If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in a country famous for its jaw-dropping landscapes, friendly locals, and world-class education, New Zealand should be at the top of your list. And the best part? There are plenty of generous scholarships to help international students fund their studies in 2025.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top scholarships you can apply for, what they cover, and how to improve your chances of getting one.
🌏 Why Study in New Zealand?
- Globally ranked universities (University of Auckland, University of Otago, and more)
- Welcoming, multicultural environment
- Chance to stay and work after graduation (Post-study work visa)
- High-quality life, safe cities, and stunning natural scenery
🎓 Best Scholarships for International Students in New Zealand
Here’s a quick look at some of the top scholarships you should have on your radar for 2025:
📌 1️⃣ Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
- Fully funded by the New Zealand Government
- Covers tuition, flights, living allowance, insurance, and other expenses
- Open to students from selected developing countries
- Available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational programs
- Application deadline: Feb–March 2025
📌 2️⃣ University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
- Worth up to NZD $10,000 towards tuition fees
- For new international undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Application rounds in March and September each year
- Merit-based and competitive
📌 3️⃣ Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship
- Scholarships worth up to NZD $10,000
- Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students
- Multiple application rounds throughout the year
📌 4️⃣ University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship
- Covers full tuition fees + NZD $17,172 living allowance per year
- Specifically for students undertaking a Master’s research program
- Open year-round for applications
📌 5️⃣ Lincoln University International Scholarships
- Partial scholarships ranging from NZD $3,000 to $10,000
- Available for undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Open to students from all over the world
📊 Quick Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Level | Value/Benefits | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | Undergrad, Postgrad | Fully funded (tuition, stipend, flights) | Feb–March 2025 |
| University of Auckland Int’l Excellence | Undergrad, Postgrad | Up to NZD $10,000 towards tuition | Mar & Sept |
| Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa | Undergrad, Postgrad | Up to NZD $10,000 | Multiple rounds |
| University of Otago Int’l Master’s Research | Master’s (Research) | Full tuition + NZD $17,172 stipend | Open year-round |
| Lincoln University International Scholarships | Undergrad, Postgrad | NZD $3,000–$10,000 | Varies |
✨ Who Can Apply?
Each scholarship has slightly different criteria, but generally you’ll need:
- Strong academic performance
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Good leadership, extracurricular, or volunteer experience (especially for fully funded awards)
- To be a citizen of an eligible country (for Manaaki Scholarships)
📌 Pro Tips for Winning a New Zealand Scholarship
- Start early — application deadlines creep up faster than you think
- Align your application with your chosen scholarship’s goals (leadership, community impact, academic excellence, etc.)
- Write a personal, honest scholarship essay — show them who you really are
- Collect strong references from professors, employers, or community leaders
- Meet English language test requirements well ahead of time
📅 Typical Application Timeline (2025 Intake)
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| Dec 2024–Feb 2025 | Research and shortlist scholarships |
| Jan–March | Apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships |
| March–April | Apply for University of Auckland & others |
| April–July | Submit university applications |
| August–Dec | Get results, apply for student visa |
🙋 FAQ
Q: Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes — and you should. Just make sure you tailor each application to the specific scholarship’s focus.
Q: Are there scholarships for PhD students too?
Absolutely. Universities like the University of Otago and University of Auckland offer fully funded PhD scholarships for international students.
Q: Can family come with me?
In most cases, yes — but it depends on your visa type and scholarship terms.
🎯 Final Thoughts
New Zealand isn’t just a pretty place with beaches and mountains (though it has those in spades) — it’s also one of the most generous destinations for international students seeking scholarships. Whether you’re after a fully funded opportunity or a partial tuition award, there’s something for everyone in 2025.
So dust off those transcripts, get your English scores sorted, and start applying!
