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How to find scholarships
IDP presents the new ‘Find a scholarship’ feature that connects you to leading institutions to facilitate you in your scholarship search.
Wish you could pursue your study abroad dream without having to worry about finances? IDP presents the new ‘Find a scholarship’ feature that connects you to leading institutions to facilitate you in your scholarship search.
You can search and browse by course, university or scholarship to access more than 5,100 scholarships offered by over 370 IDP partner institutions across Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada and Ireland. Scholarships are not just offered to high-performing students, but there is a wide range of different scholarships and bursaries available for international students of diverse backgrounds:
- Destination-specific scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Athletic scholarships
- Program-specific scholarships
Ready to begin your search? Get, set go!
Best Scholarships in New Zealand For International Students
Are you an international student in New Zealand and looking to study abroad? Then you are in the right place! We can help you find the best ways to save on your course fees by finding relevant scholarships for your circumstances, and matching you with the leading institutions in New Zealand, all of which we partner with.
New Zealand universities value high-performing students and have many scholarship programs designed to attract the world's best and brightest to study here in the country. IDP Education, through our close relationships with the top New Zealand universities, can help to provide you access to the latest scholarships and bursaries for international students. We make sure you know what's on offer, and hopefully, can give you a hand in finding a cost-effective way to fund your university study.
Scholarships are available to students of all nationalities to study in New Zealand at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels. Scholarships are offered by the New Zealand government, universities, and private organisations. Explore our complete guide to scholarships for international students in NZ below!
Types of Scholarships in New Zealand
Undergraduate Scholarships in New Zealand
Here are some popular undergraduate scholarships in New Zealand for international students:
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students from developing countries to study at a New Zealand university. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and an establishment allowance.
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students who have completed one year or more of their studies at the University of Auckland. The scholarship covers up to $10,000 of tuition fees.
University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students who are starting their undergraduate studies at the University of Waikato. The scholarship covers up to $15,000 of tuition fees.
New Zealand ASEAN Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students from ASEAN countries to study at a New Zealand university. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and an establishment allowance.
New Zealand ADB-Japan Scholarship Program: This scholarship is awarded to students from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to study at a New Zealand university. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a living allowance, and an establishment allowance.
Postgraduate Scholarships in New Zealand
Here are some popular postgraduate scholarships in New Zealand for international students:
New Zealand Government Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students from developing countries to study a postgraduate degree at a New Zealand university. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and an establishment allowance.
Endeavour Postgraduate Awards: These awards are awarded to Australian citizens and permanent residents to study a postgraduate degree overseas, including in New Zealand. The awards cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel expenses.
Chevening Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students from selected countries to study a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom, including New Zealand. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel expenses.
Fulbright Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to U.S. citizens and international students to study, research, and teach overseas, including in New Zealand. The scholarships cover tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel expenses.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Program: This program awards scholarships and fellowships to students from Commonwealth countries to study at a Commonwealth university, including in New Zealand. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel expenses.
Research Scholarships in New Zealand
Here are some popular research scholarships in New Zealand for international students:
New Zealand Government Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students from developing countries to study a research degree at a New Zealand university. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and an establishment allowance.
Endeavour Research Fellowship: These fellowships are awarded to Australian citizens and permanent residents to undertake research overseas, including in New Zealand. The fellowships cover a living allowance, travel expenses, and research costs.
Chevening Research Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students from selected countries to study a research degree in the United Kingdom, including New Zealand. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel expenses.
Fulbright Scholars Program: These scholarships are awarded to U.S. citizens and international students to study, research, and teach overseas, including in New Zealand. The scholarships cover tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel expenses.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Program: This program awards scholarships and fellowships to students from Commonwealth countries to study at a Commonwealth university, including in New Zealand. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in New Zealand
The general eligibility criteria for scholarships in New Zealand vary depending on the specific scholarship program. However, most scholarships require applicants to have good academic grades, meet certain English language proficiency requirements, and demonstrate financial need.
Here are some common eligibility criteria for scholarships in New Zealand:
Academic grades: Most scholarships require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or higher. Some scholarships may require higher GPAs or specific grades in certain subjects.
English language proficiency: Most scholarships require applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting a score from an English language test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL. The required score will vary depending on the scholarship program.
Financial need: Some scholarships are only available to students who demonstrate financial need. This means that you will need to provide documentation of your income and expenses to show that you need financial assistance to study in New Zealand.
In addition to the above criteria, some scholarships may have additional requirements, such as a minimum age, a certain nationality, or a particular field of study.
How to Apply for Scholarships in New Zealand
The application process for scholarships in New Zealand also varies depending on the specific scholarship program. However, most applications require you to submit the following documents:
Completed application form: The application form will typically ask for information about your personal details, academic history, and financial need.
Academic transcripts: You will need to submit official transcripts from all of your previous educational institutions.
English language test scores: If required, you will need to submit your English language test scores.
Letters of recommendation: Most scholarships require you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or other professionals.
Statement of purpose: In your statement of purpose, you will need to explain why you are interested in the scholarship and why you are a good candidate.
Some scholarship programs may also require you to submit additional documents, such as a research proposal or a portfolio of your work.
How IDP Education New Zealand can help students have a better chance at application success
We are a leading education and immigration consultancy that can help you with all aspects of applying for scholarships in New Zealand. We offer the following services and more:
Identifying scholarships that you are eligible for: we have a database of hundreds of scholarships available to international students in New Zealand. We can help you identify scholarships that you are eligible for based on your academic background, financial need, and other factors.
Completing your scholarship applications: We can help you complete your scholarship applications and ensure that you submit all of the required documents.
Preparing for scholarship interviews: If you are selected for a scholarship interview, we can help you prepare by providing you with tips and practice questions.
IDP Education New Zealand has a team of experienced and knowledgeable consultants who can help you with every step of the scholarship application process. By working with us, you can increase your chances of success in applying for scholarships in New Zealand.
Scholarships can be a great way to finance your studies in New Zealand. However, the application process can be competitive, confusing and often overwhelming. By following the tips above and working with IDP Education New Zealand, you can increase your chances of success in applying for scholarships in New Zealand. Talk to us today!
We have also created a list of some of the most popular courses for international students in New Zealand - check them out below!
Region/City | University | Scholarship | Scholarship value | About | Closing date |
Auckland | University of Auckland | India High Achievers Scholarship | Up to $20,000 for either postgraduate study or undergraduate study | This scholarship is for new international students from India enrolling full-time in undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, or master's degrees, and it goes towards their tuition fees. | |
Auckland | University of Auckland | International Student Excellence Scholarship | Up to $10,000 for either postgraduate study or undergraduate study | This scholarship covers compulsory tuition fees for new international undergraduate and postgraduate students. | |
Auckland | University of Auckland | International School Leaver Scholarship | Up to NZ $20,000 each | This scholarship is for international students from New Zealand secondary schools or kura who are enrolling in their first year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Auckland. | |
Auckland | Auckland University of Technology | International scholarships for specific regions - South Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia | Up to NZ $7,000 | The AUT International Scholarships – South Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia recognise and support high-achieving international students as they start their journey towards becoming outstanding graduates of AUT. | |
Auckland | Auckland University of Technology | International scholarships by AUT faculty | Up to NZ $7,000 | The AUT International Scholarships are available to support high-achieving international students as they begin their studies in eligible programs within specific faculties and schools. | |
Waikato | University of Waikato | Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship | Up to NZD $15,000 towards tuition fees | Applications for this scholarship are open to international students who are new to studying at the University of Waikato and will be attending in-person classes. | |
Waikato | University of Waikato | International Entrance Scholarship for School Leavers | Up to NZD $15,000 towards tuition fees | For international students completing Year 13 (or equivalent) at a New Zealand high school or learning institution and planning to enrol full-time in an undergraduate degree at the University of Waikato. Students must have completed NCEA Level 2 and/or 3, or an equivalent qualification. | |
Palmerston North | Massey University | Business Excellence Scholarship | $7,000 towards tuition plus mentoring and leadership development | This scholarship supports students enrolling in an undergraduate degree at Massey Business School by providing tuition fee assistance in years two and three, along with developmental mentoring. | |
Palmerston North | Massey University | Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship | $3,000 for full time study, $1,500 for part time study | The Massey University Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship supports high-achieving students in continuing their undergraduate studies. | |
Wellington | Victoria University of Wellington | Tongarewa International Scholarship | $5,000 or $10,000 | This scholarship supports international students by providing partial tuition fee assistance for one year. These scholarships are awarded competitively based on academic excellence to students entering their first year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. | |
Wellington | Victoria University of Wellington | International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarship | $20,000 | This scholarship attracts high-achieving international school leavers who wish to study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, supporting them with $20,000 awarded over three years of study. | |
Canterbury | Lincoln University | Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship | NZ$5,000 | The scholarship was established to support and reward international students with the highest academic ability for further study at Lincoln University. | |
Canterbury | Lincoln University | 180-credit Taught Master Merit Scholarship | NZ$7,000 - NZ$10,000 | Eligible international students will receive a scholarship of NZ$7,000 or NZ$10,000 to help cover the overall cost of their study in a 180-credit taught master’s programme. | |
Canterbury | Lincoln University | International School Leavers Scholarship | NZ$10,000 | Established in 2020, the LU International School Leavers Scholarship (ISLS) supports academically outstanding international students enrolling in their first year of a bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University. | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | Global Scholarships (Undergraduate scholarship) | NZD $15,000 | The scholarship is available to new international bachelor's degree students from specific countries who will be starting full-time undergraduate study. For the 2025 and 2026 scholarships, the eligible countries are Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for International Students (Undergraduate scholarship) | NZD$10,000 for tuition fees | This scholarship is for new international bachelor’s degree students beginning full-time undergraduate study. It is essential to actively respond ‘yes’ to the international scholarship question during the eVision admission application process. | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | International Academic Excellence Scholarships (Undergraduate scholarship) | NZD~$35,000 (comprising first year accommodation and tuition scholarships in year 2 and year 3). | This scholarship is for high-achieving international students who have studied abroad and will be starting a full-time bachelor's degree at Otago. It is awarded through a competitive selection process. | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships | NZD$10,000 | For international students starting selected postgraduate programmes (master’s coursework degrees or postgraduate coursework diplomas) at the University of Otago, studying full-time for a duration of at least two semesters, either on campus or through distance learning (excluding MBA and Science Communication programmes). | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | International Master's Research Scholarship | NZD$18,204 stipend per annum plus a partial tuition fee waiver | This scholarship is for international students enrolling in a research master’s programme. | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | Coursework Master's Scholarship | NZD$10,000 for tuition fees | This scholarship is for both international and domestic students enrolling in a coursework master’s programme (excluding MBA). | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | Doctoral Scholarships | NZ$32,544 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fees waiver for 36 months. | This scholarship is for international and domestic students enrolling in a Doctoral programme. | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | University of Otago Pathway │ Te Huarahi Scholarship | from NZD$5,000 for tuition fees | This scholarship is for international and domestic students enrolling in the Foundation Studies Certificate or the pathway Diplomas (DipArts and DipCom). | |
Dunedin | University of Otago | New Zealand Excellence Awards (India) | NZD $10,000 | This scholarship is exclusively for Indian students, offered in collaboration with Education New Zealand. Applies to most bachelor degrees and taught masters' degrees at the University of Otago. |