The New Zealand Government offers the Manaaki Scholarship. This international program funds tertiary education. International students pursue degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorates) in New Zealand.
We wrote Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship to provide factual, research-based information about the Manaaki Scholarship 2026. A 2024 report from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade by researchers Dr. Sarah Jenkins and Dr. Rewi Smith examined the impact of clear guidelines on international scholarship applications. The research found that providing direct application facts increased successful submissions by 30% among international students by reducing procedural errors. Applicants need exact facts to strengthen an application and meet eligibility criteria.
The scholarship committee reviews application documents (transcripts, passports, reference letters). Successful candidates secure funding for their academic programs. You must submit an application through the official portal, if you want this award.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD.
- Location: New Zealand.
- Institution(s): Eight universities (University of Auckland, Massey University, University of Otago) and three institutes of technology.
- Program Period: 3 to 4 years for undergraduate, 1 to 2 years for Master’s, and 3.5 years for PhD programs.
- Course offered: Priority sectors (climate change, agriculture, renewable energy).
- Deadline: April 10, 2026.
Scholarship Coverage
The Manaaki Scholarship provides 100% full tuition coverage, an establishment allowance, and a weekly living stipend. The New Zealand Government relies on this program to fund your education completely. Scholarship recipients receive specific financial benefits (tuition fees, living stipends, establishment allowances). The program provides a $531 NZD weekly living allowance. Students receive a $3,000 NZD establishment allowance upon arrival. The scholarship covers travel costs (flight tickets, visa fees, transit costs). Researchers access a $1,000 NZD research allowance, if they undertake postgraduate studies.
Eligibility Criteria
There are four key eligibility requirements for the Manaaki Scholarship. Applicants must hold citizenship in an eligible country. Candidates must demonstrate leadership in their home regions. Professionals require two years of work experience, if they apply for postgraduate programs. Students must pass English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE). The applicant must be 18 years old at the start of the program.
Application Process (in depth detailed)
To apply for the Manaaki Scholarship, you must register a portal account, pass an online test, and upload academic records (an official transcript, a degree certificate, a grading scale). The application process requires a five-step sequence.
- Complete the online eligibility questionnaire. The system assesses applicant traits (nationality, age, residency). An applicant must meet an eligibility requirement, if they want this award.
- Create a NauMai NZ account. An applicant submits a registration form. The portal generates login credentials (a username, a password, a security code).
- Craft a personal statement. The selection committee evaluates personal traits (leadership potential, academic commitment, community engagement). A candidate highlights achievements (a leadership role, a community project, an academic award) to strengthen an application.
- Upload a required record. A student submits academic documents (an official transcript, a degree certificate, a grading scale). A professional provides a work certificate, if they apply for a postgraduate program.
- Submit the application online. A candidate secures an application number. The New Zealand Government reviews the application file.
Deadline
The application deadline for the Manaaki Scholarship is April 10, 2026. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade closes the application portal at midday New Zealand Time. Applicants must submit all forms before this exact date. Late submissions fail the automated eligibility check.
