Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students

Universities and schools in New Zealand offer a range of scholarships, bursaries and grants to international students. 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 advantage.

However, do note that the amount of money available and type of award varies between the various institutions. Getting a scholarship is competitive and so, you must apply well in time. 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.

Two of the most popular government scholarships for international students to study in New Zealand are:

  • New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)

    Funded by the New Zealand government, these scholarships are for international students who wish to pursue PhD in New Zealand. Inclusions under this award are university tuition fee, associated student levies, living stipend (upto NZ$25,000 tax-free) and health insurance coverage (upto NZ$600 annually) for three years.

  • New Zealand Development Scholarships

    It is one of the most popular government scholarships for international students to pursue postgraduate study in New Zealand. It is funded by the New Zealand Aid Program and managed by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Also, 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

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 programs, 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.

  • Certain research programs 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.

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.