Are you considering a postgraduate study in New Zealand but worried it might be out of reach? 

Many international students believe it’s too expensive or that scholarships aren’t available for them. 

The truth is, there are funding opportunities designed to make your studies more affordable than you think. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top postgraduate scholarships in New Zealand and how they can help you achieve your study goals.

Scholarships in New Zealand don’t just come from one source. You’ll find support offered by the government, universities, and even private organisations. Each has its own focus, so it’s worth knowing the difference before you apply.

Government Scholarships - Funded by the New Zealand Government, these often cover tuition, living, and travel costs.

• New Zealand Scholarships (NZ Aid Programme)

• Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD students

University Scholarships - Offered directly by universities. These can be based on academic merit, research potential, or specific fields of study. 

• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

• Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship

• University of Otago Postgraduate Scholarships

Private and External Scholarships -  Provided by foundations, organisations, or industries, often for specific fields of study.

• NZ Federation of Graduate Women Scholarships

• Fulbright New Zealand Awards (for US students)

• Industry-specific scholarships in areas like engineering and health
  

Below, you’ll find a list of specific scholarships offered by different universities in New Zealand for postgraduate international students.

University of Auckland

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Massey University

Victoria University Of Wellington

University of Waikato

University of Otago

Sources: University of Auckland, Massey University, Victoria University Of Wellington, University of Waikato, University of Otago

Find more postgraduate scholarships

Academic excellence

Most scholarships expect strong academic records or research potential. think high GPAs, prior degree performance, or solid research proposals. Some even target disciplines aligned with New Zealand’s development goals.

English language proficiency

If you're going postgrad, you'll usually need at least IELTS 6.5 (with no band under 6.0), or equivalent scores in TOEFL,or PTE. 

Country and subject eligibility

Programs like the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are limited to students from specific partner countries and cater to certain fields.

Relevant work experience

For government scholarships, like Manaaki New Zealand, postgraduate applicants usually need at least one year of full-time or two years of part-time work experience. 

Other requirements

These can include age limits (e.g., 18+), health checks, moral character, and, in some cases, being expected to return to your home country for a couple of years post-study to contribute to development.

Applying for postgraduate scholarships requires a bit more planning than at the undergraduate level, because the process often involves research proposals and faculty input. Here’s how to get it right:

Identify the right scholarships
Use portals like IDP’s Find a Scholarship in New Zealand or your chosen university’s website to filter for Master’s and PhD funding options.

Confirm eligibility
For government scholarships like , you have to complete the online eligibility test before you can register. For university scholarships, check academic and research criteria closely.

Prepare key documents
Postgraduate applicants usually need:

• Academic transcripts

• IELTS or equivalent English scores

• A research proposal (for PhD or research Master’s)

• Curriculum vitae (CV) with academic/work history

• Letters of recommendation (often academic referees)

• Statement of purpose

Secure a supervisor (for research degrees)
Many PhD scholarships require evidence that a faculty member has agreed to supervise your research. This can be a make-or-break step.

Apply online via official portals

• Government scholarships: submit through the NZ Scholarships portal..

• University scholarships: apply directly through your university’s student system or admissions portal

Submit before the deadline

Deadlines vary, but government scholarships usually open once a year, while university rounds can happen multiple times annually. Always check dates well in advance.

Figuring out what exactly you need before you can apply for any of these scholarships can be confusing.

You also have to verify whether these scholarships are open for your target intake or whether you qualify. 

Our education experts at IDP are up to date with these things. We partner with top universities in New Zealand, so we’re often the first to know when new scholarships open for international students.

A quick chat with our counsellors can make your next steps clearer! 

At IDP, we guide students through every stage of this process. From preparing for IELTS to strengthening your scholarship and admission chances, to connecting you with the right courses and universities, our experts are here to support you.

Your scholarship journey starts with one step. Book a free counselling session with IDP today, and let’s make your postgraduate goals in New Zealand a reality.

• How to find scholarships in New Zealand 

• Scholarships For International Students in New Zealand: Undergraduate and Postgraduate