How a Thai Business English Graduate Earned the Fully Funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship to Study Disaster Management at the University of Auckland

Kia ora! Hi everyone, my name is Nutnicha Limboonngam, but you can call me Popkak for short. I am from Thailand and was a Manaaki recipient in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, my studies were deferred to 2023.

I pursued a Master of Disaster Management at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland. It is a 180-point taught program that runs for 1.5 years (three semesters).

Here is some background on why I decided to pursue this course. First, back in 2017, after completing my bachelor’s degree, I took a half-gap year to take a break from studying. During that time, I participated in a month-long volunteer program (AYVP) in Indonesia under the theme of Disaster Risk Reduction. I truly enjoyed working with people in vulnerable areas, empowering them in disaster preparedness. I also learned new things, such as risk assessment, which sparked my passion for this field.

After returning from Indonesia, I worked in an Intergovernmental Organization focused on disaster preparedness. After a few years in the field, I still enjoyed the work and wanted to advance my skills and knowledge. That’s why I applied for the Manaaki Scholarship, which offers studies in disaster management.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Details

I am a Manaaki Scholarship recipient (New Zealand Government Scholarship) at the University of Auckland. It is a fully funded scholarship that covers: Tuition fees, Return flight tickets, Cost of living (a weekly stipend to manage daily expenses, food, and accommodation), Visa fees, Medical check-up fees, English Language Test fee, Establishment allowance, Tutoring fees. It pretty much covers everything necessary for you to live and study comfortably in New Zealand.

Educational Background

I graduated from Khon Kaen University, Thailand, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business English with a GPA of 3.83/4.00. I don’t think GPA is a required criterion for this scholarship; having at least two years of work experience is more important for the application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Auckland?

The Manaaki Scholarship has a unique process compared to other scholarships I know. 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. Everything depends on your own effort to apply.

The application is based on essays about your motivation for pursuing further studies, how you plan to utilize the knowledge gained from New Zealand to contribute to your home country, and how you would adapt to living in a different country with a new culture.

In the application stage, applicants must select two institutions they would like to study at, and this choice cannot be changed later. Therefore, it is essential to research thoroughly and decide where you want to study.

Although an English test score is not required for the initial application, it will be required after you are selected as a preferred candidate. The required score varies depending on your program and university, but most universities in New Zealand require an overall IELTS band score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

I read through the official website, and they provide very clear instructions and criteria on how scholars are selected and how to structure your essay to be direct and effective.

This is a very useful website that guides you step by step on how to apply: Types of Manaaki Scholarships | MANAAKI | Education New Zealand.

The first thing you need to prepare is your chosen course of study and institution. It’s also important to note that the application period is short, usually opening from 1 February until the end of February each year.

The selection process consists of three stages:

Application – This involves writing essays and selecting your field of study. If your essays are impressive, you will be invited to proceed to the next stage.

Assessment – This includes psychometric and logical reasoning tests.

Interview – If you pass the first two stages, you will be invited for an interview. During my application process, the interview was conducted online.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

First of all, I believe that if your chosen field of study aligns with the prioritized study fields set by Manaaki, which vary by country, it will strengthen your application. Secondly, your work experience and how it relates to your chosen field, as well as your passion for the subject, are also key factors in the selection process.

My recommendation is to demonstrate your passion for your chosen field by providing specific examples rather than simply stating that you are passionate about it. Supporting your statements with real experiences will make your application stronger.

During the interview, just be yourself! The questions will mostly be based on what you have written in your application. Good luck! 😊

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

 I would do the same as I did. I actually prepared to apply for this scholarship for a year. I learned about the scholarship in early 2019, but at that time, I knew I wasn’t ready to apply. I registered an account and went through the essay questions. I copied them and worked on my answers throughout the year. I had reviewed the official website instructions over and over again—I think I read through them more than 20 times—to fully understand what they were looking for. I shaped myself to be the candidate they wanted and ultimately made it!

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

Keep your passion alive and continue working on what you value and enjoy. Your enthusiasm will shine through in everything you do. Don’t be afraid to try—failure is just part of the journey and an opportunity to learn and improve. Every scholarship has its preferences and criteria, and it's essential to understand what they’re looking for. But above all, if you want to succeed, you must keep pushing forward and working hard. Success doesn’t always come immediately. The persistence, effort, and belief in yourself will eventually pay off—your moment will come. You've got this!