Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026-2027: Full Guide for International Students

## Quick Facts Essential information about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for the 2026–2027 round: 1. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the New Zealand government's flagship international scholarship programme, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and are fully funded — covering tuition fees, a fortnightly living allowance, an establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, and return airfares. 2. The living allowance for 2026 is NZD $531 per week (approximately NZD $27,612 per annum), paid fortnightly directly to the scholar's New Zealand bank account, and is designed to cover accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. 3. Scholarships are available to citizens of over 100 eligible developing countries across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East — the list of eligible countries is published on the MFAT website and reviewed annually. 4. Manaaki scholarships fund postgraduate study only: Postgraduate Certificate (6 months), Postgraduate Diploma (1 year), Master's degree (1–2 years), and PhD (3–4 years) at participating New Zealand universities and institutes of technology. 5. The priority sectors for 2026–2027 include climate change and the environment, agriculture and food security, good governance, renewable energy, and disaster risk management — although applications in any field relevant to your country's development needs may be considered. 6. The application window typically opens in February each year and closes in late March or early April, with outcomes announced around August to October — meaning successful applicants have several months to arrange visas and travel for the following February start. 7. Manaaki scholars are required to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their scholarship, which is a non-negotiable condition reflecting the programme's development objective of building capacity in partner countries. ## Overview The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme is one of the most generous government-funded scholarship schemes available to international students worldwide. Formerly known as the New Zealand Development Scholarships and New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships, the programme was rebranded as Manaaki (a Māori word encompassing care, support, generosity, and hospitality) to reflect the holistic nature of the scholarship experience. Unlike many scholarship programmes that cover only tuition fees, Manaaki is genuinely comprehensive. It covers every major cost associated with studying in New Zealand, from your flight to your graduation. The programme's goal is developmental: building skilled professionals who will return home and contribute to their country's social and economic development. This focus means the scholarship comes with both substantial financial support and meaningful obligations. This guide explains who can apply, what the scholarship covers, how the application process works, and what successful and unsuccessful applicants can expect from the 2026–2027 round. ## Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria: You must be a citizen of an eligible country. The list of eligible countries is extensive and includes most Pacific Island nations, many Southeast Asian countries (including Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and Thailand), South Asian countries (including India for some priority sectors, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan), African nations, and selected countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. China and middle-income developed economies are generally not eligible unless specific bilateral arrangements apply. You must have at least one year of full-time work experience in your field (two years is preferred for most scholarships). This requirement exists because the programme is designed for mid-career professionals who will return home to apply their new skills — not for recent undergraduates seeking to study abroad immediately after their first degree. You must meet the academic entry requirements of the New Zealand institution to which you apply. The scholarship does not bypass university admission standards. You must have a strong undergraduate academic record, and for PhD applicants, a master's degree with a research component is typically required. You must demonstrate English language proficiency. Most New Zealand universities require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for postgraduate study. Some programmes require higher scores. TOEFL and PTE Academic scores are also accepted by most institutions. Language proficiency evidence is required at the application stage. You must commit to returning to your home country for at least two years upon completing the scholarship. This is monitored by MFAT and is a core condition of the award. Early departure from New Zealand or failure to return home can trigger a requirement to repay the scholarship. Applicants who already hold a degree from a developed country (including New Zealand or Australia) are typically ineligible for a second scholarship at the same or lower level. ## What the Scholarship Covers The Manaaki scholarship is fully funded in the truest sense. The package includes: Full tuition fees for the entire duration of the approved programme, paid directly to the education provider. For a two-year master's programme, this typically amounts to NZD $60,000–$80,000 in savings. A weekly living allowance of NZD $531 (2026 rate), paid fortnightly. This allowance is calibrated by MFAT based on living costs in New Zealand university cities and is designed to cover rent, food, utilities, transport, textbooks, and modest personal expenses without the scholar needing to find additional income. The allowance continues during scheduled programme breaks. An establishment allowance of NZD $3,000 paid upon arrival in New Zealand to cover initial costs such as rental bond, winter clothing, and basic household items. Return air travel from the scholar's home country to New Zealand at the start and end of the scholarship period, booked and paid for by MFAT. Medical and travel insurance for the full scholarship period, compliant with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Additional support for research and thesis costs may be available to master's and PhD scholars, including fieldwork, conference attendance, and publication costs, depending on the research topic and supervisor approval. For scholars from specific Pacific countries, additional assistance with visa application costs may be provided through the New Zealand High Commission or Embassy in the applicant's country. No dependent support (for partners or children) is included in the standard scholarship package, although exceptional compassionate cases may be considered through MFAT's hardship provisions. ## Application Process The Manaaki application process is structured and competitive, reflecting the programme's high value and limited places. There are typically around 500–600 new scholarships awarded each year across all partner countries. Applications open around February each year and must be submitted through the official Manaaki Scholarships online portal. The portal requires a series of forms covering personal details, educational history, employment history, proposed study programme, and development relevance. You will need to upload: 1. A copy of your passport biodata page (or birth certificate if a passport is not available) 2. Certified copies of all academic transcripts and degree certificates 3. English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic) 4. A Curriculum Vitae detailing your work experience 5. A statement of purpose or personal statement explaining your study goals and how they relate to your country's development needs 6. Two reference letters, typically from employers and/or academic referees 7. An offer of place from a New Zealand institution (for PhD applicants) or a completed application in progress The selection process involves multiple stages. Initial screening by MFAT removes applications that do not meet basic eligibility criteria. Shortlisted applications are then reviewed by selection panels that include MFAT staff, New Zealand academics, and development practitioners from the applicant's region. Preference is given to applicants whose proposed study aligns with priority sectors and whose professional background suggests they will apply the qualification effectively upon return. Shortlisted applicants are typically invited for an interview at the New Zealand High Commission or Embassy in their country between June and August. Outcomes are announced from August to October, with successful scholars expected to arrive in New Zealand for orientation in February of the following year. ## Tips for a Strong Application Competition for Manaaki scholarships is intense. In some eligible countries, only 5–10% of applications are successful. Here are the factors that distinguish successful applicants: Alignment with development needs is the single most important criterion. Your personal statement must clearly connect your proposed study to a specific development challenge in your home country. Generic statements about wanting a better education do not succeed. Be specific: identify a problem, explain how your proposed qualification will help you address it, and describe the impact you expect to achieve. Strong work experience matters more than perfect grades. The selection panel wants evidence that you are an established professional who will return home and make a difference. Two or more years of relevant work experience is effectively a minimum; five or more is preferred. Employment in government, public service, NGOs, or sectors aligned with your country's development priorities strengthens your application. Engage with your proposed institution early. If you are applying for a master's or PhD, contacting potential supervisors before the application deadline and securing a conditional offer of place significantly strengthens your application. It demonstrates commitment and ensures your proposed study is achievable. Be honest and thorough in your application. Incomplete applications are rejected outright. Inconsistent information between your CV, personal statement, and references raises red flags. MFAT conducts verification checks on qualifications and employment history. ## FAQ ### Q: Can I bring my family on a Manaaki scholarship? A: The standard scholarship does not include support for dependants — no additional living allowance, no dependent airfares, and no dependent visa sponsorship is provided. While New Zealand immigration policy may allow partners and children to apply for visas independently, the living allowance is calibrated for a single person and will not stretch to support a family. In exceptional circumstances, compassionate cases may be considered through MFAT's hardship provisions, but these are rare. ### Q: What happens if I fail a course or need to extend my study? A: The scholarship covers the standard duration of your programme. If you fail courses, you may be required to fund the resit yourself, and repeated academic failure can result in scholarship termination. Extensions are not automatic and require compelling justification. PhD scholars seeking a fourth year of funding must demonstrate substantial progress and submit a formal extension request through their supervisor and MFAT. ### Q: Can I work while on a Manaaki scholarship? A: While your student visa may permit part-time work, MFAT expects Manaaki scholars to prioritise their studies. The living allowance is designed to cover costs without the need for employment. Part-time work is not prohibited, but scholars should ensure it does not interfere with academic obligations. Full-time work is not permitted by visa conditions and would be inconsistent with scholarship obligations. ## Sources - Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships — Official MFAT site: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/scholarships/ - Education New Zealand — Scholarships: https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/how-to-plan/scholarships - Immigration New Zealand — Student Visa: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/fee-paying-student-visa - New Zealand Qualifications Authority: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/