (round-trip airfare to and from New Zealand)
- Health insurance for the duration of the study
For more details, visit the official New Zealand Government Scholarships Website.
2. University of Auckland International Student Scholarships
The University of Auckland is one of the top-ranked universities in New Zealand and offers generous scholarships for international students. The scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to study at the university. This scholarship helps reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and offers a valuable opportunity for international students to receive an education in a world-class academic environment.
Eligibility
- International students from non-EU/EEA countries
- Must meet the university’s academic entry requirements for the specific program
What it covers
- Up to NZD $10,000 towards tuition fees
- Some scholarships may include living allowances for eligible candidates
To apply, visit the official University of Auckland Scholarships Page.
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3. Victoria University of Wellington International Excellence Scholarships
The Victoria University of Wellington offers the International Excellence Scholarships to attract high-achieving international students to study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This scholarship is designed to support students in their academic journey and help them achieve success in their chosen field of study.
Eligibility
- Open to international students from all countries
- Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their program
What it covers
- Up to NZD $10,000 towards tuition fees
- Some scholarships may also include living stipends
For more information, visit the official Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships Page.
4. University of Otago International Research Scholarships
The University of Otago offers International Research Scholarships for students pursuing master’s or PhD research degrees. These scholarships are aimed at attracting talented researchers from around the world and promoting academic excellence in fields such as health sciences, humanities, and sciences.
Eligibility
- International students applying for master’s or PhD research programs
- Must meet the research program’s entry requirements
What it covers
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- NZD $15,000 living stipend per year for research students
For more details, visit the official University of Otago Scholarships Page.
5. New Zealand Development Scholarships
The New Zealand Development Scholarships are intended for students from developing countries who want to study at New Zealand universities. These scholarships aim to foster capacity building in the student’s home country through education in New Zealand.
Eligibility
- Students from eligible developing countries
- Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen program
What it covers
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living allowance (NZD $1,200 per month)
- Travel expenses and health insurance coverage
To apply, visit the official New Zealand Development Scholarships Website.
6. Auckland University of Technology (AUT) International Scholarships
The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) offers the International Scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. AUT is known for its innovation and applied research, making it an excellent choice for students interested in fields like business, health, engineering, and design.
Eligibility
- International students from non-EU/EEA countries
- Must meet the entry requirements for AUT’s academic programs
What it covers
- Up to NZD $20,000 towards tuition fees
- Some scholarships also include living stipends
For more information, visit the official AUT Scholarships Page.
7. Waikato International Excellence Scholarship
The Waikato International Excellence Scholarship is available for international students planning to study at the University of Waikato. This scholarship is aimed at high-achieving students who wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses at the university.
Eligibility
- International students from all countries
- Must meet the entry requirements for their program at Waikato University
What it covers
- NZD $10,000 towards tuition fees
For more details, visit the official University of Waikato Scholarships Page.
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8. Manaki Scholarship
The Manaki Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for international students interested in pursuing postgraduate study in New Zealand. This scholarship is designed to foster academic excellence and build stronger ties between New Zealand and other countries. The Manaki Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing research or study at any of New Zealand’s universities.
Eligibility
- International students from selected countries (based on bilateral agreements)
- Applicants must have a strong academic record
- Must meet the university’s entry requirements for a master’s or PhD program
What it covers
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses
- Health insurance during the study period
For more information, visit the official Manaki Scholarship Page.
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New Zealand offers a variety of scholarships in New Zealand for international students in 2025. Whether you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, you will find numerous scholarship opportunities to help make studying in New Zealand more affordable. The New Zealand Government Scholarships, University of Auckland International Scholarships, and Manaki Scholarships are some of the top scholarships that international students can apply for.
For more details about each scholarship program, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines, visit the official websites of the respective universities and organizations. Good luck with your applications, and enjoy the experience of studying in New Zealand!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for scholarships in New Zealand?
To apply for scholarships in New Zealand, visit the official scholarship pages of the universities or check the New Zealand Government Scholarship website for application guidelines.
Are there fully-funded scholarships in New Zealand?
Yes, there are fully-funded scholarships in New Zealand, such as the New Zealand Government Scholarships and the Manaki Scholarship, which cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
Can international students apply for scholarships in New Zealand?
Yes, international students from various countries are eligible to apply for scholarships in New Zealand.
What is the eligibility for scholarships in New Zealand?
Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship program. Generally, students need to meet academic qualifications and program-specific entry requirements.
Do scholarships in New Zealand cover living expenses?
Many scholarships in New Zealand, such as the New Zealand Government Scholarships, provide living allowances to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses.
When are the application deadlines for scholarships in New Zealand?
Scholarship deadlines vary by university and program. Be sure to check the specific scholarship pages for application deadlines.
