Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in New Zealand. This fully funded scholarship is available for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and diploma programmes. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027 covers a monthly stipend of up to 9000 TL, tuition fees, return flight tickets, health insurance, and accommodation. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

Studying abroad is more than just an academic pursuit; it’s a transformative journey that extends far beyond the classroom. Among the plethora of opportunities available, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship stands as a beacon, offering a gateway to not only academic excellence but also an immersion into the captivating Kiwi lifestyle and culture.

The experience encapsulated within the scholarship program is truly life-changing. It’s a holistic journey that transcends the boundaries of education, aiming to shape not just careers but minds and perspectives. From enriching academic pursuits to relishing the relaxed and vibrant Kiwi lifestyle, this scholarship has the potential to redefine and elevate your life in numerous ways.

At the core of this experience lies the opportunity to expand one’s academic horizons. Studying in New Zealand, renowned for its world-class educational institutions, offers an unparalleled opportunity to receive a top-tier education. The scholarship opens doors to diverse fields of study, fostering an environment where academic growth and innovation thrive.

However, beyond the lecture halls and libraries lies an adventure waiting to unfold. Embracing the Kiwi lifestyle is an integral part of this journey. New Zealand’s culture is rich, diverse, and deeply connected to its stunning natural landscapes. From exploring breathtaking landscapes to engaging with the warm and welcoming Kiwi community, the experience goes beyond academia. It’s about fostering a deeper understanding of the world, oneself, and others.

Securing the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship isn’t just about an academic achievement; it’s about embarking on a transformative voyage. The skills acquired, friendships forged, and experiences gained will be invaluable assets that resonate throughout life. It’s an opportunity to broaden perspectives, cultivate resilience, and nurture a global outlook.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Highlights

Degree ProgrammesUndergraduate / Master’s / PhD / Diploma
Scholarship ProvidersThere are eleven approved education institutions at which Manaaki New Zealand Scholars can study. Click here to find all the available institutes.
Study DestinationNew Zealand
Fields of StudyClick here to find all the available degree programmes
Programme DurationUndergraduate: 4 years; Master’s: 2 years
FundingFully Funded

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Benefits

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

  • Full tuition fees.
  • Living allowance (a stipend) of NZ$531 per week. This will help with a scholar’s basic living expenses. If you commence your study programme online in your home country, your stipend will be adjusted to reflect the difference in living costs around the world.
  • An establishment allowance of NZ$3000. This is to help with set-up costs in New Zealand. For example, you can use it for accommodation expenses, textbooks, or other study materials.
  • Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand.
  • Tutoring costs up to the value of NZ$1000, to assist with the cost of additional tutoring while you are studying, if needed.
  • Travel to and from your own country. This is for travel from your own country at the start of the scholarship, and for return travel at the end of your scholarship.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Travel home during your scholarship. Scholars who have studied for over 1.6 years are entitled to travel home to visit their families. We usually allow for one or two trips, depending on the length of your scholarship. However, this is subject to border settings and other restrictions. 
  • Managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ): This is no longer required when entering New Zealand. We will provide support towards the costs of MIQ upon return to your home country, if this is mandatory and your home government does not already cover this cost.
  • Reimbursement for the costs of COVID-19 vaccinations if required by your study country or transit country, and for the costs of any COVID-19 pre-departure tests.  Please note: costs will not be reimbursed for dependent family members. Scholars will need to meet the requirements stipulated by national governments and/or airlines about the type of COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 pre-departure test deemed acceptable. MFAT will only cover costs if a charge occurs and a receipt is provided.
  • Reintegration allowance of NZ$1000. This is to help with set-up costs upon your return to your home country.
  • Help with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate students.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship:

  • Generally, to study for a postgraduate qualification, you must have at least:
    • An overall IELTS score of 6.5 and no band less than 6.0,
    • A TOEFL score of 90 on the internet-based test, with a writing score of 21
    • An overall PTE Academic score of 58, with no communicative skills score less than 50
    • A Cambridge Academic English (advanced) overall score of 176 with no bands less than 169.
  • Generally, to study for an undergraduate qualification, you must have at least:
    • An overall IELTS score of 6.0 and no band less than 5.5
    • A TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based test with a writing score of 21
    • An overall PTE Academic score of 50, with no communication skills score less than 42
    • A Cambridge Academic English (advanced) overall score of 169, with no bands less than 162.
  • Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are available to citizens from these eligible countries. If your country is not on the list, then the New Zealand Government does not offer any academic scholarships to you.
  • Work Experience: One year of full-time work experience (i.e., 30 hours or more per week), or two years of part-time work experience (i.e., up to 29 hours per week).
  • Age Requirement: The candidate must be 18 years old or older when they start the scholarship
  • Candidates must contribute to their country’s development: The purpose of a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is to invest in the education of citizens from developing countries, enabling them to positively impact their country’s development by sharing new skills and knowledge gained while on scholarship. The authority expects scholars to contribute to their country’s social or economic development for at least two years after completing their scholarship studies. The authority also only selects scholars who have been living in their home country for 2 years before applying for a scholarship. Preference is given in selection to applicants who can clearly describe on their application form how they will improve their country’s social and economic development after their scholarship.
  • Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in their home country for two years before commencing their studies.
  • Academic and English Requirements: As part of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships application process, you need to choose your preferred education institution and preferred courses. Scholarship applicants don’t need to apply for admission to their preferred educational institution and courses until they are notified that they are a preferred candidate for a scholarship. However, scholarship applicants do need to check that they are likely to meet the minimum academic requirements and the minimum level of English required for their courses. Your chosen educational institution sets course entry requirements, so you must check the minimum entry requirements on their website before you apply for a scholarship.
  • Visa Requirement: If your scholarship application is for study in New Zealand, then you must meet these visa requirements: Student visa requirements and application form for New Zealand.
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Step-by-Step Application Process for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

  • Complete the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships online eligibility test to see if you are eligible to apply. If the Online Eligibility Test confirms that you are eligible, you will get an eligibility code (number).

Step 2: Register for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

  • If you are eligible, you will see a “register” button on the webpage; click on this to start your registration for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account. You will be asked to enter an email address (this will become your username for logging on again later). The system will run a check to make sure that this email address is not already being used. If the check passes, you will need to complete the rest of your account details and select ‘Register’. This is where you will enter the Eligibility Code that you have emailed to yourself or written down.
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Step 3: Set a password for your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

  • You will be sent an email to set a password to complete the registration process. Click on the link in the email, which will take you to a screen where you will need to set your password. Remember to look in your spam folder, where automated messages are sometimes filtered.

Step 4: Complete and submit your application before the closing date

  • Use your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account to access the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship online application system anytime between the opening and closing dates for your country. Check Deadlines here.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027 is 31 March 2026.

For further information about the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Manaaki Scholarship fully funded or partially funded?
The Manaaki Scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, medical insurance, and establishment and reintegration costs for the full duration of the study programme.
Can I choose any university in New Zealand under the Manaaki Scholarship?
No. Scholars are usually placed in approved New Zealand universities and in approved fields of study that align with the development priorities of their home country.
Can I work part-time while studying on the Manaaki Scholarship?
Yes. Scholars are generally allowed to work part-time within New Zealand student visa limits, provided employment does not interfere with academic performance.
Can married applicants or parents apply for the Manaaki Scholarship?
Yes. Married applicants and parents can apply. However, the scholarship does not automatically cover family expenses, and bringing dependents depends on New Zealand immigration rules.
Are spouses allowed to work in New Zealand during the scholarship?
In some cases, spouses may be eligible for an open work visa, but this depends on New Zealand immigration regulations and the specific visa conditions granted.
Is there an age limit for the Manaaki Scholarship?
There is no strict upper age limit, but applicants must meet minimum age requirements and demonstrate that their study will contribute to their home country’s development.
Can I apply if I previously studied or lived in New Zealand?
Applicants who have recently lived or studied in New Zealand for an extended period may not be eligible. Short visits or temporary stays usually do not affect eligibility.
Can I change my course or university after receiving the scholarship?
No. Once the course and institution are approved, changes are generally not allowed unless exceptional circumstances are approved by the scholarship authorities.
How competitive is the Manaaki Scholarship?
The Manaaki Scholarship is highly competitive, with selection based on academic merit, leadership potential, professional experience, and alignment with development goals.
What happens after completing studies under the Manaaki Scholarship?
Scholars are required to return to their home country for a minimum period, usually two years, to contribute skills and knowledge gained through the scholarship.
If I am not selected, can I apply again next year?
Yes. Unsuccessful applicants may apply again in future rounds if they continue to meet eligibility requirements and strengthen their profile.