Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 in New Zealand | Fully Funded

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 open the door for international students who want to pursue world-class education in New Zealand with full financial support. This prestigious government-funded scholarship covers undergraduate and master’s programs and is designed to help talented students focus on their studies without financial stress. In this guide, you’ll find clear details about the scholarship benefits, eligibility, and how to apply step by step.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 provide comprehensive funding, including full tuition fees, a living allowance, medical insurance, travel costs, and support for research and thesis expenses where applicable. Beyond academics, recipients gain the chance to experience New Zealand’s innovative education system, welcoming communities, and rich cultural lifestyle, making this scholarship a life-changing opportunity for future global leaders.

Benefits of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026

• 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 program 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 studying for over 1.6 years are entitled to travel home to visit family. 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 with regard to 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.

Eligibility Criteria for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026

To qualify for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements:

• Required Language: English.
• Eligible Countries:
  • Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are available to citizens from 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 study. 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 Requirement:
  • 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 education 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. Course entry requirements are set by your chosen education institution, so you must check the minimum entry requirements on their website before you apply for a 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.
• Visa Requirement: Student visa requirements and visa applications for study in New Zealand

How to Apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026?

• Check your eligibility based on your country, study level, and work experience
• Review the approved courses and New Zealand institutions carefully
• Create an online account on the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal
• Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details
• Upload all required documents, including transcripts and references
• Submit your application before the official deadline
• Attend interviews or medical checks if you are shortlisted
• Wait for the final selection and scholarship offer notification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 covering eligibility, benefits, application steps, selection, and scholar responsibilities. They offer clear guidance to help applicants understand how the scholarship works and what is expected before, during, and after studying in New Zealand.