Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Full tuition, a living allowance (NZ$615 a week at the rate quoted by Massey University), a NZ$3,000 establishment allowance, medical insurance, travel to and from home, and a reintegration allowance when you go back. Some Pacific citizens can choose to study at a university in Fiji instead.

• You must be a citizen of an eligible Pacific or Asian country; undergraduate study is open only to Pacific applicants (except Fiji for study in New Zealand) and Timor-Leste.
• You must be 18 by the time you sign the letter of offer; applicants under 40 are preferred.
• You must have lived in your home country for the two years before applying, with limited exceptions.
• Postgraduate applicants need at least one year of full-time or two years of part-time work experience (paid, unpaid or voluntary).
• You must meet your chosen institution's academic and English entry requirements (a guide is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for postgraduate study).
• You must commit to contributing to your country's development for at least two years after you finish.
• PhD applicants must show a secured supervisor, or active discussions with one, by the interview.

Only for citizens of eligible countries, currently in the Pacific and parts of South and South-East Asia (undergraduate study is limited to Pacific countries and Timor-Leste). You must be at least 18 and have lived in your home country for the two years before applying, postgraduate applicants need at least one year of full-time (or two years of part-time) work experience, and you must help your country's development for at least two years after finishing.

1. 1

   Step 1: Check country and eligibility

   Confirm your country is eligible and complete the online eligibility questionnaire. You must meet every criterion.

2. 2

   Step 2: Choose subjects and courses

   Check the recommended study subjects for your country and research courses at New Zealand institutions.

3. 3

   Step 3: Apply online early

   Submit your application in the applicant portal, with your transcript and its grading scale. Asian countries' applications may close early.

4. 4

   Step 4: Complete the online test

   If you get through screening, you'll be emailed an abstract-reasoning and personality test, which you must complete within 10 days.

5. 5

   Step 5: Prove English and interview

   Shortlisted candidates give evidence of their English level and have a 40-minute online interview, usually between May and July.

6. 6

   Step 6: Apply to the institution

   If you're a preferred candidate, you apply for admission as an international student and then for a visa. Once the institution offers you a place, you get a scholarship offer, which you must accept within 14 days.

• Academic transcript with grading scale
• Verified English translations of transcripts and certificates (if shortlisted)
• English test results (IELTS or equivalent)
• Passport
• Evidence of a PhD supervisor (PhD only)
• Birth certificate and government ID (if the institution asks)

Deadline

The latest tertiary round, for study starting in 2027, ran from 1 March to 10 April 2026 according to AUT; Massey lists 1 March to 10 April 2027 for the next round, and the official site says tertiary applications are closed without giving dates.

Applications usually open on 1 March and close in mid-April (1 March–10 April 2027 for the next round), for study starting the following year. The portal may close early for countries with lots of applicants.