New Zealand is an excellent destination for advancing your education. Boasting stunning landscapes, top-tier universities, and a high quality of life, New Zealand impressively holds the 16th position in the recent QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings. According to the World Education Rankings, New Zealand claims the 4th spot with an education index of 0.93% and an impressive literacy rate of 99%.
Despite these outstanding rankings, it's worth noting that the cost of living in New Zealand is somewhat on the expensive side. However, the good news is that through the availability of scholarships in New Zealand, international students can comfortably enjoy a fulfilling and enriching life while pursuing their education.
About Scholarships in New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand can be affordable if finances are planned smartly. International students willing to apply to NZ universities must know about the financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered by the institutions and the NZ government. This will help them to curb their expenses in the right way.
The government and universities in New Zealand offer many scholarships and grants. These scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, such as academic scores, diversity, inclusion, financial requirements, etc.
Eligibility Criteria For Scholarships in New Zealand
The eligibility criteria for financial grants may vary from university to university. However, here are some essential factors that students must follow while applying for scholarships:
- Having an excellent academic record.
- Good extracurricular performance
- Experience in volunteering
These scholarships are available in different forms, such as government-funded, university-specific, etc.
Benefits of New Zealand Scholarships
Scholarships in New Zealand have endless benefits for both domestic and international students. Here is the list of advantages of obtaining them:
1. Support financial assistance
Scholarships cover significant expenses such as tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. This can significantly reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
2. Reduced debt
Scholarships can help students graduate with lower levels of debt or even debt-free, allowing them to start their careers with a more secure financial footing.
3. Access to quality education
New Zealand is known for its quality education; scholarships can provide access to prestigious universities and colleges, making it more accessible and affordable.
Different Types of New Zealand Scholarships
Government-Funded Scholarships
The New Zealand Government offers Government-Funded Scholarships to assist economically weak students financially. However, each scholarship has a specific criteria. The list of government-funded scholarships is as follows -
- New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships
It is a merit-based scholarship funded by the Government of New Zealand and is operated by Education New Zealand. It offers scholarships and financial assistance to international students pursuing doctoral and Ph.D. degrees in science at New Zealand universities. Candidates have to apply online to avail the scholarship. This scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for up to three years.
- Scholarship type - Merit
- Study level - Postgraduate/Doctorate level in science
- Benefits include a living stipend of up to $25,000 and health insurance coverage of up to $6,000 annually.
- New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship is a popular scholarship to study in New Zealand in 2024. It is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Government of New Zealand. The financial aid covers tuition fees, living, travel expenses, and health insurance. Candidates pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. with solid academic excellence can apply for the scholarship.
- Scholarship type- Merit-based and Need-based
- Study level -Master’s and Ph.D
- Benefits - an establishment allowance of $3,000
- New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
This scholarship is supported by the Education New Zealand (ENZ) Manapou ki te Ao and New Zealand’s eight universities for international students, especially for Indian students. A total of 29 students were granted this scholarship.
- Scholarship type - merit-based
- Study level- undergraduate and postgraduate
- Benefits - an establishment allowance between $10,000 to $20,000
Other government scholarships include -
- Fulbright New Zealand US Graduate Awards
This scholarship is awarded to US students who are willing to study a master’s or research program in any field at New Zealand universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, etc.
- New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Scholarships
This scholarship is available for students from Pacific and Southeast Asian countries. It can be applied for online. It is fully funded and covers tuition fees, a living allowance, and other expenses.
University Scholarships
An excellent university with a scholarship is like a lottery ticket. New Zealand aims to provide the best to its students. Here is the list of university-based scholarships in New Zealand.
The University of Canterbury’s College of Engineering Scholarships
It is an academic scholarship offered to international students by the University of Canterbury pursuing engineering programs. 35 scholarships are available annually. The scholarship is awarded to top scholars to support them in their studies.
- Scholarship type- academic-based
- Study level- undergraduate
- Scholarship benefit - $15,000
Victoria Master’s Scholarship
Victoria University offers various scholarships and aims to support international scholarship recipients and sponsored students. The scholarships available are entirely and partially funded and cover one one-year tuition fee. Applicants applying for the scholarship must have a thesis worth 90 points or more or have become eligible at the beginning of semester II of the following year.
- Scholarship type- academic based
- Study level- masters
- Scholarship benefit - $15,000
AC Rayner Memorial Scholarship
Lincoln University funds the AC Rayner Memorial Scholarship for first-year freshmen and deserving international students pursuing a master’s degree in any area of economics, including economic policy. Full-time and part-time students can apply for a financial grant.
- Scholarship type- academic merit
- Study level- relevance of planned research to economics or economics policy in New Zealand.
- Scholarship benefit- $500
The Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarships
The University of Canterbury funds this scholarship. It aims to support undergraduate Asian students from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Thailand, India, Singapore, Mongolia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, etc. It is a fully-funded scholarship granted for one year.
- Scholarship type - college-specific/merit-based
- Study level- Undergraduate (2nd, 3rd, and 4th year)
- Scholarship benefit- $10,000
Other university-specific New Zealand scholarships include-
|
University-specific scholarships |
Offered by |
Scholarship benefit |
|
Carnegie Mellon University Scholarship |
Carnegie Mellon University |
$20,000 |
|
Deakin Scholarships |
Deakin University |
$28,600 |
|
Charles Darwin University Scholarships |
Charles University |
50% of the tuition fee |
|
Griffith University Scholarships |
Griffith University |
50% of the tuition fee |
|
Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship |
Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship |
$2500 |
Other New Zealand Scholarships
Apart from government-funded and university-specific, there are some other scholarships that students can take advantage of -
- Bayer Boost Environment Scholarship Scheme - An annual environment scholarship scheme that aims to offer environment science experience to senior secondary and undergraduate students. Bayer, New Zealand, sponsors the scholarship.
- Barbara Wood Memorial Foundation -This scholarship is eligible for students from the South Pacific or any other country in the South Pacific.
- RHT Bates Postgraduate Scholarship is available for domestic and international students enrolled in a doctorate in physical sciences and engineering at any university in New Zealand.
- AusIMM New Zealand Branch Education Endowment Trust Scholarships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in mineral-related courses.
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan- This scholarship is for Canadian students who are studying for a doctorate in any discipline.
- Go Overseas Study Abroad Scholarships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students from the US and Europe. Five applicants will receive $ 15,000.
Apply for New Zealand Scholarships
If you need assistance applying for scholarships in New Zealand ahead of the upcoming academic year, contact SI-New Zealand, where our team can take you through all of your available options.
New Zealand Scholarships FAQ
What scholarships are available for international students in New Zealand?
Scholarships in New Zealand are broadly classified into grants that are accepted worldwide. There are government-funded scholarships and university-specified scholarships available for domestic and international students. Applicants must meet the required eligibility criteria for a particular scholarship to avail of the scholarship programs.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying for scholarships in New Zealand?
The eligibility criteria are critical when applying for a scholarship in New Zealand. Scholarships are provided based on merit, need, and student-specific or course-specific grants.
How can I apply for scholarships in New Zealand?
Candidates can apply for scholarships by filling out the specific application form. In addition, to avail of the scholarship benefits, one must submit the requisite documents and proof.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships in New Zealand?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships in New Zealand. However, one must go through the terms and conditions of each scholarship carefully. Some scholarships may have restrictions on applying for multiple scholarships.
