15 Best Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students

New Zealand is known for its picturesque scenery and high quality of life, which, among other things, make it a desirable destination for many international students. The country has 150,000 international enrollees and counting. This vast number is attributed to several factors, with much focus on its 11 world-class institutions. The universities of Auckland, Otago, Canterbury, and others are listed as high in the world rankings.

While tuition is not expensive compared to other countries (fees start at about $15,000), some students may need help to afford it. Fortunately, the New Zealand government and its institutions host scholarships for international students in various nations. We will look into some of them.

Top Scholarships in New Zealand

1. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (NZ Government)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Full tuition amount, travel fees, weekly living stipend, mandatory fees, etc.
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The NZ International Scholarship is open to citizens of specific Pacific, Asian, African, Latin American, Caribbean, and Commonwealth regions. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition and select visa costs, including the application fee, immigration levy, and the immigration medical check fee. To be eligible, applicants must be of a certain age (17-18) and have completed or are about to finish high school.

English proficiency also applies, although score requirements vary according to the institution. Depending on the applicant’s home country, the New Zealand government may shoulder the cost of testing and 12-month training. Students must apply as early as possible since the competitive medical examination will take about two to three months. Successful scholars are expected to contribute to their countries’ social/economic development for at least two years after graduating.

2. College of Engineering International Scholarship (University of Canterbury)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZD 15,000 ($10,615) for a year’s worth of tuition fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

This New Zealand scholarship was created to support talented international students (except Australians) who wish to undertake an Honors Engineering degree from the University of Canterbury. Interested students may apply for the scholarship via the UC website. 

The 35 eligible awardees will be chosen according to their academic achievement, interest in engineering, community/cultural service, and general characteristics. Consideration will also be given to students aligned with the university’s strategic goals. The scholarship should be taken within the year of application.

Likewise, the amount will be directly paid to the awardee’s tuition fee account. Unfortunately, the Engineering scholarship may not be used alongside other UC International First-year scholarships (NZ school leaver or offshore). Although the bursary is only available for one year, it may be terminated according to the student’s academic performance and adherence to the university’s rules and regulations.

3. Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship (Victoria University of Wellington)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: One-year $15,000 tax-free stipend plus tuition fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

This bursary is available to applicants seeking a research-centered, full-time master’s degree at the Victoria University of Wellington. The program should be worth 90 points or more, though those planning to take 180-point degrees will not be eligible for the scholarship. To qualify, applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a first-class honors degree in New Zealand.

Other application requirements for this scholarship include a one-page research proposal and one academic reference. Successful applicants will be contacted with the offer by late December. The Wellington Master’s by Thesis scholarship will cover the tuition fee and provide a NZD 15,000 ($10,615) tax-free stipend, which will be distributed to the recipients in monthly installments.

One condition of the scholarship is that awardees should work on their research for at least 35 hours a week. Wellington scholars may work part-time for a maximum of 600 hours a year. However, they should work as teachers or research assistants in a field related to their research.

4. Tongarewa Scholarship (Victoria University of Wellington)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$5,000 to NZ$10,000
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Victoria University of Wellington was founded in 1897 and has over 25,000 students. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various subjects, including politics, law, physics, social sciences, and health sciences. It is named after the Maori word for “tongue,” as the trust aims to help people learn languages and connect with their heritage. 

The scholarship is open to students worldwide and funded by the Tongarewa Charitable Trust, established in 2003. Candidates will be assessed on academic performance, financial need, and personal motivation. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

5. Taught Master’s Merit Scholarships (Lincoln University)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$7,000 to NZ$10,000
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

Lincoln University is a public research institution located in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was founded in 1900 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand and became an independent school in 1961. It has grown to be one of the country’s most prominent universities. It offers international master’s scholarships for international students worldwide who wish to study there.

These scholarships at Lincoln University are designed to provide financial support to students who would otherwise not be able to afford to study there. These cover tuition fees and living costs for students who meet specific academic requirements and demonstrate financial need. To apply for this New Zealand scholarship, applicants should submit their application form and relevant documents by post or email.

6. International Student Excellence Scholarship (University of Auckland)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$10,000
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The University of Auckland offers a scholarship for international students studying in New Zealand. Its International Student Excellence Scholarship is for students who have completed one year or more of their studies there. This award aims to recognize outstanding international students and support them with additional funding during their studies at the institution.

It provides up to NZ$10,000 per academic year and is awarded based on academic achievement and potential to contribute to the university’s intellectual life. To apply for this award, you must submit an application essay detailing why you would like to study at the University of Auckland.

7.  Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship (University of Waikato)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$15,000
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s

The International Excellence Scholarship is an award that allows international students to study at the University of Waikato, one of New Zealand’s leading universities. You’ll receive up to NZ$15,000 per year for your studies, plus you’ll be able to take advantage of all the fantastic facilities on campus.

This scholarship in New Zealand is available to students from any country studying a degree in one of its faculties, including arts, engineering and science, business and economics, social sciences, or law. Applicants will be considered based on their academic merit, potential, and evidence of leadership skills, community service, and cultural awareness.

8. International Master’s Research Scholarship (University of Otago)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$18,204 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver for 1 year capped at the domestic rate
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The University of Otago is one of New Zealand’s leading research universities. It is ranked among the top 100 worldwide and offers over 150 graduate degrees and a wide range of postgraduate courses. The International Research Master’s Scholarship is designed to attract high-quality international students to research in New Zealand.

This scholarship aims to encourage highly motivated applicants who are likely to make a significant contribution to their field of study and provide an opportunity for them to gain valuable research experience in this country before returning home. The scholarship offers an NZ$18,204 annual stipend plus a tuition fee waiver. It will cover accommodation and living expenses while studying at the institution in New Zealand.

Applicants must be non-residents currently enrolled or have been accepted into a full-time research master’s program at the University of Otago. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have financial difficulties.

9. Doctoral Scholarships (University of Otago)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$32,544 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fees waiver for 36 months
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.

The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships are valued at up to NZD$32,544 per year and awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of countries outside New Zealand. They must have applied for admission as full-time doctoral candidates in one of the following areas: arts and humanities, business, health sciences, or science and social sciences.

Applicants must also be admitted before the start date on their application form. Candidates must also demonstrate that they will add value to their chosen department or faculty through their research topic, language skills, cultural background, or experience with Indigenous communities.

10. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships (University of Otago)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$10,000 for tuition fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

The University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships vary between courses but generally cover the tuition fees for the first year of study only. The award is available to applicants from all over the world who meet the following requirements: international students who are not local citizens, permanent residents, or resident visa holders of New Zealand or Australia.

Interested learners must also have gained university admission through completion of an internationally recognized qualification in New Zealand or at an overseas high school, such as A Levels. Finally, they must have yet to complete any previous study in the country. In addition to the NZ scholarships to students worldwide, they offer various other financial support options, including bursaries and grants, accommodation assistance, student loans, and career advice services.

11. 150th Entrance Scholarships (University of Otago)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$14,000 over two years
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

The University of Otago offers the 150th Entrance Scholarships for International Students, previously known as the University of Otago Alumni Entrance Scholarship. Students with strong academic credentials and critical financial need or other circumstances that make university education challenging are eligible to apply for these awards.

These scholarships, worth NZ$13,000 over two years, are given to university students studying for a bachelor’s degree. To be eligible, international students must have completed Year 12 or Year 13 at a New Zealand school or an equivalent foundation-level course at its tertiary institution. The scholarship will be awarded on academic merit, with financial needs also being considered.

12. Coursework Master’s Scholarship (University of Otago)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: One-year NZ$10,000 tuition cover
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The University of Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship is intended to assist international students who wish to study full-time in any coursework Master’s program in this school. The award will be given on a merit basis and is available to all international students. Those offered a place can have a preference in a coursework master’s program.

The award amount is NZ$10,000 for tuition coverage for one academic year. To apply for this New Zealand scholarship, please submit your application by emailing them your name and contact phone number. You must also attach your CV or any other academic documents that you feel are relevant, such as previous transcripts.

13. Te Huarahi Scholarship (University of Otago Pathway)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: NZ$5,000
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

The University of Otago Pathway—Te Huarahi Scholarship is an award program for international students applying to the institution. It is awarded to students who have been accepted into one of the university’s undergraduate degrees and helps cover the cost of accommodation. It has a standard minimum value of $5,000.

Nevertheless, it might be given out at a higher price for really outstanding pupils. Applicants for the Pathway—Te Huarahi Scholarship will be exclusively funded for two consecutive full-time teaching sessions. To apply, you must send your application form and statement of financial circumstances, along with your proof of identity document, academic transcript, and bank statements, by post or email before the deadline listed on our website.

14. Massey Business School Promising Student Assistance Bursary (Massey University)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Up to NZ$2,000
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Massey University is a public university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its seven faculties of study. The institution has a long history with the country. It was founded in 1922 as an agricultural school and became a constituent college of the University of New Zealand before transitioning to its current status in 1961.

This New Zealand scholarship provides financial assistance and aims to encourage talented business student applicants from around the world to study at Massey University. Successful applicants will receive a scholarship of NZ$2,000. When applying, you must submit a letter of recommendation, a personal statement, and an academic transcript.

15. Global Alumni Graduate Fees Waiver (Victoria University of Wellington)

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: 15–20% reduction on the first-year tuition fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.

The Global Alumni Graduate Fees Waiver is a scholarship provided by the Victoria University of Wellington. It waives the international student tuition fee for undergraduate students who have previously studied there. It is open to all students who have completed at least one semester at Victoria before applying to the program.

To qualify for this award, applicants must demonstrate financial need and hardship. They must also prove that they were enrolled in at least one semester of their undergraduate or postgraduate degree program within the last two years.

Scholarships for international students studying in New Zealand have many positive effects. Not only can they not worry about the expensive fees, but they also lessen and improve their academic and professional prospects. So, if you’re interested in studying in NZ, consider reading about the scholarships above and research them carefully!

We hope this article about the best scholarships in New Zealand for international students was helpful. To learn more information on studying abroad, check out our Study in NZ Page and the Available Programs for International Students!