Indonesian Student Awarded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship to Study Energy at University of Auckland

Hello, my name is Maria Delavega Afriani, and I’m originally from Indonesia. I’m doing a Master of Energy at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. My academic and professional journey has always been driven by a deep interest in sustainable development and energy transition. I decided to pursue postgraduate studies in this field to strengthen my technical and analytical skills, particularly in energy economy and energy system modeling, which I saw as critical for contributing to Indonesia’s low-carbon development pathway.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to receive the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), to help build sustainable development in partner countries and a lifetime connection with New Zealand. the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). This fully funded scholarship covered tuition fees, living expenses, return economy air travel and travel insurance, and medical insurance when you’re in NZ, an establishment allowance to help with set-up costs in New Zealand, allowing me to focus entirely on my academic and research goals.

Educational Background

Before my master's, I earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on energy conversion from Institut Teknologi PLN. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong technical background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy conversion systems. I was particularly drawn to courses and projects focused on renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines, which laid the groundwork for my future interests.

I completed my bachelor's degree with a strong GPA. My final year project focused on the design and simulation of a horizontal axis wind turbine in Taksiung Beach using Q-blade. This solid academic and technical preparation gave me the confidence and capability to pursue more advanced studies and research in the field of energy.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Different Institutions?

I began by researching universities with strong programs in renewable energy. I explored university rankings, course content, supervisor expertise, and alumni outcomes. I paid close attention to programs that offered renewable energy programs or sustainable energy systems, which aligned closely with my academic and professional goals.

To strengthen my application, I dedicated time to crafting a well-structured and personalized motivation letter for each institution. I made sure to clearly articulate my academic background, research interests, and long-term career vision, while also demonstrating how each university’s program would help me achieve those goals.

I applied to three universities:

• The University of Auckland (New Zealand)
• The University of Edinburgh (UK)
• Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

I was honored to receive Letters of Acceptance (LoAs) from all three institutions. This affirmed the strength of my preparation and reinforced my motivation to pursue postgraduate studies in energy transition and sustainability.

In addition to researching academic programs, I also reached out to former scholarship recipients and alumni. Their insights helped me fine-tune my application strategy and choose the institution that best matched both my research interests and long-term aspirations.

The University of Auckland stood out for both my research interests and long-term aspirations.

Did you need to take Standardized Exams? How did you prepare for the IELTS Exam?

As part of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship selection process, I was invited to take the IELTS Academic Test, and I achieved an overall band score of 6.5. At the time, I was working full-time, which made it difficult to consistently allocate study time during the week.

To manage this, I joined a private online IELTS preparation class held on weekends, consisting of ten focused sessions. This flexible format helped me understand the structure of the exam and receive personalized feedback from the instructor.

In addition to the class, I continued to self-study in my free time, using online practice tests, and video tutorials.

How Did You Prepare to Apply Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

In preparing for the Manaaki NZ scholarship, I took a strategic and well-organised approach. I began by carefully reviewing the selection criteria and ensuring that my application aligned with the development priorities of both New Zealand and Indonesia.

A major component of my preparation involved writing compelling and structured essays. I invested time in clearly articulating my goals, my reasons for choosing New Zealand as a study destination, academic interests, and how the knowledge gained through the scholarship would contribute to sustainable development in my home country. I also highlighted my community engagement, leadership experiences, and long-term commitment.

In addition, I gathered and prepared all the required documents, including academic transcripts, and essays. I paid close attention to the clarity and consistency of each part of my application to ensure that it presented a cohesive narrative.

Overall, I approached the process with discipline and intention, focusing not only on fulfilling formal requirements but also on conveying a sincere and purpose-driven motivation for pursuing the scholarship.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the strength of my application lay in its clear alignment with Indonesia’s national development priorities, particularly in the areas of energy transition. My professional background demonstrated not only technical competence but also a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Indonesia’s energy and environmental sectors.

Having worked in roles related to energy sectors, I was directly involved in power plants projects that supported low-carbon developments which are key priorities in Indonesia’s medium- and long-term planning. My hands-on experience in these areas allowed me to bring a grounded, real-world perspective to the scholarship application, which I believe distinguished me from other candidates.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, if I were to go through the process again, I would have begun my preparation much earlier, particularly in drafting and refining my scholarship essays. Although I eventually developed a clear narrative, having more time would have allowed me to better structure my ideas and provide stronger supporting evidence.

In addition, I would have benefited from seeking more peer feedback or professional review of my application documents. Engaging in mock interviews or consultations with past scholarship recipients could have further improved my confidence and helped me anticipate potential questions or areas of improvement. These extra steps would have strengthened both the clarity and impact of my overall application.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My main advice to future applicants is to start early. Begin researching universities, programs, and scholarships at least a year in advance to allow sufficient time for preparing documents, refining your motivation letter, and understanding each scholarship’s specific requirements.

Be strategic in shaping your application. Ensure that your academic and professional goals clearly align with national and global development priorities. Demonstrating how your work will contribute to meaningful impact can significantly strengthen your application.

It is also important to invest in your personal narrative. Rather than simply listing achievements, focus on building a cohesive story that reflects your values, your connection to your community, and your long-term aspirations. This helps reviewers understand the deeper motivation behind your application.

If standardized tests like IELTS or GRE are required, allocate time to practice regularly. These scores are not only a formal requirement but also a reflection of your preparedness for academic study.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni, professors, or mentors. Their feedback, insights, and encouragement can help you avoid common mistakes and improve the quality of your application. Learning from those who have gone through the process can provide both clarity and inspiration.

“Throughout this journey, I was reminded that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). To those preparing for the same path—stay grounded in faith, stay focused, and stay curious. Explore. Learn. Grow.”