Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for Developing Countries 2025–2026

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The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), offer a transformative opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate studies at top New Zealand universities and Pacific institutions.

Launched as part of the New Zealand Aid Programme, the scholarships aim to foster sustainable development by equipping scholars with skills to drive economic and social progress in their home countries.

With over 520 scholars annually, the program has empowered leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific since the 1950s. For 2025–2026, the scholarships prioritize fields like climate change, renewable energy, and governance, aligning with the development needs of eligible countries.

This comprehensive guide outlines eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for Nigerians and other international candidates.

Why Choose the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?

New Zealand’s education system ranks among the top 3% globally, according to QS World University Rankings, offering a world-class academic experience complemented by a safe, inclusive, and culturally rich environment.

The Manaaki Scholarships, meaning “hospitality” in Māori, embody New Zealand’s commitment to supporting global talent. Key benefits include:

• Fully Funded Support: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, ensuring financial accessibility.
• Top Universities: Study at institutions like the University of Auckland, AUT, or Massey University, known for innovation and research.
• Development Focus: Scholars gain skills in priority areas like agriculture, disaster risk management, and public sector development, directly benefiting their home countries.
• Global Networking: Join a community of over 150,000 alumni, fostering lifelong connections and collaboration.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience New Zealand’s landscapes, from waterfalls to botanical gardens, and its welcoming Kiwi culture.

Scholars like Ifeoma from Nigeria, who studied renewable energy at the University of Otago, have used their expertise to advance sustainable projects in their communities. The program’s emphasis on returning home ensures tangible impact.

Program Overview

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships offer several tracks for 2025–2026, catering to diverse educational and professional needs:

• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships: Full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s, Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, or PhD programs at 11 approved New Zealand institutions or Pacific universities (e.g., University of the South Pacific).
• Short-Term Training Scholarships: Skills training and work experience for Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens, focusing on vocational skills.
• English Language Training for Officials (NZELTO): Short-term English courses for government officials from African and Asian countries, including Nigeria.

The tertiary scholarships prioritize fields aligned with each country’s development needs, such as climate change, renewable energy, disaster risk management, food security, agriculture, and good governance. Scholars are required to return to their home country for two years post-study to apply their skills.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarships are open to citizens of over 80 developing countries, including Nigeria, with specific criteria to ensure alignment with development goals:

• Citizenship: Eligible countries include African nations (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya), Pacific countries (e.g., Samoa, Tonga), Asian countries (e.g., Cambodia, Indonesia), Latin American countries (e.g., Colombia, Mexico), and Caribbean nations (e.g., Jamaica). Check country-specific eligibility lists.
• Age: Minimum 18 years at the start of the scholarship (17 for Samoa Foundation applicants); preference for candidates under 40.
• Residency: Must have resided in the home country for two years prior to applying, except for diplomats or their dependents.
• Work Experience:
  • Postgraduate and mature undergraduate applicants: One year of full-time (30+ hours/week) or two years of part-time (up to 29 hours/week) work experience, paid or unpaid.
  • School leavers (undergraduate): No work experience required.
• Academic Requirements: Meet the entry requirements of the chosen New Zealand institution, typically including a Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate applicants.
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90 (writing score 21) for postgraduate studies; shortlisted candidates from certain countries (e.g., Nigeria) may have IELTS costs covered.
• Commitment: Agree to return to the home country for two years post-scholarship to contribute to development.
• Restrictions: Ineligible if within a two-year stand-down period from a previous Manaaki scholarship, terminated for academic/conduct issues, or withdrew for personal reasons.

Nigerians and other Africans are prioritized for fields like agriculture and renewable energy, reflecting regional development needs.

Benefits of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

The scholarships provide comprehensive financial support for the duration of the program:

• Full Tuition Fees: Covers all academic costs at the chosen institution.
• Living Allowance: NZD 615 per week (approximately USD 360) for basic living expenses; adjusted for online study in the home country.
• Establishment Allowance: NZD 3,000 for setup costs like accommodation, textbooks, and study materials.
• Medical and Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health and travel.
• Travel Costs: Round-trip economy airfare to/from the home country, plus one or two home trips for programs over 1.6 years.
• Tutoring Costs: Up to NZD 1,000 for additional academic support.
• Research/Thesis Costs: Support for postgraduate students’ research expenses.
• Reintegration Allowance: Funding to assist with resettlement in the home country.

Additional benefits include pastoral care from universities and a 25% accommodation rebate at select institutions like AUT’s Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive. Family expenses and personal travel are not covered.

Participating Institutions and Fields of Study

Scholars can study at 11 approved New Zealand institutions, including the University of Auckland, AUT, Massey University, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, and others, or at Pacific universities like the University of the South Pacific. Preferred fields vary by country but include:

• Climate Change and Environment: Renewable energy, environmental management, water resource management.
• Disaster Risk Management: Emergency management, resilience planning.
• Agriculture and Food Security: Agribusiness, agricultural development, food safety.
• Governance: Public policy, good governance, human rights.
• Education: Education policy, inclusive education.
• Health: Public health, health leadership.

For Nigeria, priority fields include agriculture, renewable energy, and governance, aligning with national development goals. Applicants must check institution-specific course offerings and entry requirements.

Application Process

The application process for the 2025–2026 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships is online and region-specific, with a unified deadline of February 28, 2025. Steps include:

1. Complete Eligibility Test: Take the online eligibility questionnaire to confirm citizenship, residency, work experience, and age requirements. Eligible candidates receive an eligibility code.
2. Register for an Account: Create a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account using an email address and eligibility code. Set a password via the emailed link.
3. Prepare Documents:
   • Academic transcripts and certificates.
   • CV detailing education and work experience.
   • Two recommendation letters (academic or professional).
   • English proficiency test scores (if required; shortlisted candidates may have IELTS costs covered for certain countries).
   • Answers to application questions within word limits, addressing how your study will contribute to your country’s development.
4. Select Institution and Course: Choose a preferred university and up to two courses aligned with your country’s priority sectors. Verify entry requirements on the institution’s website.
5. Submit Application: Complete the online form in English, upload documents, and submit by 12:00 PM NZDT on February 28, 2025. Apply 3–10 days early to avoid system overload.
6. Shortlisting and Admission: Shortlisted candidates are notified by April 2025 and must apply for admission to their chosen institution. A scholarship offer does not guarantee university admission.
7. Visa Application: Apply for a student visa after accepting the scholarship offer, including medical checks (processing takes 2–3 months).

Applications for Samoa Foundation students open in July 2025. Contact the Scholarships team via the MFAT website for queries.

Tips for a Successful Application

The Manaaki Scholarships are highly competitive, with thousands applying for limited spots. Maximize your chances with these tips:

• Align with Development Goals: Clearly articulate how your chosen field (e.g., renewable energy for Nigeria) addresses your country’s needs.
• Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can validate your academic or professional contributions to development.
• Check Course Eligibility: Ensure you meet the academic and English requirements of your chosen institution before applying.
• Write Concisely: Answer application questions within word limits, using clear English and avoiding plagiarism.
• Apply Early: Submit by mid-February 2025 to avoid technical issues, as the portal may close early for high-volume countries.

Contact institutions like AUT (manaakinz@aut.ac.nz) or Otago (international-connect@otago.ac.nz) for course guidance.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates for the tertiary scholarships include:

• February 1, 2026: Application portal opens at midnight NZDT.
• February 28, 2026: Application deadline at 12:00 PM NZDT (7:00 AM WAT).
• April 2026: Shortlist notifications and university admission applications begin.
• Early 2026: Programs commence (semester one).
• July 2026: Samoa Foundation applications open (if applicable).

Apply early to avoid system overload, as noted in previous cycles.

Life as a Manaaki Scholar

Scholars experience New Zealand’s vibrant academic and cultural environment, studying in cities like Auckland, Wellington, or Dunedin. They benefit from pastoral care, mentorship, and enrichment programs, fostering leadership and critical thinking.

The scholarship’s support, including a NZD 615 weekly stipend, allows focus on studies and community engagement. Scholars return home equipped to lead initiatives in governance, health, or environmental sustainability.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Fully funded graduate studies in the USA.
• Chevening Scholarships: UK-funded Master’s programs for leadership-focused professionals.
• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship: Master’s degrees in development-related fields.

These programs also prioritize development impact and offer similar financial support.

Conclusion

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2025–2026 provide a life-changing opportunity for students from developing countries, including Nigerians, to gain world-class education and contribute to their nations’ progress.

With full funding, access to top universities, and a focus on fields like climate change and governance, the program empowers future leaders. Early preparation and alignment with development goals are key to securing this competitive scholarship.

Apply by February 28, 2026, to embark on a transformative journey in New Zealand’s inclusive and innovative academic environment. Visit www.nzscholarships.govt.nz to apply.

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