Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2027–28 – Fully Funded Study in New Zealand (Pacific & Select Asian Countries)
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the New Zealand Government’s flagship scholarships for students from the Pacific and a limited set of partner countries in Asia. They are funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and administered by Education New Zealand, and they cover undergraduate and postgraduate study at New Zealand universities and polytechnics.
Important: the list of eligible countries has been narrowed in recent years and is mainly the Pacific and ASEAN region. Check the official eligibility list before investing time; applicants from outside it cannot apply.
Deadline (expected): the 2026 round closed at the end of March 2026. The next round is expected to open around 1 March 2027 and close around 31 March 2027, although one source lists 10 April. Dates are set by New Zealand and some countries close early because of demand, so check the official page.
What It Covers
- Full tuition fees
- A living allowance reported at NZ$615 per week
- An establishment allowance reported at NZ$3,000
- Medical insurance and return travel
Eligibility
- Citizen of an eligible partner country, aged 18 or over
- Strong academic record and a plan that links your studies to your country’s development
- Commitment to return home after your studies
How to Apply
- Check the eligible-country list and priority fields on the official Manaaki page.
- Create your Manaaki account when the portal opens and complete the online form.
- Apply to a New Zealand institution as well; some university scholarships have separate, earlier deadlines.
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed and selection takes several months.
Tips
Manaaki reviewers prioritise development impact over personal achievement, so write about the problem you want to help solve at home and how your study, work experience and return plan fit together.
Why the Manaaki Scholarship Matters
New Zealand’s government funds the scholarship as part of its development cooperation, so the selection process places a strong emphasis on how your studies will benefit your home country. The programme covers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across priority fields, and recipients receive both financial support and pastoral care while studying. It is one of the most complete packages available to students from eligible countries.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Around 1 March 2027: applications are expected to open at midnight New Zealand time
- Around 31 March 2027, midday NZ time: expected closing date, with one source quoting 10 April
- April to September 2027: applications are reviewed
- May to June 2027: interviews for some shortlisted candidates
- Late 2027: final offers and preparation for study in 2028
These dates come from secondary sources and were not published officially when this article was written. Check the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships page.
Check Your Country First
Eligibility is limited to citizens of a set list of partner countries, and in recent years the list has focused on the Pacific and ASEAN region. If your country is not on the official list, you cannot apply, however strong your profile is. Do this check before you spend time writing essays.
What You Need to Apply
- Citizenship of an eligible country and age 18 or over
- An academic record that meets the entry requirements of a New Zealand institution
- A clear plan that links your studies to your country’s development priorities
- An intention to return home after the scholarship
- Evidence of relevant work, volunteering or leadership experience
How to Apply
- Read the official eligibility rules and the list of priority fields.
- Create your account on the application system once it opens.
- Prepare your transcripts, identity documents, references and your development-impact statement.
- Apply for admission to a New Zealand institution if the process requires it, and check any earlier university scholarship deadlines.
- Submit before the deadline, because the system may close earlier for countries with high demand.
Writing a Development-Focused Application
Reviewers want to know what problem you are trying to solve and why you are the person to solve it. Describe a specific challenge in your community or sector, explain what skills the New Zealand programme will give you, and show how you will apply them after returning. Use numbers where you can, such as the number of people you have served or the size of a project you led.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without confirming your country is eligible
- Writing a personal success story instead of a development plan
- Submitting at the last minute when the system is busy
- Missing earlier deadlines for university scholarships that you wanted to combine
More Questions Applicants Ask
Can African students apply? According to the sources we reviewed, the eligible list is mainly the Pacific and Asia. Check the official page.
Does it cover family members? Rules on dependants are set by the programme, so read the official guidance.
Planning Your Study Path in New Zealand
Think about how the degree will connect to your career before you apply. Compare New Zealand universities by research strengths, entry requirements, class sizes and support for international students. Contact the admissions office to confirm that your qualifications are recognised, and ask about English language requirements, since the scholarship requires you to meet them before you start. If the programme you want has an earlier internal deadline, you may need to apply for admission months before the scholarship opens.
Preparing Your Documents Early
Gather your passport, certified copies of academic documents, English test results, employer letters and references well before March. Many applicants lose time because their universities take weeks to issue official transcripts. Create a folder with scans of each document and a checklist of what the application system asks for.
Realistic Expectations
The programme is competitive and the review process takes many months. Apply for other funding at the same time, and treat Manaaki as one of several routes rather than your only plan.
After You Are Selected
Successful applicants usually receive guidance on visas, travel and enrolment from the programme team. Use that period to confirm accommodation, learn about New Zealand’s academic culture and connect with other scholars and alumni from your country.
A Note on Official Information
Because the eligible countries, dates and benefits are set by the New Zealand Government each year, treat this guide as preparation and confirm every detail on the official Manaaki page before applying. Keep screenshots or saved copies of the rules that applied when you submitted.
