Dreaming of studying in New Zealand with a fully funded scholarship? Your chance might be here — the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2025 Foundation Round has officially opened for Samoa applicants, and students from other eligible countries can look forward to the next round in early 2026.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to apply for this golden opportunity and prepare ahead if your country isn’t open just yet.
What is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, funded by the New Zealand Government, are prestigious awards for students from developing countries. These scholarships aim to support future leaders in gaining world-class education in New Zealand to contribute back to their home countries.
Each year, the Manaaki program enables selected students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies across various fields — from public policy to agriculture, sustainability, business, engineering, and more.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Medical and travel insurance
- Airfare to and from New Zealand
- Research and thesis costs (for postgraduate students)
This scholarship is not just about financial support — it’s a life-changing opportunity to study in a vibrant, welcoming country and gain international skills to impact your home country.
Who Can Apply in 2025?
Currently, only applicants from Samoa can apply for the 2025 Foundation Round.
If you’re from a different eligible country, don’t worry — your turn is coming soon. The application window for all other eligible countries is expected to open in early 2026. You can check if your country is eligible here.
Application Timeline for Samoa Applicants
- Applications Open: 1st August 2025
- Applications Close: 31st August 2025 at 12:00 PM (midday NZ time)
It’s a tight timeline, so be sure to act fast!