Scholarships to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

Sristy Sharma
Updated on Feb 17, 2022 8:04 PM IST

Scholarship Opportunities to Study at New Zealand Universities

Studying in a foreign country can be not only a little complicated to deal with in the first place but also somewhat expensive. However, it can become affordable if international students plan and research well about how much higher education in New Zealand will cost and what are the different scholarships they are eligible for. 

The New Zealand international education sector offers a wide range of scholarships to foreign students that are government, university or private organisations-based. Myriad scholarships are also awarded to eligible students by the Kiwi universities in order to fund an international student's studies in New Zealand fully or partially. 

It is extremely important that interested students have a thorough idea of the scholarship that they are eligible for in order to apply for them before the given deadline. This page gives a list of New Zealand scholarships open to international students from majorly India along with other countries. 

Also Read: Top Countries Open to International Students' Admission Amid COVID-19

Universities in New Zealand Offering Scholarships to International Students

Given below is the list of top universities in New Zealand that offer a spectrum of scholarships to international students based on merit, means or any other criteria.

The University of Waikato

Victoria University of Wellington

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

Otago Polytechnic

Southern Institute of Technology

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki

Auckland University of Technology

Lincoln University

Massey University

University of Auckland

University of Canterbury

University of Otago

Find Out Which New Zealand Scholarships You May Be Eligible For!

New Zealand Government Scholarships for International Students

The Government of New Zealand invites applications for scholarships from international students wishing to study Bachelor, Master, PhD or Doctoral degree at top-ranked universities in the country.

Eight Universities to Choose From:

  • Lincoln University

  • Victoria University of Wellington

  • Massey University

  • Auckland University of Technology

  • University of Auckland

  • University of Otago

  • University of Canterbury

  • University of Waikato

Levels of Study Available:

  • Postgraduate Diploma (1 year)

  • Postgraduate Certificate (6 months)

  • Master’s Degree (1-2 years)

  • PhD (up to 3.5 years)

Countries Eligible for New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships:

Pacific

Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru,  Samoa, Solomon Islands

Caribbean

St Lucia, St Vincent, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Dominica, Grenada, and the Grenadines

Asia

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia

Africa

Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini, Ghana,  Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda

Pacific Countries: 

Micronesia, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

African Countries:

Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mauritius, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe.

Latin American Countries:

Argentina, Colombia, Nicaragua, Panamá, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador, México, Paraguay, Perú, Venezuela.

Caribbean Countries:

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Suriname, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad, and Tobago.

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Should meet the student visa requirements before applying for the scholarship.

  • Must be 18 years old or older at the time of starting the scholarship.

  • Must satisfy the entry requirements for the selected academic programme prescribed by the education institution.

  • For a postgraduate degree:

- an overall score of 6.5 and at least 6.0 in each section in IELTS

- a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with a writing score of 21

- an overall PTE Academic score of 58 with communicative skills score at least 50

- a Cambridge Academic English overall score of 176 with at least 169 in each section.

  • For an undergraduate qualification:

- an overall score of 6.0 and at least 5.5 in each section in IELTS

- a TOEFL iBT score of 80 with a writing score of 21

- an overall PTE Academic score of 50 with communicative skills score at least 42

- a Cambridge Academic English overall score of 169 with at least 162 in each section.

  • Must demonstrate their desire to positively impact the development in their home country by using new skills and knowledge gained from studying at a New Zealand institution.

  • Preference will be given to applicants who have relevant professional experience in the chosen area of study.

How to Apply?

In order to apply for the New Zealand government scholarships for international students, one must: 

  • Contact the nominating agency in their home country to get a paper application form. 

  • The form must be duly filled and posted back to the nominating agency in the home country before the application deadline.

  • The nominating agency in every country will then select two applicants and their applications will be sent to MFACT by the last date for consideration.

  • The application must be written in English. 

  • The application must be written neatly in blue or black pen so that it is easily readable. 

  • Make sure the answers are thoroughly checked before submission. 

  • One should not cheat or plagiarise to write these answers and the answers should be concise.

Application Timeline: February to March (subject to change) 

Value: 

The New Zealand Government Scholarships are fully-funded which includes the following 

  • 100% tuition fees

  • Living allowance of NZ$ 491 every week

  • An establishment allowance of NZ$ 3,000 aimed at funding set-up costs in New Zealand.

  • Medical insurance in New Zealand

  • Travel tickets to and from the home country along with travel insurance

  • Research and thesis costs for postgraduate students

Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship

The MGAS, short for Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship, is sponsored by the City Council of Palmerston North. It is focused on promoting Palmerston North as a top study destination for international students along with being an ideal venue to indulge in events/activities.

Who can Apply?

All international students

How to Apply?

Visit the official website of the institution.

Value:

NZ 1,000 for first year's tuition.

Also Read: Top Scholarships to Study Abroad

New Zealand Scholarships Funded by Private Organisations for International Students

New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) are jointly funded by Education New Zealand and New Zealand universities. It features scholarships across seven universities in New Zealand, offering an opportunity for students from India to experience New Zealand excellence in various programmes:

  • Massey University

  • The University of Auckland

  • AUT University

  • Lincoln University

  • University of Otago

  • The University of Waikato

  • Victoria University of Wellington

No. of Scholarships Available:

  • PG Scholarships: 28

  • UG Scholarships: 3

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application

  • Must hold current citizenship of India 

  • Must have obtained a minimum equivalent GPA of B+ in the most recent or highest tertiary qualification

  • Must hold an unconditional or conditional offer from one of the eligible courses of NZEA

How to Apply?

In order to complete the application process for NZEA, one should upload the following: 

  • Evidence of offer of place at a New Zealand university

  • An updated CV

  • All academic transcripts

  • Proof of Indian citizenship

  • Names and email addresses of two referees for recommendation letters.

Value

  • PG Scholarships: NZ 5,000 each; 

  • UG Scholarships: NZ 10,000 each

NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship

The Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions has launched the new NZ-GRADS programme for international students in New Zealand from a developing country. 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be from a developing country (as defined by the World Trade Organisation

  • The PhD research topic should be related to greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural system.

Value: 

  • Tuition fees and associated student levies of up to NZD $10,000 per year.

  • An annual living stipend of NZD $28,000 NZD per year. 

  • Medical insurance of up to NZD $700 NZD per year.

  • Visa application costs to up to NZD $1,000.

  • Return flights to New Zealand up to NZD $6,000.

  • Book and thesis preparation allowance up to NZD $1,500.

Length:

6 months

SEG Scholarships

This scholarship programme is sponsored by the Soshi Educational Group (SEG) to encourage the study of geophysics and related geosciences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Value of the scholarships:

Up to NZD$ 7,000 annually  

Length of the award: 

One year

Application Timeline:

November 1, 2020 - March 1, 2021

Ask Experts About Top Scholarships Offered by Universities in New Zealand!

FAQs on Scholarships to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students in 2024

Are international scholarships taxed in New Zealand?

If the scholarship amount in New Zealand is used in covering educational expenses (tuition and course-related expenses), then the amount is exempt from any tax reduction. However, the scholarship when used for any other purpose shall be considered as an income of the student and shall be taxable. The scholarship amount used for living expenses will also be taxable in New Zealand.

Does scholarship affect student allowance in New Zealand?

No, scholarship does not affect student allowance in New Zealand. Scholarship is a grant meant to support international students based on academic achievements and therefore, cannot be treated as living support even though it acts like one.

How is student allowance different from scholarships in New Zealand?

Student alowance is one of New Zealand’s programs for international students. The amount is a support system delivered in instalments of NZD 982 for two weeks. The amount is delivered as loan but is non-repayable. In case of living expenses, student allowance shall be used to deduct the installment amount for living expenses.

When should I apply for international scholarships in New Zealand?

The time of application for scholarship in New Zealand depends on the program and source it is being applied to. In case the scholarship program is government or university-funded, the acceptance letter or confirmation of acceptance must prompt the scholarship application. For privately-funded scholarships, application can be made according to their deadlines or along with university application.

Which documents are required to apply for scholarships in New Zealand?

Different scholarship programs in New Zealand have different eligibility criteria and required documentation for application. However, certain documents are common for all programs, such as academic transcripts, SOP, LOR, proof of claims with regard to social, sports and/or other co-curricular activities. Certain scholarships are for financially-challenged students and must prove the same.

Which universities offer scholarships in New Zealand?

Some of the top universities of New Zealand provide scholarships to international students. These include University of Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, University of Auckland, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Canterbury and Southern Institute of Technology.

Which expenses are covered by the scholarships in New Zealand?

There are varying ways that scholarships in New Zealand can be granted. For quantum-based scholarships, amount can be appropriated by students as per their own discretion. For specific scholarships, coverage of tuition fees, education expenses and/or accommodation expenses may be included.

Is it possible to get a 100% scholarship in New Zealand?

Yes, it is possible to get a 100% scholarship in New Zealand. International students with exceptional academic records and individually undertaken projects or outstanding sports and co-curricular achievements can be awarded 100% scholarship for their studies in universities or colleges of New Zealand. The academic record must be consistent.

Which are the most popular scholarships for international students in New Zealand?

Some of the most popular scholarships for international students in New Zealand include New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA), New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship (NZ GRADS), SEG Scholarships and Government-funded scholarships for education in one of the 8 designated universities of New Zealand.

What kind of scholarships are available for international students in New Zealand?

New Zealand has special scholarships for international students studying courses at various levels. These scholarships may be Government-funded, University-funded or Private Organisation-funded.

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