New Zealand is one of the most attractive study destinations for international students, offering top-quality education and a very friendly environment. Even so, the country has a reputation for high academic standards and is home to some of the most prestigious higher institutions in the world, including the University of Waikato, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and Lincoln University.
However, studying and living in New Zealand can be very expensive for an international student, which is why foreign students seek scholarships to fund their studies and stay in the Oceania country. Interestingly, there are quite a number of fully funded scholarships offered by both universities and non-profit entities in New Zealand. In this article, we will provide useful guides on how to increase your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship in New Zealand.
5 Ways To Get Fully Funded Scholarship in New Zealand
These tips are more like a guide to boost your chances of winning a fully funded scholarship to study in a New Zealand school in 2025.
1. Apply for Government Scholarships
Unlike in most other countries, if you intend to study under a fully funded scholarship in New Zealand, you need to apply for government-sponsored programs. These scholarships are designed to support international students and promote New Zealand’s educational and cultural ties with other countries. However, some of these government scholarships are limited to students/citizens of specific countries and regions.
An example of government scholarships in New Zealand is the New Zealand Scholarships by MFAT (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), which is open to students from developing countries and is fully funded. The eligibility criteria include being a citizen of a participating country and knowing the English language fluently.
2. Try Out University-Specific Scholarships
In case you keep falling out of favor of government-sponsored scholarships, you can check out university-based scholarships. There are actually many New Zealand universities that offer their own scholarships to international students. These scholarships have varying eligibility criteria, depending on the actual school offering them. Some NZ universities that offer scholarships include the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.
3. Join Research-Based Programs
You probably don’t know, but some research-based programs help you secure fully funded scholarships to study in NZ universities as an international student. However, most of these research scholarships and fellowships are meant for postgraduates and doctoral students who are interested in researching into specific fields such as science, technology, engineering, or social sciences. An example of these programs is Commonwealth Scholarships, which are offered to citizens of Commonwealth countries – who also have strong academic qualifications.
4. Stay Calm and Prepared
One very important part of looking out for scholarship offers is to stay prepared. Get recommendation letters from reputable and notable individuals or influential scholars, ready all your certificates, and make sure your academic proofs are well intact. You don’t want to start feeling unease or be found wanting of specific documents when you actually get approved for a scholarship and asked to present your documentation.
5. Join International Student Organizations
Yes, quite many international student organizations have ties with scholarship program providers and can assist you in ways you may not even imagine to secure a scholarship. But for this, you mainly need to be an active member of the organization, and maybe, meet some membership requirements before they can sign you up for fully funded scholarships. To see and join these organizations, you need to attend education fairs and webinars.
Top 7 Schools Offering Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand
Here are the top 7 schools in New Zealand offering fully funded scholarships in 2024, and would be the ones to pick from if you’re seeking for admission in 2025:
1. University of Auckland
Scholarship Program: University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and top-ranked institution. It offers several fully funded scholarships, including the International Student Excellence Scholarship, which covers full tuition fees for students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Why Choose This School:
- Ranked among the top 100 universities globally
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs
- Strong emphasis on research and innovation
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Open to international students
- Based on academic merit and leadership qualities
2. Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarship Program: Wellington Doctoral Scholarship
Victoria University of Wellington offers the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship, which is a fully funded scholarship for students pursuing doctoral studies. It covers full tuition and includes a stipend to support living expenses. The university also offers various other scholarships for undergraduates and master’s students.
Why Choose This School:
- Renowned for its law, humanities, and social sciences programs
- Vibrant research community and cutting-edge facilities
- Located in New Zealand’s capital, offering access to government and international organizations
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Open to both domestic and international doctoral students
- Based on academic achievement and research potential
3. University of Otago
Scholarship Program: University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university and one of its most respected. Its fully funded Doctoral Scholarships provide financial support for PhD students, including tuition fees and an annual living allowance. Otago also offers various other scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Why Choose This School:
- Known for its strong research programs, particularly in medicine, law, and humanities
- Beautiful campus with vibrant student life
- Focus on fostering global collaborations and research
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Open to domestic and international students pursuing doctoral degrees
- Based on academic merit and research proposal quality
4. Massey University
Scholarship Program: Massey University Doctoral Scholarships
Massey University offers fully funded Doctoral Scholarships that cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. The university also provides various scholarships for undergraduate and master’s students, particularly those excelling in research fields such as agriculture, business, and technology.
Why Choose This School:
- Known for its practical and applied research, particularly in agriculture and business
- Multiple campuses offering flexibility and diverse academic opportunities
- Focus on distance learning and online education
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Open to both domestic and international students
- Selection based on academic performance and research proposal
5. University of Canterbury
Scholarship Program: UC Doctoral Scholarship
The University of Canterbury offers fully funded Doctoral Scholarships for students pursuing PhDs. In addition to tuition coverage, students receive a living allowance for the duration of their studies. UC also offers other scholarships for undergraduates and master’s students, particularly in engineering, science, and business.
Why Choose This School:
- Leading research university, especially in engineering and environmental sciences
- State-of-the-art facilities and research centers
- Focus on global issues such as sustainability and disaster management
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Open to both domestic and international doctoral students
- Awarded based on academic achievement and research potential
6. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Scholarship Program: Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarships
AUT is known for its modern, innovative approach to education. The Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarships provide full tuition coverage and a stipend for PhD students. AUT also offers numerous scholarships for undergraduates, particularly in fields such as communication studies, design, and technology.
Why Choose This School:
- Strong focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience
- Industry connections and opportunities for internships
- Dynamic campus life and a diverse student community
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Open to domestic and international doctoral students
- Selection based on academic excellence and research proposal quality
7. Lincoln University
Scholarship Program: Lincoln University International Scholarships
Lincoln University specializes in agriculture, environmental studies, and sustainability. It offers several fully funded scholarships for international students, covering tuition and providing living allowances. The university has a strong focus on addressing global agricultural and environmental challenges.
Why Choose This School:
- Renowned for its focus on agriculture, environmental science, and sustainability
- Small class sizes and personalized learning experiences
- Close-knit campus community with a global outlook
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Open to international students in relevant fields of study
- Based on academic achievement and demonstrated interest in global sustainability issues
Wrapping it Up:
Practicing these tips shared above will definitely increase your chances of landing a fully funded scholarship to study at a New Zealand university. The Oceania country of New Zealand is not only one of the best places to study but equally one of the nicest tourist locations in the world – as an international, while studying at reduced costs (under scholarship), you will get to explore the enchanting sceneries of the country and its citizens, the “Kiwis.” Good LUCK from us!