Last Updated on February 3, 2022
Are you searching for scholarships to study abroad in New Zealand? To help you in your search, we have compiled a list of Free Scholarships in New Zealand for international students.
Free Scholarships in New Zealand are offered by the New Zealand government and many higher institutions alongside grants, awards, and bursaries to international students in a bid to help them to finance their education.
There are application processes individual applicants must follow in order to forestall their scholarships. It is also necessary to note the deadlines and apply before the closure so as not to be rejected. Also, there are limited New Zealand scholarships.
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Why Study in New Zealand?
With an excellent education system, internationally accredited qualifications, ample research opportunities and a matchless quality of life, New Zealand has a lot to offer. While studying here, you can be assured of a welcoming and friendly society with an excellent support system for international students. Here are some of the top reasons why you should New Zealand for your further education.
Globally recognized qualifications
All eight universities of New Zealand consistently rank high in QS World Rankings* and Times Higher Education Rankings, and qualifications from any of these are accredited across the globe, opening doors to prospects everywhere. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) also ensures that institutions are registered to enrol international students and comply with qualifications standards.
Excellent pedagogy
Influenced by the UK education system, New Zealand focuses on research-based teaching, which means you will learn dealing with situations in a systematic and an organised manner. You’ll be taught how to work independently as well as in a team at various levels. Studying here will encourage you to think critically, question and benefit from student-teacher interaction. You’ll also be implementing the concepts learnt in the classroom and develop different approaches towards solving a problem.
Innovation and research
New Zealand provides abundant opportunities in research for students. The country boasts of highly experienced faculty, well-equipped laboratories, access to latest technology, equipments, and opportunities. Its innovative spirit has made it a hub of new technologies, research and development in various fields such as healthcare, physics, geology, engineering, astronomy, computer science, agriculture, etc. Add to it, the Nobel prizes that the country has in its kitty simply reinstate the significance and vast scope of research in New Zealand.
Great scope for PhD scholars
Along with the vast research opportunities, as a PhD student you would enjoy additional privileges. You’ll be eligible to pay the same tuition fee as locals and unlike other degree students, you can work full-time during your studies. Need we say more?
Safe and peaceful
New Zealand ranks second on the Global Peace Index 2018*, which speaks about the social tolerance and political stability of the Kiwi democracy. As an international student, you’ll have the same rights as your Kiwi counterparts.
Quality of life
New Zealand offers a wonderful multi-cultural environment that exists in perfect harmony with the country’s outdoorsy lifestyle. Replete with all kinds of natural landscapes ranging from snowcapped mountains and steaming volcanoes to rolling green hills, golden sandy beaches and lush rainforests, New Zealand screams wanderlust. Living here provides every student a chance to grow with its diverse culture and natural beauty all at once.
You can work to support your studies
As an international student in New Zealand, you can work for up to 20 hours every week during your semesters and full-time during breaks. In fact, if you’re pursuing research masters or a doctoral degree, you will be allowed to work full-time.
Free Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students
The following are some of the free scholarships available in New Zealand and the required information necessary for their application.
New Zealand International Scholarships
The New Zealand Government offers full tertiary scholarships for eligible international students to study full-time at a New Zealand education institution or a Pacific university. The scholarships are open to citizens of selected countries in the Pacific, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Carribbean as well as Commonwealth countries. The scholarships include full tuition fees, a living allowance (NZ$491 per week), an establishment allowance (NZ$3000), medical insurance when you are in New Zealand, travel to and from your own country and New Zealand at the start and end of your scholarship, travel insurance, travel home during your scholarship (one or two trips home are allowed, depending on the length of your scholarship), and help with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate students.
UC International First-Year Scholarships
The University of Canterbury offers the UC International First Year Scholarship to top-achieving international students commencing an undergraduate degree programme at the University. The scholarship is currently awarded with values of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000.
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship is being made available for new International undergraduate and postgraduate students who are applying to study taught PGDip or Masters of 120 points or more, or who are applying to study undergraduate degrees (with overseas secondary or post-secondary qualifications). Studies can be in any subject. The main purpose of the Scholarship is to attract new international students of high caliber to enroll in undergraduate or postgraduate taught study of 1 year or more at the University of Auckland. Up to 50 Scholarships will be awarded bi-annually (depending on whether the candidate is commencing studies in Semester 1 or Semester 2), with each scholarship valued at up to $10,000, for postgraduate and undergraduate study.
Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington
The Victoria University of Wellington is making available the Tongarewa Scholarship to celebrate the University’s commitment to its international student community. Eligible applicants are those either entering their first year of an undergraduate degree or entering a postgraduate degree programme at Victoria University of Wellington. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested. There are up to 10 scholarships of NZ$10,000 for Bachelors and Masters degrees and up to 9 scholarships of NZ$5,000 for Masters degrees only.
University of Otago International Research Masters Scholarships
The University of Otago International Master’s Award provides funding to support international students who are undertaking a thesis-based Masters Degree at the University of Otago. The scholarship includes NZ$15,000 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver for 1 year capped at the domestic rate for Master’s study (excludes student services fee and insurance).
University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarships
The scholarships are for talented international students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and the potential to become global ambassadors for the University of Waikato. Applicants must be intending to enroll at the University of Waikato for the first time in either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. The scholarship is worth up to NZ$10,000 applied to tuition fees.