Scholarships to Study in New Zealand for International Students

Types of scholarships available

Scholarships that help international students study in New Zealand fall into a few broad categories: awards offered directly by universities, awards administered by the New Zealand government, and external awards from foundations, employers, or a student's home-country programmes. Each has its own eligibility, value, coverage, and deadlines, and these are set by the awarding body — not by GlobalStudyBoard.

No scholarship is guaranteed, and competition is often strong. Use this guide to understand the landscape, then confirm every detail (eligibility, amount, what it covers, and how to apply) on the official scholarship page before you apply.

• University scholarships — merit, entrance, and faculty/programme awards
• Government scholarships — administered by New Zealand government bodies
• External awards — foundations, employers, home-country schemes

University scholarships

New Zealand's universities offer a range of scholarships for international students, which may include entrance or merit awards based on academic achievement, faculty- or programme-specific scholarships, and research scholarships for postgraduate study. Some are awarded automatically on the basis of your application; others require a separate scholarship application.

The most reliable place to find these is each university's official scholarships database, where you can filter by level, citizenship, and field. Amounts and criteria differ by university and change each year, so always check the current listing.

Government and external scholarships

The New Zealand government administers scholarship programmes for international students through its official channels; eligibility and country coverage vary by programme. In addition, students may be eligible for external awards offered by foundations, professional bodies, or schemes in their home country.

All genuine scholarships assess applicants on secular, published criteria — typically academic merit, field of study, financial need, or community involvement. Confirm eligibility and deadlines on the official programme page, and apply directly through the official channel.

How to search and apply

A practical approach: start with the official scholarships database of each university on your shortlist, then check New Zealand government scholarship listings and any home-country or external schemes you may qualify for. Note each award's eligibility, value, what it covers (full or partial), and its deadline, which often falls before or alongside the admission deadline.

Apply early and prepare a strong application — typically academic records, a statement, and references where required. Read each award's instructions carefully, as requirements differ.

Avoiding scholarship scams

Genuine scholarships never ask you to pay a fee to "guarantee" or "secure" an award, and no service can promise you a scholarship. Be cautious of anyone asking for payment, personal banking details, or upfront charges in exchange for a guaranteed scholarship — these are red flags.

Apply only through official university and government websites. This guide is general information, not a guarantee of funding; verify every scholarship on its official source before sharing any information or money.