The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), offer a life-changing opportunity for international students to pursue studies in New Zealand.
This award is highly competitive but offers fully funded support for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD studies at eight New Zealand universities and three Institutes of Technology. The application window for the 2026 cycle is short, so preparation is critical.
Scholarship Overview: Manaaki Funding
The Manaaki scholarship aims to nurture future leaders who will contribute to the growth and development of their home countries upon return.
| Feature | Detail |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Airfare, Insurance) |
| Weekly Stipend Value | **NZ$615** per week (~NZ$2,460/Month) |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs |
| Eligibility | Citizens from a specific list of partner countries only |
| Application Period | March 1 – March 31, 2026 |
Financial Benefits: Full Cost of Study & Living
The Manaaki scholarship provides a generous financial package that covers nearly every expense associated with studying abroad.
- ✅ Full Tuition Fees: 100% of university tuition is covered.
- ✅ Weekly Living Allowance: A stipend of NZ$615 per week to cover basic living expenses.
- ✅ Establishment Allowance: A one-time grant of NZ$3,000 for set-up costs (books, accommodation bond).
- ✅ Travel: Return economy air travel and travel insurance.
- ✅ Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance while in New Zealand.
- ✅ Reintegration Allowance: NZ$1,000 to help with set-up costs upon returning home.
Eligibility and Requirements (Critical Checklist)
Manaaki Scholarships are country-specific and prioritize study subjects that align with the development needs of the applicant’s home country.
1. Core Status Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an eligible country (e.g., Pacific, Asian, African, Caribbean, and Latin American countries).
- Return Home: Awardees are required to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their study.
- Work Experience: For Postgraduate applicants, you generally need either one year of full-time work experience or two years of part-time experience.
2. Academic and Language
- English Proficiency: Scholarship applicants must check and meet the minimum English requirements of their preferred course.
- Postgraduate: Generally IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90.
- Undergraduate: Generally IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 80.
- Preferred Subjects: Your chosen course must relate to the recommended study subjects for your country (e.g., climate change, agriculture, health).
How to Apply: The Two-Stage Strategy
The Manaaki application is unique because you do not need a university acceptance letter at the time of the scholarship application.
Step 1: Application Submission (March 1 – 31, 2026)
- Check Eligibility: Complete the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships online eligibility test to confirm you qualify and receive an eligibility code.
- Register: Register for your account on the official portal.
- Submit Application: Complete the online form, describing:
- How your preferred courses align with your country’s development needs.
- Your problem-solving, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- CRITICAL: The system may close early for countries with high volume; submit 3–10 days before the deadline.
Step 2: Admission Offer (Preferred Candidates)
- If you are selected as a “Preferred Candidate,” you will then be required to secure a formal Offer of Place from your chosen New Zealand university.
Conclusion: Start Preparation Immediately
The Manaaki Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive fully funded awards globally. Since the application period is only 30 days, focus on detailing how your proposed study will strengthen your country’s development needs.
Secure your fully funded education in New Zealand for 2026!
| Scholarship Category | Direct Application Link (URL) | Details/Eligibility Check |
| Official Application Portal | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Application System | CRITICAL: Use this link to start your application between March 1–31, 2026. |
| Official Eligibility Check | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Eligibility Test | Check if your country and degree level are eligible. |
| Partner Universities | List of New Zealand Universities and Technology Institutes | Use this to research courses for your application. |
