Scholarships & Funding

Main options

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. Funded by the New Zealand government for citizens of selected developing countries to study at postgraduate level. They usually cover tuition, living costs, travel and insurance and expect you to return and use your skills at home. Check the current list of eligible countries and subjects.
• University scholarships. The eight universities offer entrance and merit scholarships to international students. Amounts vary from a partial fee discount to a larger award for the best applicants.
• Doctoral funding. New Zealand universities fund PhD students through scholarships and stipends, and international PhD students pay domestic fees.
• Provider and polytechnic awards. Some polytechnics and private providers give smaller discounts for early enrolment.

How to improve your chances

• Apply for admission early, because scholarship rounds often close before the final course deadline.
• Prepare a strong English test result and clear academic records.
• Show leadership, volunteering and a specific plan for what you will do with the degree.

Important

A scholarship letter helps your visa file, but INZ still expects proof of how all costs are met unless the award covers everything. Never pay an agent to “guarantee” a scholarship.

Check before you rely on it. Scholarship names, eligible countries and closing dates change every year. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on the New Zealand scholarships page or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.

Talk to WIEC about New Zealand

Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.