Top scholarships in New Zealand for international students

New Zealand’s higher education sector has boomed, with increased interest from students in Asian and Pacific countries vying for scholarships in New Zealand. It has long been famed for having breathtaking natural landscapes, way more sheep than people, and kiwis both green and furry. In recent years, though, the island nation has also earned international favour under the leadership of Prime Minister Jacinda Arden.

Thanks to the country’s unique culture, topography and biodiversity, universities here offer specialised courses that attract students from every corner of the globe. If this sounds like the place for you, check out these top scholarships in New Zealand. Application dates vary, so be sure to confirm details on the official website.

New Zealand Scholarships

These full tertiary scholarships in New Zealand are awarded to international students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies every year. You have a higher chance at clinching one if you pursue one of the recommended subjects specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, according to country. In your application, you must explain how your preferred course relates to the recommended subjects. You must also describe what skills and knowledge you want to gain, as well as how these are important to your country’s development.

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

The University of Auckland is one of the top institutions in the country, as evidenced by its QS World University Rankings year after year. It awards internationals students with up to 10,000 New Zealand dollars in postgraduate tuition fees. To apply, you must be a new full-fee paying international student undertaking a postgraduate diploma or master’s programme. Up to 50 are available; applications open in March and October.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks to the students while campaigning at Victoria University in Wellington on Oct. 13, 2020, ahead of the country’s general election on October 17. Source: Marty Melville/AFP

University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship

Up to NZ$10,000 in tuition fees are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students at this university in Hamilton. All international students enrolling at the University of Waikato for the first time are eligible. Star students are preferred of course; recipients are chosen based on academic achievement.

Though it is not available to students starting their course online in 2021, you could still get a rebate. The official website reads: “All new international students who wish to commence their studies online in 2021 will automatically be awarded a 20% discount on their tuition fees in 2021 and will receive a travel grant once they transfer to New Zealand for face-to-face studies once the borders reopen.”

New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth countries enjoy special ties with each other, and New Zealand is no different. Through this scholarship, the Kiwi government invites future changemakers to gain pertinent knowledge for developing countries. That’s why it’s aimed at brilliant candidates from Africa, Asia, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific Islands, who want to contribute to the development of their home country upon graduating. Scholars may pursue a postgraduate certificate or diploma, master’s degree, or PhD.

Fulbright New Zealand US Graduate Awards

Promising American graduate students could set their sights on this popular scholarship to New Zealand. Fulbright grants eight awards every year, which are worth up to NZ$35,000 each. Bachelor’s degree holders are welcome to apply. Compared to other scholarships in New Zealand, “Fulbright New Zealand is especially interested in proposals that incorporate New Zealand studies or have a comparative element with the US.”

Recipients could further extend their exchange to New Zealand by applying for supplementary awards in individual universities. This includes the University of Auckland Fulbright Scholarship, Victoria Fulbright Masters Scholarship, and Auckland University of Technology.