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| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| February–March | Manaaki NZ Scholarship applications open (check nzscholarships.govt.nz) |
| April | NZ Excellence Awards deadline; Manaaki applications close (varies by country) |
| May | Final Manaaki deadline for some countries; begin shortlisting |
| July–August | Manaaki results announced |
| September–October | University of Auckland scholarship applications open |
| October–December | Canterbury and Victoria university scholarship windows |
| January | University scholarship results announced |
| February–March | Semester 1 begins at most NZ universities |
For Manaaki NZ Scholarships: Align your study plan with New Zealand’s development priorities for your country. Clearly explain how your studies will contribute to development outcomes when you return home. Show leadership experience and community involvement.
For university scholarships: Focus on academic excellence — most are merit-based. Provide strong academic transcripts, clear statement of purpose, and relevant references. Apply early — many scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
General tips: Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously (government + university). Prepare your English language test results well in advance (IELTS or PTE). Research each scholarship’s specific requirements rather than submitting generic applications.
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Yes. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are fully funded — covering tuition, living allowance, return airfare, health insurance, and establishment costs. They are available to students from 80+ developing countries including Nepal. Applications go through nzscholarships.govt.nz. (Source: MFAT — nzscholarships.govt.nz)
Yes. Nepal is an eligible partner country. The programme has historically supported Nepali scholars in fields like public health, education, agriculture, and governance. Applications typically open in February–March each year. (Source: MFAT — nzscholarships.govt.nz)
The University of Otago offers approximately 200 international scholarship awards per year, valued between NZD 10,000 and NZD 35,000. These can be stacked with government scholarships for a combined value of up to NZD 65,000. (Source: University of Otago — otago.ac.nz)
Government scholarships (Manaaki) open in February–March with deadlines in April–May. University scholarships typically open in September–December for the following year’s Semester 1. Start preparing at least 6 months before deadlines — gather transcripts, prepare your statement, and take your English test early. (Source: nzscholarships.govt.nz; individual university websites)
In some cases, yes. The University of Otago explicitly allows Manaaki scholars to hold both a government and a university scholarship simultaneously, with combined values up to NZD 65,000. Check with your specific university whether stacking is permitted. (Source: University of Otago — otago.ac.nz)
Yes. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship recipients must return to their home country for at least 2 years after completing their studies. This is a condition of the scholarship, designed to ensure that the skills gained contribute to development in the recipient’s home country. (Source: MFAT — nzscholarships.govt.nz)
Official Sources Referenced:
MFAT — Manaaki NZ Scholarships: nzscholarships.govt.nz
Education New Zealand — NZ Excellence Awards: studywithnewzealand.govt.nz
University of Auckland: auckland.ac.nz — International scholarships
University of Otago: otago.ac.nz — International scholarships
