Fully Funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 Applications Open



The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 are fully funded international scholarships provided by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The programme supports students from eligible developing countries who want to pursue higher education in New Zealand while gaining skills and knowledge that contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are designed to strengthen international partnerships and support capacity building in developing nations. The programme focuses on areas that can positively impact sustainable development, including science, technology, climate resilience, agriculture, governance, and economic development.

Students selected for the scholarship can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at accredited universities and institutions in New Zealand. The programme provides full financial support during the study period and encourages scholars to return to their home countries after completing their degrees to contribute to development in their communities and sectors.

The scholarship is highly competitive and places strong emphasis on academic merit, leadership potential, professional experience, and commitment to community development. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their studies align with the development priorities of their home country and how they plan to apply their knowledge after graduation.

The Manaaki programme has supported thousands of scholars from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region. It remains one of the most recognized government-funded scholarships available for students seeking international education opportunities in New Zealand.

Location

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are hosted in New Zealand at approved universities and tertiary education institutions.

Scholars may study at several leading institutions across the country, including public universities, institutes of technology, and polytechnics that participate in the scholarship programme. The exact study location depends on the applicant’s selected programme and the institution offering the course.

New Zealand offers a strong academic environment with internationally recognized universities, modern research facilities, and a multicultural society. Scholars also gain exposure to New Zealand’s approach to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development.

Benefits

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship provides a comprehensive support package designed to remove financial barriers and allow students to focus fully on their studies. The benefits include:

  • Full tuition fees paid directly to the university or institution.

  • Living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.

  • Establishment allowance to help students settle in New Zealand when they arrive.

  • Round-trip economy airfare between the student’s home country and New Zealand.

  • Medical and travel insurance for the duration of the scholarship.

  • Research and thesis support for postgraduate students when required.

  • Academic and pastoral support services through universities and scholarship offices.

  • Access to alumni networks and professional development opportunities.

The scholarship aims to provide scholars with both academic and professional development opportunities during their stay in New Zealand.

Compensation / Funding

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are fully funded, meaning that major educational and living expenses are covered by the New Zealand Government.

Financial support generally includes:

  • Tuition fees for the full duration of the programme

  • Living allowance paid regularly to cover personal expenses

  • International travel costs to and from New Zealand

  • Health and travel insurance coverage

  • Establishment allowance upon arrival

  • Additional allowances for academic resources, where necessary

The funding lasts for the minimum period required to complete the degree programme. Scholars are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving financial support.

Positions / Study Fields

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships support study in a wide range of academic disciplines. However, priority is often given to fields that contribute to sustainable development and capacity building.

Common study areas include:

  • Agriculture and food security

  • Environmental science and climate change

  • Renewable energy and sustainability

  • Engineering and infrastructure development

  • Public policy and governance

  • Health and public health

  • Education and teaching

  • Information technology and digital transformation

  • Economics and development studies

  • Disaster risk management

The exact fields available to applicants may vary depending on the applicant’s country and development priorities identified by the scholarship programme.

Applicants must choose programmes offered by participating New Zealand institutions and ensure that their chosen field aligns with the scholarship’s development focus.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements vary slightly depending on the applicant’s country, but general criteria include the following:

  • Applicants must be citizens of eligible developing countries listed by the scholarship programme.

  • Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for the selected university and programme.

  • Applicants must meet the English language requirements of the institution.

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the scholarship.

  • Applicants should have relevant work experience or a professional background, especially for postgraduate programmes.

  • Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to development in their home country.

  • Applicants must agree to return to their home country after completing their studies for a specified period.

Each country may have additional eligibility requirements related to professional experience, priority sectors, or specific academic levels.

Who Should Apply

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are intended for individuals who:

  • Are citizens of eligible developing countries.

  • Have strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential.

  • Want to pursue higher education in New Zealand.

  • Are interested in development-focused fields such as sustainability, governance, technology, or health.

  • Plan to return to their home countries after graduation to contribute to national development.

  • Are committed to community engagement and long-term social impact.

Professionals working in government institutions, public sector organisations, NGOs, or development-related sectors are often strong candidates for this scholarship.

Required Documents

Applicants typically need to prepare several documents during the application process. These may include:

  • Completed online scholarship application form

  • Passport or proof of citizenship

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates

  • English language test results (if required)

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume

  • Statement of purpose or personal statement

  • Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees

  • Employment verification documents were relevant

  • Research proposal for research-based postgraduate programmes

All documents must be clear, accurate, and translated into English if they were originally issued in another language.

How to Apply (Steps)

Applicants can apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship by following these steps:

  1. Check eligibility
    Visit the official scholarship website and confirm that your country is eligible for the programme.

  2. Choose a study programme
    Research universities and programmes in New Zealand that match your academic background and development goals.

  3. Review country-specific requirements
    Each country has a profile that outlines priority study areas and eligibility rules.

  4. Prepare application documents
    Gather all required documents, including transcripts, identification, and recommendation letters.

  5. Create an online application account
    Register on the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal.

  6. Complete the online application form
    Fill in your academic, professional, and personal information accurately.

  7. Upload supporting documents
    Attach all required documents in the correct format.

  8. Review and submit
    Double-check all information before submitting your application.

Applications must be submitted before the official deadline to be considered.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Start preparing documents several weeks before the deadline.

  • Research study programmes that align with development priorities.

  • Clearly explain how your studies will benefit your home country.

  • Ensure your English proficiency meets university requirements.

  • Provide strong references from academic or professional mentors.

Common Mistakes

  • Submitting incomplete applications.

  • Choosing study fields unrelated to development priorities.

  • Missing document uploads or incorrect file formats.

  • Waiting until the last day to apply.

  • Writing weak or generic personal statements.

Preparing a strong application and demonstrating clear development goals significantly increases the chances of selection.

Deadline

Applications for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 intake typically close on 28 February 2026 (deadline may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s country).

Official apply link

https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/apply-online/

FAQ

1. Are Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, living allowances, insurance, and other essential study expenses.

2. Can students from any country apply?
No. Only applicants from countries listed as eligible by the New Zealand Government can apply for the programme.

3. Do scholars have to return to their home countries after graduation?
Yes. Scholarship recipients are generally required to return home after completing their studies to contribute to the development of their country.