New Zealand is known for its picturesque sceneries and high quality of life. These – among many others – make the Kiwi country a desirable destination for many foreign students.

In fact, the country is home to 150,000 international enrollees – and counting.

This huge number is attributed to several things, with much focus on the country’s 11 world-class institutions. The Universities of Auckland, Otago, and Canterbury – and several others – are listed high in the World Rankings.

And while tuition is not expensive compared to other countries (fees start at about $15,000), some students may find it hard to afford.

Fortunately, the New Zealand government and its institutions host a variety of New Zealand scholarships for international students. We will look into some of them.

Best Scholarships in New Zealand

1. New Zealand Scholarships for International Tertiary Students

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition amount
  • Eligible Degree: 3 to 4-year undergraduate degree

The NZ International Scholarship is open to citizens of certain Pacific, Asian, African, Latin American, Caribbean, and Commonwealth regions.

This fully-funded scholarship in New Zealand covers tuition and select visa costs, including the application fee & immigration levy and immigration medical check fee.

To be eligible, applicants should be of a certain age (17-18 years). They should have completed/about to finish high school as well.

English proficiency also applies, although score requirements vary according to the institution.

Depending on the applicant’s home country, the New Zealand government may shoulder the cost of testing and 12-month training.

Students are advised to apply early since the competitive process, which involves medical examinations, will take about 2-3 months.

Successful scholars are expected to contribute to the social/economic development of their countries for at least 2 years after graduating.

2. University of Canterbury (UC) College of Engineering International Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZD 15,000 ($10,615) for a year’s worth of tuition fees
  • Eligible Degree: Any UC undergraduate Engineering (Hons) degree

This New Zealand scholarship was created to support talented international students (except Australians) who wish to undertake an Honors Engineering degree from UC.

Interested students may apply for the scholarship via the UC website.

The 35 eligible awardees will be chosen according to their academic achievement, interest in Engineering, community/cultural service, and general characteristics. Consideration will also be given to students who are aligned with the university’s strategic goals.

The scholarship should be taken within the year of application. Likewise, the amount will be directly paid to the awardee’s tuition fee account.

Unfortunately, the Engineering scholarship may not be used alongside other UC International First-year scholarships (NZ school leaver or offshore).

And although the bursary is only available for one year, it may be terminated according to the student’s academic performance and adherence to the university’s rules & regulations.

3. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition subsidy
  • Eligible Degree: University of Auckland Master’s degrees in Public Health, Engineering, International Business, Environmental Science, or Development Studies

Launched in 1998, this Japan-sponsored scholarship aims to help students from certain countries. Eligible applicants will be given the chance to complete fully-funded post-graduate studies in the fields (and related areas) of economics, science & technology, or management.

Apart from a full tuition subsidy, the ADB-Japan Scholarship program will also shoulder the basic living costs, health/medical insurance, and round-trip airfare. A special grant may be given for thesis preparation as well.

To qualify for this New Zealand scholarship, applicants must be 35-45 years old (and below). The student must also have secured an offer for any of the Master’s degrees stated above.

Potential awardees should be keen to meet these other requirements:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with excellent academic records
  • At least 2 years of full-time professional work experience
  • Proficiency in oral and written English
  • Good health status

Successful ADB-Japan scholars are expected to return to their home countries after finishing their respective programs.

4. Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: One-year tuition subsidy
  • Eligible Degree: Full-time, research-focused Master’s degree at the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)

This bursary is available to applicants who wish to pursue a research-centered, full-time VUW Master’s degree. The program should be worth 90 points or more, though those planning to take 180-point degrees will not be eligible for the scholarship.

To qualify, applicants should have completed a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a first-class honors degree in New Zealand.

Other application requirements for this scholarship in New Zealand include a one-page research proposal and one academic reference.

Successful applicants will be contacted with the offer by December.

Apart from covering the tuition fee, the Wellington Master’s by Thesis scholarship will also provide an NZD 15,000 ($10,615) tax-free stipend. This will be distributed to the recipients in monthly installments.

One of the conditions of the scholarship is that awardees should work on their research for at least 35 hours a week,

Wellington scholars may work part-time for a maximum of 600 hours a year. However, they should work as teachers or research assistants in a field related to their research.

5. NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Annual full tuition subsidy of up to NZD 10,000 ($7,075) for 3 years
  • Eligible Degree: Ph.D. leaning towards agricultural greenhouse research

The NZ-Grads Scholarship, one of the best scholarships in New Zealand for international students, is awarded annually to 6 Ph.D. students from developing countries. They should be working on research-related greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural systems.

The award, which covers tuition fees for 3 years, will also shoulder the visa application cost of NZD 1000 ($710).

It also comes with a living stipend of NZD 28,000 ($19,815), return flights (maximum of NZD 6,000 or $4,250), medical insurance, and book/thesis preparation costs.

What’s great about this scholarship is that awardees may work while studying in any Kiwi university or research institute.

Scholars may also take their partners or spouses with them. The same goes for their children, who they may enroll for free in any of New Zealand’s public schools.

6. Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$5,000 to NZ$10,000
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Masters

Victoria University of Wellington was founded in 1897 and has over 25,000 students. The school offers Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of subjects, including politics, law, physics, social sciences, and health sciences.

The scholarship is open to students from around the world and has been funded by the Tongarewa Charitable Trust, which was established in 2003. It is named after the Maori word for “tongue,” as the trust aims to help people learn languages and connect with their heritage.

Candidates will be assessed on their academic performance, financial need, and personal motivation. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

7. Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$7,000 to NZ$10,000
  • Eligible Degree: Masters

Lincoln University is a public research university located in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was founded in 1900 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand. Then it became an independent university in 1961. It has grown to be one of New Zealand’s most prominent universities.

Lincoln University offers international taught Master’s scholarships for international students worldwide who wish to study at their institution. They are designed to provide financial support to students who would otherwise not be able to afford to study at Lincoln University. They cover tuition fees and living costs for students who meet specific academic requirements and demonstrate financial need. To apply for this New Zealand scholarship, applicants should submit their application form along with relevant documents by post or email.

8. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$10,000
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD

The University of Auckland offers a scholarship for international students looking to study in New Zealand. The award, called the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, is for students who have completed one year or more of their studies at the University of Auckland.

This award aims to recognize outstanding international students and support them with additional funding during their studies at the institution. It provides up to NZ$10,000 per academic year and is awarded based on academic achievement and potential to contribute to the university’s intellectual life.

To apply for this award, you must submit an application essay detailing why you would like to study at the University of Auckland.

9. University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$20,000
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters

The University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship is an award that allows international students to study at the University of Waikato, one of New Zealand’s leading universities. You’ll receive up to NZ$20,000 per year for your studies, plus you’ll be able to take advantage of all the fantastic facilities on campus.

This scholarship in New Zealand is available to students from any country studying a degree in one of their Faculties, including Arts, Engineering and Science, Business and Economics, Social Sciences, or Law.

Applicants will be considered based on their academic merit and potential and evidence of leadership skills, community service, and cultural awareness.

10. AUT International Excellence Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: up to NZ$10,000
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD

AUT (Auckland University of Technology) is one of the top universities in New Zealand. They offer a wide range of scholarships for international students. The award program is designed to encourage and support talented students from overseas who want to study at AUT.

To apply for the AUT International Excellence Scholarship, you must be a full-time student in your first year at the college and have achieved an average of 80% or higher in your previous studies. You also need to demonstrate financial need.

The application process is straightforward. Fill out an online application form and submit it before the deadline. In addition, you’ll need to provide your academic transcripts and test scores.

11. University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$16,000 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver for 1 year capped at the domestic rate for Master’s study
  • Eligible Degree: Masters

The University of Otago is one of New Zealand’s leading research universities. It is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and offers more than 150 graduate degrees and a wide range of postgraduate courses.

The University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship is designed to attract high-quality international students to undertake their research in New Zealand at the institution. This New Zealand scholarship aims to encourage highly motivated applicants who are likely to make a significant contribution to their field of study and provide an opportunity for them to gain valuable research experience in New Zealand before returning home. The scholarship offers NZ$16,000 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver. It will cover accommodation and living expenses while studying at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Applicants must be non-New Zealand citizens currently enrolled or have been accepted into a full-time research master’s program at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have financial difficulties.

12. University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$28,600 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fees waiver for 36 months
  • Eligible Degree: PhD

The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships is valued at up to NZD$28,600 per year. They are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of countries outside New Zealand and must have applied for admission as full-time doctoral candidates in one of the following areas: Arts and Humanities, Business, Health Sciences, Science and Social Sciences. Applicants must also have been admitted before the start date listed on their application form.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate that they will bring value to their chosen department or faculty through their research topic, language skills, cultural background, or experience with indigenous communities.

13. University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$10,000 for tuition fees
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate

The University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships vary between courses but generally cover the tuition fees for the first year of study only.

The award is available to applicants from all over the world who meet the following requirements: International students who are not New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or resident visa holders of New Zealand or Australia. In addition, they must have gained university admission through completion of an internationally recognized qualification in New Zealand or at an overseas high school, such as A Levels. Finally, they must not have completed any previous study in New Zealand.

In addition to the New Zealand scholarships to students from around the world, they offer various other financial support options, including bursaries and grants, accommodation assistance, student loans, and career advice services.

14. University of Otago New Frontiers Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Between NZ$2,000 and NZ$4,000
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate

The University of Otago New Frontiers Scholarships is open to international students who have been accepted into the University of Otago. They are available for various undergraduates.

The awards are available for one year only, with a maximum value of NZ$4,000. However, you can apply for them before the deadline during your course if you meet the eligibility criteria.

To apply, you’ll need to submit a personal statement detailing why you want to study at the University of Otago, along with your CV, academic transcripts, and an essay on a topic related to your field of study. You can also include up to three letters of recommendation.

15. University of Otago 150th Entrance Scholarships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$13,000 over two years
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate

The University of Otago is offering 150th Entrance Scholarships for International Students. They are worth NZ$13,000 over two years and are given to university students studying for a bachelor’s degree.

To be eligible, international students must have completed Year 12 or Year 13 at a New Zealand school or an equivalent foundation level course at a New Zealand tertiary institution. The scholarship will be awarded on academic merit, with financial needs also being taken into account.

16. University of Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$16,000 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver
  • Eligible Degree: Masters

The University of Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship is intended to assist international students who wish to study full-time in any coursework Master’s program at the University of Otago, New Zealand.

The award will be given on a merit basis and is available to all international students, with preference given to those offered a place in a coursework Master’s program. The amount of the award is NZ$16,000 per annum.

To apply for this New Zealand scholarship, please submit your application by emailing them your name and contact phone number. You must also attach your CV or any other academic documents that you feel are relevant such as previous transcripts.

17. University of Otago Pathway Scholarship

The University of Otago Pathway Scholarship is an award program for international students applying to the University of Otago. It is awarded to students who have been accepted into one of the university’s undergraduate degrees, and it helps cover the cost of accommodation.

To apply, all you need to do is send your application form and statement of financial circumstances along with your proof of identity document, academic transcript, and bank statements by post or email before the deadline listed on our website.

18. Massey Business School Promising Student Assistance Bursary

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: Up to NZ$2,000
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Postgraduate

Massey University is a public university that offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees through its seven faculties of study. The institution has a long history with the country of New Zealand. It was founded in 1922 as an agricultural school. It became a constituent college of the University of New Zealand before transitioning to its current status in 1961.

This New Zealand scholarship provides financial assistance and aims to encourage talented business student applicants from around the world to study at Massey University. Successful applicants will receive a scholarship of NZ$2,000.

When applying, you must submit a letter of recommendation, a personal statement, and an academic transcript.

19. Global Alumni Graduate Fees Waiver

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: 15–20% reduction on their first-year tuition fees
  • Eligible Degree: Master’s and PhD

The Global Alumni Graduate Fees Waiver is a scholarship provided by Victoria University of Wellington, which waives the international student tuition fee for students who have previously studied at Victoria University of Wellington as undergraduate students. It is open to all students who have completed at least one semester of study at Victoria before applying to the program.

To qualify for this award, applicants must demonstrate financial need and hardship. They will also need to prove that they were enrolled as a student in at least one semester of their undergraduate or postgraduate degree program at Victoria University of Wellington within the last two years.

20. Ara Scholarships – Excellence

  • Scholarship Link
  • Scholarship Amount: NZ$4,000
  • Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD

The Ara Institute of Canterbury International Scholarship is an award offered by the Ara Institute of Canterbury. It is available to international students studying in New Zealand. The award is given to students who are passionate about learning and committed to making a positive difference in their communities.

To apply for this New Zealand scholarship, you must submit an online application form and upload a personal statement indicating why you need this scholarship. In addition, you are required to provide two referee reports which comment on your character and ability to succeed in the program.

 

We hope that this article on the best scholarships in New Zealand for international students was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

Share this article via

Leave A Comment