LIST OF FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Offers Thousands of Scholarships for International Students (2026 Guide)

New Zealand has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students because of its high-quality universities, generous scholarships, and welcoming immigration policies. Many universities and the government offer funding that can cover tuition, living expenses, or both.

Below is a clear guide to major scholarships, including eligibility, requirements, and typical deadlines so applicants can prepare early.

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1. Auckland University of Technology International Scholarships

Overview:
AUT offers several international scholarships to support undergraduate and postgraduate students with strong academic records.

Eligibility

• Must be an international student

• Must have an offer of place from AUT

• Good academic performance

• Meet English language requirements

Requirements

• Academic transcripts

• Passport copy

• Offer letter

• Personal statement (in some cases)

Deadlines
Deadlines vary by intake but commonly fall:

• January intake: October–November

• July intake: April–May

Read more:
https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-awards-at-aut/international-scholarships

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2. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

Benefits

• Up to NZD $10,000 toward tuition

Eligibility

• New international students

• Undergraduate or postgraduate taught programs

• Excellent academic results

Requirements

• Admission offer

• Academic records

• Online scholarship application

Deadlines (typical)

• Semester One: October

• Semester Two: April

Read more:
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/university-of-auckland-international-student-excellence-scholarship-844-all.html

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3. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (New Zealand Government Scholarships)

Benefits

• Fully funded tuition

• Living allowance

• Travel costs

• Medical insurance

Eligibility

• Citizens of eligible countries

• Academic qualification required for chosen program

• Leadership potential

• Commitment to home country development

Requirements

• Academic certificates

• Work or leadership experience (for many programs)

• References

• English proficiency

Deadlines

• Applications usually open: February

• Applications close: March

Read more:
https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/

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4. University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships

Benefits

• Tuition fee waiver (domestic rate for PhD)

• Annual stipend

Eligibility

• Admission to a PhD program

• Strong academic and research background

Requirements

• Research proposal

• Supervisor acceptance

• Academic transcripts

Deadlines

• Rolling applications throughout the year

Read more:
https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/future-students/fees-scholarships/international-scholarships

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5. Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships

Overview
Multiple scholarships are available across disciplines, including fully funded PhD opportunities.

Eligibility

• International students

• Admission offer

• Academic merit

Requirements

• Academic transcripts

• CV (for postgraduate programs)

• Research proposal (PhD)

Deadlines

• Vary by scholarship

• Many fall between March and October

Read more:
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/international/scholarships-fees/scholarships

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6. University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship

Benefits

• Up to NZD $15,000

Eligibility

• International students

• Admission to Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD

Requirements

• Offer of place

• Academic transcripts

Deadlines

• Applications accepted year-round until funds are exhausted

Read more:
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/int/study/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/vice-chancellors-international-excellence-scholarship

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7. Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarship

Benefits

• NZD $7,000 – $15,000

Eligibility

• International students

• Admission to a taught master’s program

Requirements

• Academic transcripts

• Admission offer

Deadlines

• Usually November and April (depending on intake)

Read more:
https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/scholarships/search-scholarships/lincoln-university-180-credit-taught-master-merit-scholarship/

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8. University of Canterbury Scholarships

Overview
Scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

Eligibility

• International students

• Admission offer

• Academic merit

Requirements

• Academic transcripts

• Application form

Deadlines

• Many close between August and October for the following academic year

Read more:
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/getting-started/scholarships/incoming-first-year-scholarships/international-students

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General Requirements for Most New Zealand Scholarships

Most applicants will need:

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or exemption where applicable)

• CV or resume (postgraduate)

• Personal statement or motivation letter

• Research proposal (PhD only)

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Tips to Increase Chances of Selection

1. Apply early before deadlines.

2. Prepare a strong personal statement.

3. Contact supervisors early for research degrees.

4. Apply to multiple scholarships at the same time.

MADAME RITHA ACADEMIC SERVICES

Want to apply for New Zealand scholarships but don’t know where to start?

Get guidance on:
• Scholarship selection
• University admission
• CV and motivation letter writing
• Application support

Message on WhatsApp: +255718991625
Email: madamerithaacademic@gmail.com

Start early. Scholarships are competitive.