NEW ZEALAND MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE (MFAT) – NEW ZEALAND AID PROGRAMME
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
full · bachelors, masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- New Zealand institutionsHost country
- Undergraduate–PhDStudy levels
- Developing countriesEligibility
- 2-year return ruleCondition
- Development fieldsFocus
At a glance
full
Funding
€45k
Max amount
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
Eligible developing countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
Country
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) – New Zealand Aid Programme
Provider
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) as part of New Zealand's international development programme. They enable people from eligible developing countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to study at New Zealand institutions (and, for some Pacific scholarships, in the Pacific region) from undergraduate to doctoral level. The scholarships are fully funded: they cover full tuition, a living allowance of ~NZ$531 per week, a one-off establishment allowance, return airfares, insurance, and additional support such as research and reintegration grants. They are explicitly development-focused — scholars study in fields that contribute to their home countries' development and must return home for at least 2 years afterward. Applications are made online during an annual window that commonly opens late in the year and closes around ~February–March, with eligibility and priority fields varying by country and region. Manaaki also provides pastoral care during study and a strong alumni community after scholars return home.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for your programme at a New Zealand institution.
- Living allowance — A weekly/fortnightly living allowance for accommodation and daily costs.
- Establishment allowance — A one-off establishment allowance on arrival.
- Airfares — Travel to and from New Zealand at the start and end of study.
- Insurance — Medical and travel insurance for the scholarship period.
- Extra support — Research, reintegration, and (where eligible) home-leave or family support.
How to apply
Apply online through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal during the annual window, following any additional steps required for your country.
- Check your country profile — Read the eligibility, priority fields, and any local process for your country and region.
- Choose programme & institution — Select a development-relevant programme at an eligible New Zealand institution.
- Prepare documents — Assemble transcripts, English results, references, and a development/study plan.
- Apply online — Complete the online application by the deadline (~February–March).
- Assessment — Applications are assessed on eligibility, academic merit, and development impact.
- Selection & mobilisation — Selected scholars complete pre-departure steps and begin study in New Zealand.
Eligibility
CountryCitizen of and living in an eligible developing country (Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Caribbean).
AgeGenerally at least ~18 (and within any upper limits set for your country/level).
Work experienceOften ~1–2 years of relevant work experience (varies by country and level).
Return commitmentCommit to returning to your home country for at least 2 years after completing your study.
Development relevanceChoose a field aligned with your country's development priorities.
Eligibility details, priority sectors, and some processes vary by country/region. Apply online during the annual window; some countries have additional local steps.
Eligible countries
Eligible developing countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
Deadlines
Typical cycle (varies by region)2027-02-28
Selection
Selection is merit-based within each country, weighing academic ability, the development relevance of the proposed study, and the candidate's potential to contribute on return home. Many country programmes include equity considerations and target priority sectors set with the partner country.
Verified sources
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarshipsnzscholarships.govt.nzofficial
About the provider
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) as part of New Zealand's international development cooperation. "Manaaki" reflects a Māori value of caring for and supporting others, and the scholarships aim to build skills and leadership in developing countries while fostering enduring ties with New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?
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New Zealand government scholarships funded by MFAT as part of NZ's development programme, enabling people from eligible developing countries to study at New Zealand institutions from undergraduate to doctoral level.
Who is eligible?
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Citizens of eligible developing countries (Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Caribbean) who meet age, work-experience, and academic requirements and will return home for 2 years after study.
What do they cover?
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Full tuition, a living allowance, an establishment allowance, airfares, insurance, and extra support such as research and reintegration grants.
Do I have to return home afterward?
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Yes — you must return to your home country for at least 2 years after completing your studies, as the scholarships are a development investment.
What can I study?
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Development-relevant fields aligned with your country's priorities — such as agriculture, health, education, governance, renewable energy, and disaster resilience.
When is the deadline?
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Applications usually open late in the year and close around ~February–March, varying by country and region. Check the Manaaki portal for your country's dates.
How do I apply?
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Online through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal, plus any additional local steps for your country, with transcripts, English results, references, and a development/study plan.
Which levels are covered?
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Undergraduate, postgraduate (master's), and doctoral study, depending on your country's eligibility and priorities; some Pacific scholarships support in-region study.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive and country-dependent — selection weighs academic merit and development impact, often within priority sectors agreed with the partner country.
Do I need work experience?
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Often ~1–2 years of relevant work experience is expected, though this varies by country and level. Check your country profile for the specific requirement.
Is there support beyond funding?
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Yes — Manaaki emphasises pastoral care, academic and wellbeing support during study, and a strong alumni community connecting scholars after they return home.
Can my family come with me?
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Some scholars may bring family depending on the scholarship type and conditions; allowances are primarily for the scholar, so check what your specific award permits.