About this opportunity
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded government scholarship for students from developing countries to study undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in New Zealand. It covers full tuition, a weekly living stipend, establishment and reintegration allowances, insurance and return airfare. The 2027 round is expected to open on 1 March 2027 and close at midday on 10 April 2027, so eligible applicants should start preparing their documents now.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for applicants heading to New Zealand. Applications close on Apr 10, 2027.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be a citizen of an eligible developing country in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America or the Caribbean
- Be aged 18 or older when the scholarship starts
- Meet the academic and English language entry requirements of the chosen New Zealand course and institution
- Have relevant work experience, generally required for most postgraduate courses
- Apply for a course aligned with your country's published development priority sectors
- Show how your study will contribute to your country's development on your return
- Commit to return to your home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship
What the opportunity may offer
- Full tuition fees at one of 11 eligible New Zealand universities and polytechnics
- Weekly living stipend while studying
- Establishment allowance of NZ$3,000 on arrival
- Medical and travel insurance for the scholarship period
- Return airfare to New Zealand
- Research and thesis costs covered for postgraduate scholars
- Reintegration allowance of NZ$1,000 on returning home
- A structured New Zealand experience plus a lifelong Manaaki alumni network
Required documents
- Online application through the official Manaaki applicant portal
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of relevant work experience, where the chosen course requires it
- Reference letters, as required by the application
- Statement of development impact showing how the study will benefit your home country
Application process
- Confirm your country is on the official Manaaki eligibility list
- Complete the online eligibility questionnaire on the official Manaaki portal when the round opens
- Obtain an eligibility code and create a RealMe government login account
- Research the 11 approved institutions and select your preferred universities and programmes
- Check your country's priority sectors and align your course choice to them
- Draft the required essays with a strong focus on development impact back home, then submit well before the midday deadline
Before you apply
- □Apply before Apr 10, 2027 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
- □Prepare your 6 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
The 2027 round dates are not yet published on the official Manaaki site: Massey University, an approved partner institution, reports applications open at midnight NZ time on 1 March 2027 and close at midday NZ time on 10 April 2027 for study starting in 2028. Re-check nzscholarships.govt.nz before applying, because the portal can close early for high-demand countries.
Frequently asked questions
When do Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027 applications open and close?
The 2027 round is expected to open at midnight NZ time on 1 March 2027 and close at midday NZ time on 10 April 2027. Note the midday closing time, and that the portal can close early for high-demand countries; the dates are not yet posted on the official site.
Who can apply for the Manaaki scholarship?
Citizens aged 18 or older from eligible developing countries who meet academic and English requirements and choose a course aligned with their country's development priorities.
Does the Manaaki scholarship require returning home after study?
Yes. Scholars must return to their home country for at least two years; breaching this condition can mean repaying the full cost of the scholarship.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.