New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships
Offered by Government of New Zealand (Education New Zealand / MFAT)
About this scholarship
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the New Zealand government's development scholarships, funded through Education New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, investing in citizens of developing countries so they can gain skills and knowledge to drive their home country's development. Scholars study at one of eight New Zealand universities or three institutes of technology, mainly at postgraduate level. The award is comprehensive, covering full tuition, a living allowance, an establishment grant, return airfares, and medical and travel insurance. Eligibility is limited to citizens of the eligible Pacific, Asian, African, Latin American, and Caribbean countries, and applicants must have been living in their home country for at least two years before applying. Applicants must be at least 18 when they sign the offer, and postgraduate applicants need relevant work experience (one year full-time, or two years part-time, paid or voluntary). A core condition is that scholars commit to returning home and contributing to their country's social or economic development for at least two years after completing study. Applications are submitted online in annual rounds whose dates vary by country, and the system can close early for countries with high application volumes — so applying early is strongly advised.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of an eligible Pacific, Asian, African, Latin American or Caribbean country
- Have lived in your home country for at least two years before applying
- Be at least 18 years old when signing the scholarship offer
- For postgraduate study, have relevant work experience (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time)
- Commit to returning home for at least two years after your studies
Always verify amounts and deadlines on the official site; they change each cycle.
Last verified by us: 2026-06-01.