As of 2025, over 85,000 international students were enrolled in educational facilities in New Zealand. International enrolments in this country are steadily rising thanks to a high standard of education, supportive policies for international students, a safe environment, and strong career prospects.
If you’re also interested in this destination, we’ve gathered a list of the best New Zealand scholarships. We’ll explore:
- University of Auckland scholarships
- Victoria University of Wellington scholarships
- Manaaki New Zealand scholarships
- University of Canterbury scholarships
- Lincoln University scholarships
- University of Otago scholarships
- University of Waikato scholarships
University of Auckland Scholarships
The first scholarship in New Zealand is provided by the University of Auckland, the leading university in the country according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. The school has been offering up to 50 annual scholarships to international students since 2016. The scholarship sum can go up to $10,000. It’s provided as a compulsory fee credit to be used to cover your first semester fees and student services fee.
To be eligible, students must have an “on Campus” enrolment, not hold a citizenship, permanent residence, or resident visa of New Zealand or Australia, and meet other eligibility criteria.
Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships
Another New Zealand scholarship is available at the Victoria University of Wellington, which ranks as the fourth-best school in the country. It’s designed for new international students entering their first year of undergraduate or Master's studies. Bachelor students can receive partial funding of NZ$15,000, and Master’s recipients can receive NZ$10,000. The opportunity is offered to students within the following focus areas:
- Science
- Business
- Architecture (building science)
- Engineering
- Health
- Mathematics
- And others
To be eligible, students must be entering their first year of undergraduate or postgraduate studies, pay full international fees, and demonstrate academic potential.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
The Manaaki scholarship in New Zealand for international students is not linked to one particular school. The scholarship recipients can study at one of the eight universities or three institutes of technology, including the Auckland University of Technology, University of Canterbury, and Unitec Institute of Technology.
The scholarship coverage involves the following:
- Full tuition cost.
- A stipend of NZ$531/week.
- NZ$3000 for books, accommodation, study materials, etc.
- Tutoring costs of up to NZ$1000.
- Travel expenses needed to visit your family.
- Medical insurance.
- Reintegration allowance of NZ$1000 for going back home.
University of Canterbury Scholarships
The University of Canterbury invites enrolled international students to apply for the Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2010 as a tribute to the legacy of Eamon Mark Paul Molloy. It’s designed to support full-time Asian students studying toward their undergraduate degree. The value of the scholarship is $10,000. The funds are awarded to the recipient’s school fees account.
To apply, students must be citizens of eligible countries (India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Cambodia, etc.) or holders of Hong Kong permanent identity cards. In addition, the candidates’ financial need, leadership, personal qualities, and academic achievement are considered.
Lincoln University Scholarships
Lincoln University has several scholarship opportunities designed specifically for international students. All scholarships are meant for undergraduate and Master’s levels, and are awarded based on academic achievement and other factors.
The available scholarships include:
- Lincoln University International School Leavers Scholarship: NZ$10,000
- Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship: NZ$3,000
- Lincoln University Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: NZ$5,000
- Taught Master Merit Scholarship: up to NZ$15,000
The eligibility requirements are slightly different for each scholarship type. However, they all require applicants to be new Lincoln University international students enrolled full-time and meet additional academic, language, and immigration requirements.
University of Otago Scholarships
The University of Otago is known as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. It’s also the country’s oldest university. Every year, it offers approximately 200 awards under its New Zealand scholarship program for international students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The scholarship’s value ranges between NZ$10,000 and NZ$35,000. Undergraduate students can use their scholarships toward tuition fees. Research Master’s and Doctoral students receive both a living stipend and a full tuition waiver.
Students who want to apply must demonstrate innovation and academic success. New Zealand citizens and residents are not eligible.
University of Waikato Scholarships
The last New Zealand scholarship for international students on our list is offered by the University of Waikato. There are several scholarship coverage options.
For undergraduate students:
- One-year coverage: $2,500 and $8,000 to cover tuition fees of your first year.
- Two-year coverage: Up to $8,000 for tuition fees for the first year and up to $4,000 for the second year.
- Three-year coverage: Up to $8,000 for the first year, up to $4,000 for the second year, and up to $3,000 for the third year.
Postgraduate students can receive between $2,500 and $15,000 for one or more years.
How to Apply for Scholarship in New Zealand
In order to apply for an international student scholarship, follow these steps:
- Find scholarship options that you qualify for.
- Carefully check the application process details and deadlines for every particular opportunity.
- Prepare your application in advance.
- Prepare any additional documents you might need, such as identity documents, records of achievement, references, etc.
- Get copies of your documents certified by an approved person.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Remember that every scholarship provider has its own unique application process. That’s why you need to research each option thoroughly and prepare to apply in advance.
Conclusion
Studying in New Zealand is an exciting, life-changing opportunity for students. The educational institutions in this country are known for their high standards in education and for providing positive experiences to international students. They’re also known for rather affordable tuition costs. However, adding up tuition fees and other expenses, such as living, visa, and travel, you can still find the cost of education to be somewhat high.
Luckily, there are multiple scholarships in New Zealand for international students that you can consider for more affordable studies. Use this article as your guide to find suitable opportunities and fund your studies.