Scholarships in New Zealand
Scholarships in New Zealand for Indian Students
New Zealand has become a top global study destination for Indian students, offering world-class education, cutting-edge research, and a safe, multicultural environment. However, university tuition and living costs can be substantial. Scholarships provide essential financial support for Indian students to achieve their goals. This detailed guide brings together the latest 2025–2026 scholarship opportunities, including exclusive awards at leading universities, to help you fund your studies in New Zealand.
Why Apply for Scholarships in New Zealand?
- High-Quality, Globally Recognized Education: All 8 NZ universities are ranked in the QS Top 500. New Zealand is renowned for research, innovation, and practical skill development.
- Significant Financial Commitment: International tuition can be NZD 22,000–45,000/year; living costs NZD 21,000–27,000 annually.
- Extensive Scholarship Options: New Zealand’s government, universities, and foundations offer generous, merit-based, and need-based awards.
- Career and Immigration Advantages: Winners enhance their international resume and often have better access to post-study work and permanent residency pathways.
- Supportive Environment: Scholarships frequently come with mentorship, industry networking, and tailored student support services.
Types of Scholarships Available
- Provider: Government of Ireland via Higher Education Authority (HEA)
- Award: 1-year full tuition + €10,000 stipend
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD (mainly final year or full Masters)
- Eligibility: Non-EU students with outstanding academics; leadership and social contribution valued
- Deadline: Annually in March
- Recipients: 60+ scholarships per year, highly competitive
- Entrance Scholarships: Awarded automatically to high-performing undergraduate applicants
- Taught Master’s Scholarships: Granted on academic merit, covering partial to full tuition
- Postgraduate Research Scholarships: Often include stipends, conference/travel support, and fee remission
- Programme-Specific Awards: Available for STEM, business, creative, or health courses
- Arts, Science, and Technology Scholarships: Offered by organizations such as Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Irish Research Council, and industry partnerships
- Erasmus+ Grants: For study exchange programs within the EU
- Subject-Specific/Partner College Awards: Sponsored by private foundations, industry bodies, and alumni associations
Types of Scholarships Available in New Zealand
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly living stipend, establishment allowance, international airfare, health insurance, and research/thesis allowance (for research students).
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s (taught and research), and PhD.
- Eligibility: Excellent academic record, commitment to home country’s development.
- Deadline: Typically February–March for following academic year.
- Focus: Fields contributing to India’s social and economic priorities.
- Awarded by: Education New Zealand + all NZ universities.
- Funding: Up to NZD 5,000 (Undergraduate) and NZD 10,000 (Postgraduate).
- Eligibility: Available for Indian students with strong academic backgrounds.
- University of Canterbury Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship: Rewards high-achieving international students starting a bachelor’s degree at UC.
- AUT Undergraduate Scholarship: Recognizes academic excellence and extracurricular achievements; encourages global talent at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
- Waikato Pathways College International Scholarship: Provides financial support to foundation and pathway students transitioning into degree programs at the University of Waikato.
- Victoria University of Wellington Tangiwai Scholarship: Prestigious award recognizing academic, sports, and leadership excellence.
- University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship: Open to high-performing Asia-Pacific students entering bachelor’s or master’s degrees with exceptional academic achievement.
- UC Master’s Scholarship – University of Canterbury: Supports outstanding international students beginning their postgraduate study at UC.
- Auckland University of Technology (AUT) International Scholarships: Up to NZD 7,000 (Undergraduate) and NZD 10,000 (Postgraduate). Faculty- and program-specific awards, including for business, engineering, and creative technologies.
- University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship: Up to NZD 10,000 (UG/PG), awarded for academic achievement.
- Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship: Tuition grants up to NZD 10,000 for excellent UG/PG students.
- University of Otago International Entrance Scholarships: Automatic up to NZD 10,000 for high-achieving students.
- Media Design School International Scholarships: Awards of NZD 5,000–7,500 for Indian students with creative portfolios.
- Commonwealth Scholarships (for PhD): Full tuition, monthly stipend, and travel costs; highly competitive and open to select fields/research themes.
- Asia New Zealand Foundation Awards: For leadership and research, supporting international student engagement.
- Faculty/Industry Scholarships: Offered via Science, Engineering, or Business consortia.
List of Major Scholarships for Indian Students (2025–2026)
| Scholarship | Level | Value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | UG, PG, PhD | Full tuition, stipend, travel | Indian nationals, academic/leadership |
| NZ Excellence Awards (NZEA) | UG, PG | NZD 5,000–10,000 tuition | Strong GPA, field match |
| University of Canterbury UG Entrance | UG | Up to NZD 10,000 | Academic merit |
| AUT UG/PG Scholarships | UG, PG | Up to NZD 10,000 | Academics, involvement |
| Waikato College Pathways Scholarship | Foundation/UG | Variable | Foundation/pathway programs |
| Victoria Tangiwai Scholarship | UG | NZD 5,000+ | Academic/sports/leadership |
| Victoria Tongarewa Scholarship | UG, PG | Up to NZD 10,000 | Academic merit, essay |
| Otago International Entrance | UG | NZD 10,000 | Academic merit, automatic |
| Auckland Int. Excellence | UG, PG | Up to NZD 10,000 | Academic excellence |
| Media Design School International | UG, PG | NZD 5,000–7,500 | Creative portfolio |
| UC Master’s Scholarship (Canterbury) | PG | NZD 7,000 or more | Academic merit |
| Commonwealth PhD | PhD | Full tuition, stipend, travel | Research focus, postgrad only |
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in New Zealand
1. Start Early:
Begin your research and checklist preparation at least 12 months in advance.
2. Target the Right Program:
Focus on universities with strong offerings in your field; scholarships differ by university and faculty.
3. Prepare High-Quality Documents:
- Academic transcripts/certificates
- English test results (IELTS/TOEFL, usually IELTS 6.0–7.0)
- Statement of Purpose/motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation (2–3)
- CV/resume
- Passport copy
- Creative portfolio (for design/media/IT)
4. Apply via Scholarship or Admissions Portals:
- Many university scholarships are granted automatically after admission; others require a separate application.
- For Manaaki and NZEA, apply directly through government portals.
5. Write Strong Personal Statements:
Highlight your achievements, leadership, career goals, and how your study will benefit your community/country.
6. Meet All Deadlines:
Most key awards have deadlines between February and June for the following intake.
7. Consult PFEC India:
Get expert document review, guidance on eligibility, and deadline alerts.
Tips for Scholarship Success
- Maintain a high GPA—minimum 70%, higher for the best awards.
- Demonstrate leadership and extracurricular achievement (community projects, volunteer work, sports, creative arts).
- Apply for multiple scholarships—combine government, institution, and private sources if allowed.
- Check eligibility and renewal requirements: Some are one-time grants, others are renewable with academic progress.
- Seek strong references—professors, employers, or school leaders add credibility.
Universities
Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in New Zealand?
Yes—government (Manaaki), doctoral, and selected university postgraduate awards can cover tuition, stipends, and travel.
What GPA is needed to win scholarships?
Most require 70%+; top awards may require 80–85%+ and demonstrable leadership/involvement.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) study?
Yes—University of Canterbury, AUT, Victoria, Auckland, Waikato, and Media Design School all offer competitive UG awards.
Can I combine two scholarships?
Often possible, but check terms—some limit total funding per student.
Do scholarships cover all expenses?
Manaaki and some PhD awards do; most university scholarships cover tuition only.
When should I apply?
Start at least 10–12 months prior to your session; key deadlines run from February to June.
Contact PFEC India for Personalized Scholarship Support
PFEC India provides expert counseling for Indian students—helping you shortlist, prepare, and maximize your odds for New Zealand’s best scholarships. From the University of Canterbury to AUT and creative leaders like Media Design School, our team ensures every application is competitive and complete. We handle document review, deadline reminders, and personalized support every step of the way.
Start your New Zealand scholarship journey with PFEC India today—book a free eligibility check and get guidance from experienced study abroad specialists.