Scholarships in New Zealand

Universities and schools in New Zealand offer a range of scholarships, bursaries and grants for international students to help them fund their studies. You can also apply to scholarships provided by the government, public and private organisations. Before you apply to any of these scholarships, do check the eligibility and criteria, along with the closing date.

The primary criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score, however, it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to your advantage.

However, do note that the amount of money available and the type of award varies between the various institutions. Getting a scholarship is competitive, so you must apply early. We recommend you to start with the procedure about 8-12 months before the intake begins. If you get stuck anywhere, IDP counsellors will be more than happy to guide you through.

Common types of international student scholarships in New Zealand.

Wondering how to get a scholarship in New Zealand? Explore various scholarship opportunities that can make your dreams come true. New Zealand offers a range of partially and fully funded scholarships for international students, including:

Merit-based scholarships: These awards recognise exceptional academic performance. To be eligible, you typically need a strong academic record and, in some cases, outstanding test scores like the IELTS.

Departmental scholarships: Departmental scholarships are tailored to specific fields of study. If you're pursuing a particular course, look for scholarships related to your area of interest.

Diversity scholarships: New Zealand values diversity. Scholarships in this category aim to foster inclusivity by supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

Research scholarships: Ideal for postgraduate students, research scholarships fund innovative research projects. Eligibility often depends on the quality and feasibility of your research proposal.

Government scholarships: New Zealand's government offers various scholarships to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs.

Please add in information on Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/en/types-of-new-zealand-scholarships/

All universities and colleges also have their own set of scholarships which can be subject or destination specific. Do check with them for available options in time.

How to get a scholarship in New Zealand

Are you dreaming of studying in New Zealand and in search of financial aid to turn that dream into reality? Scholarships can be your ticket to top-notch education in this stunning land of opportunities. Here's what you need to know:

Eligibility criteria for Malaysian students

Scholarship eligibility varies depending on the program. Some scholarships simply require an application, while others, especially research-centric ones, may demand written assignments. It's crucial to research thoroughly and don't hesitate to reach out to the university's admission centre if you have any doubts.

Application process and timeline

Securing a scholarship in New Zealand can be competitive, so early planning is key. We recommend starting the application process about 8-12 months before your intended intake begins. This timeline ensures you have sufficient time to research, prepare, and submit your applications.

Crafting a compelling scholarship application

When applying for scholarships, a well-crafted application can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips:

Personal statement: Your personal statement should highlight your passion for your chosen field of study and how a scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Be genuine and heartfelt in your writing.

Academic achievements and extracurricular activities: Highlight your academic accomplishments and involvement in extracurricular activities. Scholarships often consider not just your grades but also your contributions to your community.

Seek recommendations: Strong recommendations from teachers, mentors, or employers can significantly boost your scholarship application. Choose individuals who can speak to your character and potential.

Endorsements: Some scholarships may require endorsements or nominations from specific organisations or authorities. Ensure you fulfil these requirements accurately.

Keep in mind

Every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. In case of some, just an application will help you get hold of the scholarship. For research centric programmes, you may have to submit written assignments. So, research well and do not hesitate to contact the university admission centre if you have any doubts. Your IDP counsellor can also assist you in finding the right scholarship for you. Schedule a free appointment with your IDP counsellor to chat with us about the process.

Certain research programmes may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures.

You may experience higher competition when you apply for government scholarships in comparison to the university scholarships. So, it’s always better to apply in advance to receive a timely response.

Please refer to the links that I have included for individual universities for UG and PG scholarships:

Undergraduate scholarships in New Zealand

• AUT International Student Accommodation Scholarships

• AUT International Academic Achievement Scholarship

• AUT International Excellence Scholarships - Faculty of Culture and Society

• The Tongarewa Scholarships

• Global Alumni Graduate Fees Waiver

• Automatic Master’s scholarships at the Victoria University of Wellington:

1. Master of Conservation Biology

2. Master of International Trade

3. Master of Marine Conservation

• University of Waikato Fees Discounts

• Lincoln University International Pathway Merit Scholarship

• The Lincoln University Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship

• The Lincoln University International School leavers Scholarship

• 180-credit Taught Master Merit Scholarship

Postgraduate scholarships in New Zealand

• Otago International Excellence Scholarships

• University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship

• University of Otago Coursework Master's Scholarship

• Master of Engineering Practice paid industry or research project

• Master of Drug Discovery and Development Scholarship

• Faculty of Law International Students LLM Fee Scholarship

New Zealand university scholarships

Here is a list of some of the scholarships available for Malaysian students applying to institutions in New Zealand:

Auckland University of Technology

University of Otago

Victoria University of Wellington

University of Waikato

Lincoln University

University of Canterbury

University of Auckland

Securing a good scholarship can help bring down your cost of studying internationally considerably. If you wish to explore university wise options, speak with your IDP counsellor for specific details.