New Zealand is known for its picturesque scenery and high quality of life, which, among other factors, make it a desirable destination for many international students. The latest full-year data show that 92,580 international students were enrolled with New Zealand education providers in 2025. New Zealand has eight universities, and all eight are ranked within the top 3% of universities worldwide.
Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the type of course, the institution, and the length of study. Students who need financial support can explore scholarships offered by the New Zealand government and individual institutions. We will look at some of these best scholarships in New Zealand for international Students below.
Top Scholarships in New Zealand
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | New Zealand Government | Undergraduate and postgraduate study; availability varies by country | Full tuition fees, a living allowance, an establishment allowance, insurance, travel support, and other eligible support |
| UC Engineering International Scholarship | University of Canterbury | Bachelor’s | NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees |
| Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship | Victoria University of Wellington | Master’s | NZ$15,000 tax-free stipend for one year plus domestic tuition fees for up to 120 points |
| Wellington Doctoral Scholarships | Victoria University of Wellington | Ph.D. | NZ$32,000 annual stipend plus domestic tuition fees for up to three years |
| Taught Master Merit Scholarship | Lincoln University | Master’s | NZ$7,000 to NZ$15,000 |
| International Student Excellence Scholarship | University of Auckland | Bachelor’s, postgraduate diploma, Master’s | Up to NZ$10,000 toward compulsory tuition fees |
| Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship | University of Waikato | Bachelor’s, taught postgraduate | Up to NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees |
| International Master’s Research Scholarship | University of Otago | Master’s | NZ$18,204 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver for one year capped at NZ$35,000 |
| University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships | University of Otago | Ph.D. and selected professional doctorates | NZ$34,128 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months |
| University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships | University of Otago | Bachelor’s | NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees |
| Coursework Master’s Scholarship | University of Otago | Master’s | NZ$10,000 toward fees |
1. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (NZ Government)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition fees, a living allowance, an establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, travel support, and other eligible support
- Eligible Degree(s): Undergraduate and postgraduate study, depending on the applicant’s country
- Meet the Manaaki New Zealand Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys, including those of Melisa Ika Puspita from Indonesia and Sovannvatey Khlaing from Cambodia.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are full New Zealand Government tertiary scholarships for eligible citizens of partner countries. Available study levels vary by country. For scholars studying in New Zealand, support includes full tuition fees, a living allowance, an establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, travel to and from the scholar’s home country, and other eligible support.
Applicants do not need to provide an English-language test score with the initial tertiary scholarship application. Shortlisted applicants for study in New Zealand must provide an approved English-language test score. Some preferred candidates may receive English-language training support, but this is not available for Ph.D. applicants. The selection process can take six to ten months after applications close. Successful scholars must return home and contribute to their country’s social and economic development for at least two years after completing the scholarship. Applicants should check the official scholarship website for the current application window and country-specific criteria.
Here is what Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Scholars Say:
“It covers tuition fees, living costs (NZD 531/week), establishment and research allowances, health insurance, and round-trip travel.”
Melisa Ika Puspita
“I think it was my authenticity and the fact that I treated the interview like a genuine conversation.”
Martha Jessica Munthali
“For developing countries, this scholarship is applied through one’s nominating agency.”
Shirley Gabriella
“The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is a highly competitive program that enables emerging leaders from developing countries to gain knowledge and skills through higher education in New Zealand, with the aim of contributing to sustainable development in their home countries.”
Bagus Septiangga
“It does not require an English test score or a recommendation letter in the initial application process, meaning you don’t need to rely on anyone to help you write a recommendation letter.”
Nutnicha Limboonngam
2. College of Engineering International Scholarship (University of Canterbury)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees
- Eligible Degree(s): Bachelor’s
The current UC Engineering International Scholarship supports incoming first-year international students who plan to enroll in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at the University of Canterbury. The award is NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees.
Separate application pathways apply to students who completed secondary school in New Zealand and students who completed their university entrance qualification overseas or through UC International College. Applicants cannot be New Zealand or Australian citizens, holders of a New Zealand residence class visa, or Australian permanent residents. Students should review the current scholarship page for the applicable deadline and supporting-document requirements.
3. Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship (Victoria University of Wellington)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$15,000 tax-free stipend for one year plus domestic tuition fees for up to 120 points
- Eligible Degree(s): Master’s
This scholarship supports students undertaking a master’s thesis of at least 90 points at Victoria University of Wellington. It provides a NZ$15,000 tax-free stipend for one year plus domestic tuition fees for up to 120 points.
Recipients are expected to devote themselves full-time to their research, normally for at least 35 hours per week. The scholarship regulations permit other employment or income-producing activity within stated limits, including a maximum of 600 hours in a calendar year. Applicants should review the current scholarship regulations before applying.
4. Wellington Doctoral Scholarships (Victoria University of Wellington)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Domestic tuition fees and an annual NZ$32,000 stipend for up to three years
- Eligible Degree(s): Ph.D.
- Meet the Wellington Doctoral Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys, including those of Mojtaba Tadayonifar from Iran and Otuto Amarauche Chukwu from Nigeria.
Wellington Doctoral Scholarships at Victoria University of Wellington provide an annual NZ$32,000 stipend plus domestic tuition fees for up to three years. Prospective doctoral students should review the university’s current scholarship information and doctoral application instructions before applying.
Here is what Wellington Doctoral Scholarship Scholars Say:
“This scholarship covers full tuition and provides a generous living stipend, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my research in Applied Linguistics.”
Mojtaba Tadayonifar
“As part of the Ph.D. application to Victoria University of Wellington, I simply indicated that I wished to be considered for the scholarship by ticking the relevant box.”
Mojtaba Tadayonifar
5. Taught Master’s Merit Scholarships (Lincoln University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$7,000 to NZ$15,000
- Eligible Degree(s): Master’s
Lincoln University offers the Taught Master Merit Scholarship to qualifying international students enrolling in eligible taught master’s programs. Awards range from NZ$7,000 to NZ$15,000 toward the overall cost of study, depending on the program and the applicant’s academic results.
No separate scholarship application is required. Lincoln University automatically assesses eligible applicants for the scholarship.
6. International Student Excellence Scholarship (University of Auckland)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Up to NZ$10,000 toward compulsory tuition fees
- Eligible Degree(s): Bachelor’s, postgraduate diploma, Master’s
The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship is for new international students enrolling in undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diploma programs, or master’s programs. The scholarship aims to attract high-caliber international students enrolling in study of one year or more.
The award provides up to NZ$10,000 toward compulsory tuition fees for one year. It is offered twice a year, and applicants should review the current scholarship page and regulations for the applicable application dates.
7. Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship (University of Waikato)
The Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship supports talented international students enrolling for the first time in undergraduate or taught postgraduate study at the University of Waikato. The scholarship provides up to NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees.
The scholarship is available across the university’s study areas. Applicants are assessed based on academic achievement. Applications are reviewed monthly, but students should submit their applications by the trimester-specific deadlines listed on the official scholarship page.
Here is what Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship (University of Waikato) Scholars Say:
“The scholarship supported my tuition and living expenses, enabling me to fully engage in my studies and contribute to New Zealand’s academic community.”
Mehak Anish Chopra
“To apply to the University of Waikato, I conducted thorough research on the MBM program through the university’s website, focusing on its curriculum, faculty expertise, and Triple Crown Accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB).”
Mehak Anish Chopra
“To prepare, I enrolled in an online PTE preparation course, focusing on practice tests to improve my speaking and writing skills.”
Mehak Anish Chopra
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 one year capped at NZ$35,000
- Eligible Degree(s): Master’s
The University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship supports international students pursuing their first thesis-based master’s qualification at the university. The award provides an NZ$18,204 annual stipend plus a tuition fee waiver for one year capped at NZ$35,000. The tuition fee waiver excludes the student services fee and insurance.
Selection is based predominantly on academic merit and research potential. The scholarship supports the thesis component of a research master’s degree for up to one year of full-time study and may not fully cover tuition fees above the NZ$35,000 cap.
9. Doctoral Scholarships (University of Otago)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$34,128 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months
- Eligible Degree(s): Ph.D. and selected professional doctorates
The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship is available to domestic and international doctoral students. It supports Ph.D. candidates and selected professional doctorate candidates. For Ph.D. candidates, the current award provides an NZ$34,128 annual stipend plus a domestic tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months. The tuition fee waiver excludes the student services fee and insurance.
Applicants are usually seeking their first doctoral qualification. Selection is based predominantly on academic merit and research potential. Applications are considered quarterly. The university states that its doctoral scholarship program is under review, so prospective applicants should check the official scholarship page for the latest information.
10. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships (University of Otago)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees
- Eligible Degree(s): Bachelor’s
The University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students supports international students beginning full-time undergraduate study at the university. The award is valued at NZ$10,000 and is credited toward tuition fees. The scholarship has a one-year tenure.
The application route depends on the applicant’s study background. Eligible applicants with an overseas study background opt in for scholarship consideration through their eVision study application. Applicants completing an eligible qualification in New Zealand use the university’s entrance scholarship application process. Students should review the official scholarship page for the current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
11. Coursework Master’s Scholarship (University of Otago)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$10,000 toward fees
- Eligible Degree(s): Master’s
The University of Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship supports students enrolling in coursework-based master’s programs at the university, excluding the Master of Business Administration. The scholarship provides NZ$10,000 toward fees in the first instance. The number of awards varies.
Students do not submit a direct scholarship application. The application process is initiated through departmental nomination. Prospective students should review the official scholarship page for current details.
Scholarships for international students studying in New Zealand can make education more affordable and help recipients focus on their academic and professional goals. If you are interested in studying in New Zealand, review the scholarships above carefully and confirm the latest eligibility criteria and deadlines on each official scholarship page.
We hope this article about scholarships in New Zealand for international students was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out our Study in NZ Page and the Available Programs for International Students!
