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, depending on the applicant’s country | Full tuition fees, a living allowance, an establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, travel support, and other eligible support |
| UC International First Year Scholarship | University of Canterbury | Bachelor’s | NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees |
| Wellington Doctoral Scholarships | Victoria University of Wellington | Ph.D. | Domestic tuition fees and an annual NZ$32,000 stipend for up to three years |
| Taught Master’s Merit Scholarships | 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 |
| AUT Doctoral Scholarships | Auckland University of Technology | Ph.D. | NZ$34,737 annual stipend plus tuition fees and compulsory student services fee |
| 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 |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships | University of Otago | Bachelor’s | NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees |
| Master’s Research Scholarship | Massey University | Master’s | NZ$15,000 |
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
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.
A recipient’s path: Carol Munywoki applied for competitive scholarships year after year from 2020 to 2023, refining her applications after each attempt; for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, she studied the criteria, revised her personal statement through multiple drafts, sought feedback, and clearly linked her proposed study to Kenya’s energy priorities. She ultimately secured the scholarship in 2023 and completed a Master of Engineering at Auckland University of Technology, graduating with First Class Honours in 2025. Her account emphasizes clarity of purpose, relevant professional experience in the energy sector, and showing how postgraduate study could support development at home.
Recent recipient outcomes include: Dr. Albert Muleke, who progressed from his NZAID-funded master’s at Lincoln University to a funded PhD in Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania; Shirley Gabriella, who completed her PhD and now reports roles as a civil servant, adjunct faculty member, and Executive Director of the Africa Network of Critical Security Scholars; and Manisha Mudliar, who completed her Master of Public Management and reports working as Programme Officer – Private Sector Development at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. View More Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship recipients →
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. UC International First Year Scholarship (University of Canterbury)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The UC International First Year Scholarship is offered by the University of Canterbury to high-achieving, full-fee-paying international students beginning their first undergraduate degree. The offshore scholarship is intended for students who completed or are completing an eligible university entrance qualification overseas or through UC International College (UCIC). New Zealand and Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and holders of New Zealand residence class visas are not eligible.
The scholarship provides NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees for one year of full-time undergraduate study. For offshore and UCIC applicants, the current application rounds close on October 31 for a Semester 1, 2027 start and April 15 for a Semester 2 start. Applicants must have applied for admission to the University by the applicable scholarship deadline and must not have already undertaken partial undergraduate study at a New Zealand tertiary institution. Students can also explore other scholarships in New Zealand for international students.
3. 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.
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.
Kaileen’s path to the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship: Kaileen built her application around a detailed research proposal covering her topic, significance, methods, potential challenges, and readiness for doctoral research, developing the project through background research and close discussion with her supervisor. Her prior experience in the same research lab, strong academic record, and a co-authored publication also strengthened her case for the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington. She went on to complete and defend her PhD in Biomedical Sciences, specialising in Immunology. View More Wellington Doctoral Scholarship recipients →
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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Mehak Anish Chopra’s path to the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship: Mehak Anish Chopra tailored her application around her professional experience, academic record, and clear career goals, while staying in regular contact with the University of Waikato admissions team to make sure it was complete. She also connected with alumni and current students, attended virtual university fairs and webinars, and prepared for the PTE for three months; she says her diverse work background, leadership, and clear career vision helped her application stand out. With the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship, she completed her Master of Business and Management in 2025 and earned the university’s Employability Plus Award. View More Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship recipients →
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
7. AUT Doctoral Scholarships (Auckland University of Technology)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: NZ$34,737 annual stipend plus tuition fees and compulsory student services fee
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
The AUT Doctoral Scholarships are offered by Auckland University of Technology to high-achieving doctoral research students. The contestable scholarship rounds are open to eligible New Zealand and international applicants. Candidates must have received an Offer of Place for an AUT doctoral program before applying, and AUT looks for an excellent academic record, strong academic references, and potential for high-quality research.
For 2026 awards, the scholarship provides an annual stipend of NZ$34,737 plus tuition fees and the compulsory student services fee for up to three years of full-time Ph.D. study, or NZ$17,368.50 annually plus fees for up to six years of part-time study. The 2026 closing dates are March 1, July 15, and November 1, with applications opening one month before each deadline. Applicants must submit materials including a research statement, CV, relevant academic transcripts, their Offer of Place, and details for two academic referees. International students can also explore other scholarships in New Zealand for international students.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Master’s Research Scholarship (Massey University)
The Master’s Research Scholarship is offered by Massey University to domestic and international students entering the research component of a master’s degree. Applicants must be enrolling full-time or part-time in a research component worth at least 90 credits, with a start date that aligns with the applicable scholarship closing date.
The scholarship is valued at NZ$15,000 for one year, with multiple awards available. Applicants must provide a one-page statement from their primary supervisor and a one-page research proposal demonstrating the relevance and alignment of their research with university and college strategy. Selection considers academic achievement in the coursework component of the master’s degree, the supervisor’s evaluation, and the proposed research’s strategic alignment.
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. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
