International Scholarship ยท New Zealand

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme provides fully funded opportunities for international students and professionals from eligible developing countries to pursue tertiary education, vocational training, and English language development in New Zealand.

Dates UnconfirmedExpected: Varies - confirm on official siteOfficial Portal โ†’

Quick Facts

Status

Funding

Fully Funded

Deadline

Varies - confirm on official site

Country

NZ flagNew Zealand
Official Website โ†’
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About the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

๐Ÿ• 3 min read

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme is the New Zealand government's primary international scholarship initiative. It aims to support sustainable growth and build long-term connections between New Zealand and partner countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

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The programme offers four distinct types of scholarships: full tertiary scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study, Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships for skills and work experience, Thematic Short Term Cohort Training Scholarships for professional development, and English Language Training for Officials (NZELTO) for government staff.

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Tertiary scholarships allow students to study full-time at one of eight New Zealand universities or three institutes of technology. These awards are designed to align with the social and economic development needs of the recipient's home country.

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Short-term training programmes, including vocational and thematic tracks, range from one week to 12 months. These courses focus on specific sectors such as climate change, disaster risk management, governance, and food security, and are delivered either in New Zealand or online.

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The NZELTO programme specifically targets government officials from selected African and Asian nations. Participants travel to New Zealand for intensive English language training and professional networking to support their roles in the public sector.

Eligible Levels

UndergraduatePostgraduateVocational TrainingProfessional Development

Eligible Fields

GovernancePublic Sector LeadershipPublic Health ManagementTrade PolicyClimate Change and ResilienceRenewable EnergyFood and AgribusinessDisaster Risk ManagementLaw and JusticeInformation Communications TechnologyTourismFisheries
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Why Choose This Scholarship?

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Access to a globally recognised education system

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Opportunity to build life-long professional and personal connections

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Training tailored to the specific social and economic needs of your home country

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Supportive environment with dedicated scholarship management teams

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Exposure to New Zealand's expertise in sectors like renewable energy and disaster management

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What the Scholarship Covers

Full tuition fees
Weekly allowance (stipend) for basic living costs
Training-related costs
Travel and related costs
Comprehensive support from the scholarships team
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Eligibility Requirements

7 requirements

Must be a citizen of an eligible country and have lived there for at least two years
Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the scholarship
Must not be currently serving in the military
Must not have had a Manaaki scholarship terminated in the last 5 years
Must meet academic and English language entry requirements for the chosen course
Must have employer endorsement for professional or vocational training applications
Must not be a citizen or permanent resident of restricted countries (e.g., Australia, USA, UK, EU countries)
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Documents Checklist

6 documents required

1Certified copy of passport or government-issued photo ID
2Current curriculum vitae in English
3Current job description (for employed applicants)
4Certified copies of academic transcripts and completion certificates
5English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL) from the last 18 months
6Evidence of English-medium education (if applicable)
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How to Apply - Step by Step

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Check eligibility criteria and eligible countries on the official website

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Research available courses and subjects relevant to your country's needs

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Contact the local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for specific application dates and forms

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Submit the application form with all required supporting documentation

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Wait for the selection process, which may involve nomination by local government sectors

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Receive a Letter of Offer if approved and accept the scholarship conditions

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Application Timeline

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Varies

Application Period

Check with local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission

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Varies

Selection Process

Duration depends on applicant volume

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Insider Tips & Pro Tips

TIP 1

Check the specific eligibility list for your country as not all courses are available to all regions

TIP 2

Contact your local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission early to confirm if your country is currently eligible for specific intakes

TIP 3

Ensure all academic and professional documents are translated into English and certified

TIP 4

If applying for professional training, secure employer endorsement before starting the application

TIP 5

Keep your English proficiency test results current, as they must be from within the last 18 months

TIP 6

Use the online questionnaire on the official website to verify your eligibility before applying

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Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions - click any to expand

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Yes, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships cover full tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs for successful applicants.

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No, these scholarships are specifically for citizens of eligible developing countries as outlined on the official website.

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Officials do not apply directly. The New Zealand Embassy or High Commission coordinates with government sectors in eligible countries to nominate suitable candidates.

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Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time they start the scholarship.

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Applications Currently Closed

This scholarship is expected to reopen in Varies - confirm on official site. Use this time to prepare your documents and polish your application.

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Accuracy notice: Information on this page was verified as of May 2026. Scholarship details - including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents - can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before submitting your application.

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Closed

Reopens: Varies - confirm on official site

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