The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme 2026 has officially announced the opening of tertiary applications from 1 March 2026 and will close on 31 March 2026 at midday.
This prestigious fully funded New Zealand Government scholarship offers outstanding students from eligible partner countries the opportunity to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees at top universities in Aotearoa New Zealand and selected Pacific institutions.
📌 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2026 – Quick Facts
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme |
| Funded By | Government of New Zealand |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s, PG Certificate, PG Diploma, Master’s, PhD |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Study Destination | New Zealand & Pacific Universities |
| Applications Open | 1 March 2026 (00:00) |
| Application Deadline | 31 March 2026 (12:00 midday) |
🌏 What Is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships aim to build prosperity, security, and sustainable development in partner countries while strengthening lifelong connections with Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rooted in the principle of manaakitanga—hospitality, respect, and support—the programme nurtures the leaders of tomorrow by providing access to a globally recognised education and an authentic New Zealand experience.
🎓 Levels of Study Available
Successful applicants may pursue:
- 🎓 Undergraduate Degree – 3 to 4 years
- 📜 Postgraduate Certificate – 6 months
- 📘 Postgraduate Diploma – 1 year
- 🎓 Master’s Degree – 1 to 2 years
- 🎓 PhD – up to 3.5 years
⏳ Expected Start Date: Semester 1 in the year following the scholarship application.
🌍 Eligible Countries for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2026
🌊 Eligible Pacific Countries – Study in New Zealand
- Fiji (postgraduate only)
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- New Caledonia
- Niue
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- North Pacific (FSM, Palau, Marshall Islands)
📌 Important Notes:
- Cook Islands applicants are managed under a separate scholarship scheme
- Tokelau applicants are currently eligible only for Short-Term Training Scholarships
🏝️ Study at a Pacific University (Alternative Option)
Citizens from the following countries may choose to study at a Pacific university:
- Kiribati
- Niue
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Approved Pacific Universities:
- University of the South Pacific
- Fiji National University
📚 Recommended Fields of Study (High Priority)
Manaaki New Zealand strongly prioritises study fields aligned with the social and economic development needs of each eligible country.
In your application, you must clearly explain:
- How your chosen course aligns with the recommended sectors for your country
- The skills and knowledge you aim to gain
- How these skills will contribute to your country’s development
⚠️ Applications that do not align with recommended subjects are unlikely to be considered.
📝 Eligibility Questionnaire (Mandatory)
Before applying, all applicants must complete the online eligibility questionnaire, which assesses:
- Citizenship status
- Length of residence in your home country
- Work experience
- Country eligibility
- Military service status
- Previous Manaaki scholarship history
👉 You must pass this questionnaire before submitting an application.
🏫 Approved Universities in New Zealand
Manaaki New Zealand Scholars can study at 11 approved institutions.
🎓 Eight World-Class Universities
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- University of Waikato
- Massey University
- Lincoln University
- Auckland University of Technology
📊 QS World University Rankings place New Zealand universities in the top 3% globally, with over 30 subjects ranked in the world’s top 100.
🛠️ Institutes of Technology
- Southern Institute of Technology
- Unitec Institute of Technology
- Wintec – Waikato Institute of Technology
These institutions focus on practical, hands-on learning with strong industry relevance.
⭐ Why Choose the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?
✅ Fully funded tuition and living support
✅ Study at top-ranked universities
✅ Global academic recognition
✅ Strong leadership and professional networks
✅ Real impact on home-country development
✅ Unique and authentic New Zealand experience
⏰ Important Dates to Remember
🗓 Applications Open: 1 March 2026
🛑 Deadline: 31 March 2026 (midday)
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