Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students 2025-2026

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarships

The University of Auckland, one of New Zealand’s top-ranking institutions, offers the International Student Excellence Scholarship to high-achieving students who are enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This is a partially funded scholarship that supports international students with up to NZD 10,000 toward their tuition fees. Around 50 scholarships are awarded each year based on academic merit and the quality of the applicant's personal statement. The scholarship is open to both new undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling full-time. Applicants are required to have an unconditional offer or be enrolled in a full-time program at the university.

Key benefits:

• Tuition fee discount up to NZD 10,000

• Open to undergraduate and postgraduate international students

• Awarded to around 50 students annually

• Based on academic merit and a compelling personal statement

Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarships

Victoria University of Wellington offers the Tongarewa Scholarship as a gesture of the university’s commitment to its diverse international student body. This partially funded scholarship is available for international students pursuing undergraduate or master's degrees. The scholarship provides either NZD 5,000 or NZD 10,000 toward tuition fees and is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Students must already have an offer of place from the university before applying for this scholarship. The university accepts applications in three different intakes each year.

Key benefits:

• Tuition fee contribution of NZD 5,000 or NZD 10,000

• Available for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs

• Selection based on academic merit and leadership

• Multiple intakes each year

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (formerly New Zealand Government Scholarships)

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the flagship fully funded scholarships offered by the New Zealand government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). These scholarships are open to international students from selected developing countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America. The scholarship covers everything a student may need, including full tuition fees, living allowance, establishment allowance, round-trip travel, medical insurance, and even research or thesis expenses for postgraduate students. The Manaaki scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs and supports students who aim to return to their home countries and contribute to development.

Key benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Living stipend (NZD 531 per week approximately)

• Return international airfare

• Health and travel insurance

• Research and thesis support for postgraduate students

• Open to students from eligible developing countries

University of Canterbury Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship

The University of Canterbury offers the Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship specifically for undergraduate students from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The scholarship provides NZD 10,000 to help cover tuition or living costs. While this is a partially funded scholarship, it can significantly ease the financial burden on international students. The scholarship was established in memory of Eamon Molloy, who dedicated his life to assisting students from the Pacific and Asia. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record and commitment to contributing to their home communities after graduation.

Key benefits:

• Financial support worth NZD 10,000

• Available for undergraduate students

• Open to students from Asia-Pacific and developing countries

• Based on academic merit and future contribution potential

Lincoln University International Scholarships

Lincoln University, located in Canterbury, offers a range of fully and partially funded scholarships for international students entering undergraduate or master’s programs. These scholarships are typically valued up to NZD 10,000 and are awarded based on academic performance and leadership potential. The university’s commitment to sustainability and applied sciences makes it a particularly attractive destination for students in agriculture, environment, and business studies. Scholarships are open to students enrolling in any full-time program offered by the university.

Key benefits:

• Scholarships up to NZD 10,000

• Available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs

• Awarded based on academic excellence

• Ideal for students in agriculture, business, and environmental sciences

University of Otago International Scholarships

The University of Otago offers generous fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. These scholarships are among the most prestigious in New Zealand, with values ranging from NZD 10,000 to NZD 30,000, depending on the level and field of study. For PhD applicants, Otago offers a fully funded Doctoral Scholarship covering tuition and a monthly living allowance for up to 3 years. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic performance, research potential, and leadership experience. Otago also provides a strong support system for international students and a research-friendly environment.

Key benefits:

• Funding up to NZD 30,000

• Open for undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs

• Fully covers PhD tuition and stipend

• Awarded based on academic merit and research ability

University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarships

The University of Waikato offers the International Excellence Scholarship to encourage talented students from all over the world to study in New Zealand. The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and offers up to NZD 15,000 as a tuition fee discount. The scholarship is merit-based and requires applicants to demonstrate excellent academic performance in their previous studies. Students must also have an unconditional offer of admission from the University of Waikato.

Key benefits:

• Scholarship worth up to NZD 15,000

• Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels

• Awarded on academic merit

• Applied directly as tuition fee credit

Friends of the University of Auckland US Scholarships

This partially funded scholarship is managed in collaboration with Friends of the University of Auckland in the United States. It is specifically targeted at students who are citizens or residents of the USA but is sometimes extended to international students with strong academic connections to US institutions. The scholarship awards up to NZD 3,000 for tuition support and is available for both undergraduate and master’s level students. It is a great supplementary scholarship for students already receiving other forms of financial aid.

Key benefits:

• Financial support of up to NZD 3,000

• Available for undergraduate and master's students

• Open to students with academic ties to US institutions

• Ideal as a supplemental funding option

How to Apply for Scholarships in New Zealand

Applying for scholarships in New Zealand involves a straightforward but competitive process. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:

1. Choose your preferred university and program of study

2. Review the scholarship eligibility criteria and application deadlines

3. Prepare necessary documents: passport, academic transcripts, degree certificates, personal statement, letters of recommendation, IELTS/TOEFL scores

4. Apply for admission to the university and scholarship (some scholarships require separate applications)

5. If shortlisted, attend any required interviews or assessments

6. Upon selection, apply for a New Zealand student visa

New Zealand continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students thanks to its strong education system, generous scholarships, and student-friendly environment. Whether you're seeking a fully funded research degree or partial tuition assistance, there is a wide range of scholarships available for 2025-2026. Don’t wait—start preparing your application documents now, explore university websites, and apply early to increase your chances of success. Studying in New Zealand could be your first step toward a globally successful academic and professional career.