The Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded programme offering international students from developing countries the opportunity to pursue higher education at New Zealand's leading universities. Funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, this scholarship develops future leaders who will return home with skills to contribute to their countries' development.
This prestigious programme covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels at 11 approved New Zealand universities and institutes. Benefits include full tuition fees, weekly living allowance of NZ$531-615, establishment allowance of NZ$3,000, return airfare, comprehensive medical insurance, and travel insurance. Open to citizens aged 18-40 from eligible countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Caribbean, and Latin America. The scholarship aims to develop future leaders who will contribute to their home countries' social and economic growth. Applications open March 1, 2026, and close March 31, 2026. Prepare your documents early as the application window is short. Experience New Zealand's world-class education system while building lifelong connections through this transformative government scholarship programme.
For more scholarship opportunities, explore our guide on fully funded scholarships for African students.
Quick Overview
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships |
| Funder | New Zealand Government (MFAT) |
| Host Country | New Zealand 🇳🇿 |
| Levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Age Limit | 18-40 years |
| Applications Open | March 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered |
| Living Allowance | NZ$531-615 per week |
| Establishment Allowance | NZ$3,000 (setup costs) |
| Airfare | Return flights to/from New Zealand |
| Medical Insurance | Full coverage during studies |
| Travel Insurance | For approved international travel |
| Tutoring Support | Up to NZ$1,000 if needed |
| Home Visits | Funded trips for programmes over 1.6 years |
Eligible Countries
Pacific Region
Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Nauru, Palau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia
Asia
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Maldives
Africa
Multiple African nations (postgraduate level)
Caribbean & Latin America
Selected countries eligible
African students should also consider the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for another fully funded option.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of eligible country |
| Age | 18-40 years at study start |
| Education | Meet academic entry requirements |
| Work Experience | Required for postgraduate (varies) |
| English | Proficiency required (IELTS may be funded) |
| Visa | Must meet NZ student visa requirements |
| Return Commitment | Return home after studies |
Approved Institutions
Scholars can study at 11 approved New Zealand institutions:
| Universities | Institutes of Technology |
|---|---|
| University of Auckland | Ara Institute of Canterbury |
| Massey University | Wintec |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Otago Polytechnic |
| University of Canterbury | |
| University of Otago | |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | |
| Lincoln University | |
| University of Waikato |
For other government scholarships, check out the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship or Skoltech University Scholarship in Russia.
How to apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarship
The New Zealand Scholarship Application process & New Zealand Scholarship Application Form differs depending on which country or the region you are from. The Process is different for Each Country. You can check by Clicking Here. The Link of the Official website is given below:- Check Eligibility — Complete the online eligibility test
- Get Eligibility Code — Receive your unique code if eligible
- Create Account — Register for a Manaaki Scholarship account
- Complete Application — Fill out the online form in English
- Submit Documents — Upload all required materials before deadline
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | March 1, 2026 (midnight) |
| Applications Close | March 31, 2026 (midday) |
| Programme Start | 2026/2027 academic year |
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