The Government of New Zealand has officially opened its Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships 2025 for professionals from eligible Pacific and developing island nations. This opportunity is part of New Zealand’s commitment to uplifting global human capacity and advancing economic and social development in partner countries.
These highly sought-after scholarships are a golden ticket for professionals eager to sharpen their skills, gain practical work experience, or participate in online/in-country training programs — all aligned with their country’s development priorities and New Zealand’s strategic focus areas.
What the Scholarship Covers?
Successful scholars will benefit from:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Training-related costs
- Weekly living allowance (stipend)
- Travel and other necessary expenses
Programs are available for durations ranging from one week to 12 months and can include:
- Classroom training with a certified New Zealand provider
- Professional work placements
- Online or in-country skill development courses.
Focus Areas You Can Train In
All training programs must align with your home country’s development goals and fall under New Zealand’s top priority sectors:
- Climate Change and Resilience
Climate adaptation, environmental management, disaster preparedness - Food Security and Agriculture
- Renewable Energy
- Good Governance, Law, and Justice
- Economic Resilience & Private Sector Development
- Information & Communications Technology
- Tourism & Fisheries.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries or territories: Tokelau, Vanuatu, Palau, Kiribati, Timor-Leste, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Nauru, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Marshall Islands.
- Have lived in your country for at least the past 2 years
- Be 18 years or older at the start of the program
- Have at least 1 year of full-time or 2 years of part-time work experience
- Not be a citizen or permanent resident of countries like New Zealand, USA, UK, Australia, Canada, or any EU state
- Not currently serving in the military
- Have employer endorsement (if employed)
- Expect to meet English and academic entry requirements
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted through your local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. Some countries accept applications year-round, while others have set deadlines. Contact your nearest Embassy/High Commission as early as possible to: https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/vocational-short-term-scholarships/.
If selected, you will receive an official Letter of Offer detailing the scholarship conditions, which you must agree to before beginning the training.