Thinking of applying for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?

Applications for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship open on 1 March 2026. This scholarship provides financial support for students from eligible countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to pursue study in areas such as renewable energy and climate change. If you’re thinking of applying, here’s what you need to know to help you get started.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship supports international students to study in Aotearoa New Zealand. Funded by the New Zealand Government through the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Manaaki scholarships aim to strengthen skills, knowledge, and leadership in partner countries, helping to build sustainable development, prosperity and resilience.

Manaaki scholarships offer full tuition fees, travel, living allowance, insurance and some additional allowances for establishment, thesis, tutoring and reintegration where approved.

Application Period
Registration is open from midnight 1 March 2026 until midday 31 March 2026 (NZST).

Application Deadline
Midday 31 March 2026 (NZST)
Important Note: Portal might close earlier for specific countries if over-subscribed.

Eligibility
The online eligibility questionnaire isn’t open yet, but you can still check the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify.

Subjects
Preferred study subjects include areas such as Renewable Energy, Geothermal, Climate Change and the Environment.

Institutions
Accredited Tertiary Education Institutions in NZ, including Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland.

The relevant programmes differ slightly for Southeast Asian countries, so the University of Auckland has provided a summary highlighting the key details for each country or region: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/international-students/agent-resources/international-marketing/publications0/manaaki-publications.html

Events
Learn more about the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship through upcoming webinars and information sessions in your region:

• UoA MNZS Webinar: (date to be confirmed), Online
• MNZS Information Session & Launch (Cambodia): 1 March 2026, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• MNZS Webinar (Indonesia) coordinated by Education New Zealand: 7 March, Online

You can also view our 2025 Manaaki NZ Scholarships Webinar for 2026 Application Round – a useful resource covering common questions, along with tips and advice from former Manaaki Scholars.