Eligible countries: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam, Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Belize, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau
Fields of study: Climate Change, Food Security, Renewable Energy, Governance, Education, Health
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme is a key pillar of New Zealand's International Development Cooperation. It offers full scholarships for Undergraduate (Pacific only) and Postgraduate study to citizens of developing countries. The purpose is to educate future leaders who will return to their home countries and contribute to sustainable development.
Benefits
Full Tuition Fees
Living Allowance (Stipend) of NZ$531 per week (approx.)
Establishment Allowance (NZ$3,000)
Medical Insurance
Travel to/from New Zealand
Reintegration Allowance (NZ$1,000 upon return)
Research and Thesis Allowance (for postgraduates)
Eligibility
Must be a citizen of an eligible country and have resided there for at least 2 years prior to application
Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the scholarship
Must meet the academic entry requirements of the New Zealand university
Must meet English language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL)
Must demonstrate a commitment to return to your home country for at least 2 years post-study
Requirements
Complete the online eligibility questionnaire
Register on the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship portal
Submit the online application form in English
Provide official academic transcripts and grading scale
Provide two letters of recommendation
Write essays on study plan and development impact
Required Documents
Verified Academic Transcripts
Grading Scale of your University
Certificate of Completion/Graduation
Birth Certificate or Passport ID page
English Language Test Score (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
Two Reference Letters
Programs of Study
Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science
Master of Environmental Management
Master of Public Health
Master of Renewable Energy
Master of Disaster Risk Management
Master of Education
Master of International Development
PhD in Climate Change Adaptation
Bachelor of Engineering (selected Pacific countries only)
Application Process
Take the online eligibility test on the official website
If eligible, you will receive an eligibility code to register on the portal
Create an account and complete the application form
Upload all required scanned documents
Submit the application before the closing date (28 Feb 2026)
How to Apply
Visit the 'New Zealand Scholarships' website and click 'Check Eligibility'
Complete the short quiz to get your unique eligibility code
Register on the online portal using the code and your email
Fill out the detailed application including your development impact statement
Upload your transcripts and submit by midday 28 February 2026 (NZ Time)
Selection Process
Automated eligibility screening
Academic and Development Impact assessment by selection panels