Scholarship in New Zealand: Requirements and more

New Zealand, with its world-class education, renowned landscapes and welcoming culture for international students and migrants, is an ideal destination for study at all levels. However, the costs that come with these studies can be a challenge for many applicants. This is why scholarships are a very viable alternative, reducing costs and facilitating access to outstanding academic programmes. In this article we tell you all about scholarships to study in New Zealand, the best options and how to apply for them.

In 2025, New Zealand will continue to stand out as an attractive destination for those seeking to further their education. From globally recognised universities to institutions specialising in areas such as technology, sustainability and business, this country offers programmes that enhance professional skills ideal for today’s job market. 

The best scholarships to study in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships designed for international students who wish to further their education in this destination of educational excellence. From government programmes to initiatives offered by universities and private organisations, these scholarships provide financial and academic benefits that facilitate access to a world-class educational experience. Here are the best options for 2025, with details on each programme, their requirements and how to apply.

1. New Zealand Scholarships (NZS) – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)

• New Zealand Scholarships are government programmes that seek to promote sustainable development in developing countries. These scholarships are aimed at international students from various regions of the world, such as Asia, Africa and Latin America, interested in undergraduate, masters or doctoral programmes at New Zealand universities.
• General requirements:
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country.
  • Have an outstanding academic average in previous studies.
  • Demonstrate economic need and potential to contribute to the development of their country of origin after completing their studies.
  • Proficiency in English (a minimum score in tests such as IELTS or TOEFL is required).
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full payment of tuition fees.
  • Housing and monthly living allowance.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Financial aid for transport and books costs.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorates.
• Aimed at: Students from eligible countries, mainly developing countries.
• How to apply?
  Application is made through the MFAT official website: https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz.
• Opening date: February each year.
• Closing date: March each year.

2. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

• This scholarship is offered by the University of Auckland, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious institutions. It aims to attract outstanding international students for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• General requirements:
  • Have an offer of admission to an academic programme at the University of Auckland.
  • Demonstrate excellent academic performance in previous studies.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Up to $10,000 NZ ($5,709.45 US) to cover tuition fees.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and master’s degrees.
• Aimed at: International students of any nationality.
• How to apply?
  Application is made through the university official website website: www.auckland.ac.nz.
• Opening date: January and July each year.
• Closing date: March and September each year.

3. Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship

• This scholarship programme is designed for international students wishing to study an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Victoria, Wellington.
• General requirements:
  • Be an international student paying full tuition fees.
  • Have an offer of admission to an academic programme at the university.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Grants of up to $10,000 NZ ($5,709.45 US) to cover tuition fees.
  • Access to events and activities for grantees.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and master’s degrees.
• Aimed at: International students of any nationality.
• How to apply?
  Via the university’s official website: www.wgtn.ac.nz.
• Opening date: June each year.
• Closing date: September each year.

4. AUT International Excellence Scholarships – Auckland University of Technology

• The AUT offers these scholarships to reward the academic excellence of international students interested in pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.
• General requirements:
  • Have an offer of admission to an AUT programme.
  • Young people with an outstanding academic record.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Grants of up to $7,000 NZ ($3,996.61 US) towards tuition fees.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and master’s degrees.
• Aimed at: International students of different nationalities.
• How to apply?
  Via the university’s official website: www.aut.ac.nz.
• Opening date: February and August each year.
• Closing date: April and October each year.

5. University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship

• Designed specifically for international students interested in postgraduate research, this scholarship aims to encourage academic research in various areas of knowledge.
• General requirements:
  • Be enrolled in a research-based master’s program at the University of Otago.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence in previous studies.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full payment of tuition fees.
  • Annual living allowance of $15,000 NZ ($8,564.17 US).
• Type of studies offered: Research-based master’s degrees.
• Aimed at: International students of any nationality interested in research.
• How to apply
  Send the application directly through the University of Otago website: www.otago.ac.nz.
• Opening dates: All year round.
• Closing date: Calls are continuous.

6. Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships

• The University of Lincoln offers these scholarships for outstanding international students wishing to pursue Master’s degree programmes in key areas such as agriculture, environment and economics.
• General requirements:
  • Be accepted in a master’s programme at the University of Lincoln.
  • Have an outstanding academic average in previous studies.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Scholarships of up to $10,000 NZ ($5,709.45 US) to cover tuition fees.
• Type of studies offered: Master’s degrees offered.
• Aimed at: International students with excellent academic performance.
• How to apply?
  Application is made through the university official portal website: www.lincoln.ac.nz.
• Opening date: March each year.
• Closing date: June each year.

7. Massey University International Excellence Scholarship

• Massey University offers this scholarship for high-achieving international students who wish to study an undergraduate or postgraduate programme on its campuses. It’s designed to recognise academic excellence and support those who seek to excel in their fields of study.
• General requirements:
  • Have received an offer of admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Trinity College Dublin.
  • Have an outstanding academic average in the previous level of studies.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Grants of up to $25,000 NZ ($14,273.62 US) distributed over the duration of the programme.
  • Additional academic support and access to events exclusively for scholarship holders.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate.
• Aimed at: International students of any nationality.
• How to apply?
  Application is made through the Massey University official portal website: www.massey.ac.nz.
• Opening date: January each year.
• Closing date: November each year.

8. Canterbury International Scholarship – University of Canterbury

• The University of Canterbury awards these scholarships to international students wishing to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Its aim is to attract international talent to this prestigious institution.
• General requirements:
  • Be accepted in a programme at the University of Canterbury.
  • Have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Grants of up to $20,000 NZ ($11,418.90 US) depending on the programme and duration of the course.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate.
• Aimed at: International students interested in joining the University of Canterbury.
• How to apply?
  Application is made through the university official portal website: www.canterbury.ac.nz.
• Opening date: February each year.
• Closing date: October each year.

9. New Zealand Scholarships for International Students – MFAT (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

• These scholarships are funded by the New Zealand government and are aimed at international students from developing countries. They seek to build capacity and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries by providing quality education in New Zealand institutions.
• General requirements:
  • Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (generally Asia, Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean).
  • Have a strong academic record and demonstrate financial need.
  • Commit to return to their home country after completing their studies.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full payment of tuition fees.
  • Allowance for living expenses.
  • Medical and travel insurance.
  • Support for the cost of books and materials.
  • Return tickets to New Zealand.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s degrees and doctorates.
• Aimed at: Students from developing countries interested in careers that contribute to the development of their communities.
• How to apply?
  Through the official New Zealand Scholarships website: www.nzscholarships.govt.nz.
• Opening date: February each year.
• Closing date: March each year.

10. Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship

• This scholarship, offered by Victoria University of Wellington, is one of the most recognised scholarships in New Zealand for international students. It’s designed to attract high-achieving students who wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at the university.
• General requirements:
  • Have received an offer of admission to a Victoria University of Wellington programme.
  • Demonstrate excellent previous academic performance.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Grants of up to $10,000 NZ ($5,709.45 US) for the first year of study.
  • Access to academic support and events exclusively for scholarship holders.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate.
• Aimed at: International students of any nationality.
• How to apply?
  Application is made through the university official portal website: www.wgtn.ac.nz.
• Opening date: June each year.
• Closing date: November each year.

Tips on how to get a scholarship in New Zealand

Getting a scholarship to study in New Zealand can be a challenge, but with the right preparation and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips designed specifically for this destination:

1. Research priority programmes for New Zealand

New Zealand offers several scholarships for students interested in key areas such as sustainability, agricultural engineering, environmental science and information technology. Researching the priority sectors for the country can give you an advantage, as many government institutions and programmes seek to attract talent in these areas.

2. Demonstrates an interest in New Zealand culture and values

New Zealand values diversity and inclusion, so highlighting how your personal and professional goals align with the country’s values can strengthen your application. For example, mention how you’ll contribute to your community after completing your studies, especially if you apply for scholarships such as those from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

3. Improve your command of English

All universities and scholarship programmes in New Zealand require a good level of English. Make sure you meet the minimum scores on tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, and include up-to-date certificates in your application. Practising in advance and focusing on your weak areas can make a big difference.

4. Seek personalised advice from certified education agents

New Zealand has official education agents in several countries who can guide you through the scholarship programmes, specific requirements and admissions process. These agents have up-to-date information and can help you avoid common mistakes in your application.

5. Participate in extracurricular activities related to your field

In addition to a good academic record, many scholarships in New Zealand value participation in extracurricular activities. Get involved in projects that reflect your interest in innovation, leadership or social impact, as this can make your application stand out.

6. Prepare a personalised and well-founded request

Make sure that your cover letter is adapted to the scholarship you’re applying for. Emphasise how you’ll meet the objectives of the programme and highlight your most relevant achievements. In addition, carefully check each required document to avoid errors or missing documents that could disqualify you.

7. Apply in advance and organise your deadlines

Scholarships to New Zealand usually have strict deadlines, and applications often require time to gather documents, certified translations and letters of recommendation. Planning ahead will allow you to submit a solid application without any last-minute hiccups.

Top universities to study in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, recognised for their academic excellence and contributions in areas such as research and sustainability. Below, we highlight some of the most recommended institutions and the careers they offer:

1. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and highest ranked institution in international rankings. It offers a wide range of programmes, from business and medicine to technology and engineering.

• Featured programmes: Biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, economics.
• Why choose it: Its focus on applied research and its links with global companies make it an ideal choice for those seeking to combine study and professional practice.

2. University of Otago

Recognised as New Zealand’s first university, Otago has a strong reputation in health and natural sciences.

• Renowned programmes: Medicine, marine sciences, molecular biology.
• Why choose it: Its location in Dunedin offers a quiet academic environment, perfect for advanced research-focused students.

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Located in the nation’s capital, this university is famous for its public policy, law and social science programmes.

• Renowned programmes: International relations, human rights, climate change.
• Why choose it: Its proximity to government institutions and international organisations provides unique opportunities for internships and contacts.

4. University of Canterbury

Based in Christchurch, the university is noted for its engineering and applied science programmes.

• Renowned programmes: Civil engineering, sustainable development, applied mathematics.
• Why choose it: It combines academic excellence with a focus on the reconstruction of urban infrastructure after the earthquakes that affected the city.

5. Massey University

Massey is known for its flexibility and innovative programmes, such as those related to entrepreneurship and creative industries.

• Renowned programmes: Industrial design, agriculture, communication.
• Why choose it: Its practical approach and links with local and international companies make its graduates highly employable.

6. AUT (Auckland University of Technology)

This modern and dynamic university is renowned for its technology and business-focused programmes.

• Featured programmes: Data analytics, digital marketing, artificial intelligence.
• Why choose it: It offers cutting-edge programmes and access to state-of-the-art technology.

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