Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026-2027

A Comprehensive Guide to Apply Online for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026-2027

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to help build sustainable development in partner countries and a lifetime connection with New Zealand.

The purpose is for candidates to gain knowledge and skills through their study in specific subject areas that will assist in the development of their home country. Awardees are required to return to their home country for at least two years after the completion of their scholarship to apply these new skills and knowledge in government, civil society, or private business organisations.

The entire scholarship experience, from developing your mind and your career, to enjoying Kiwi lifestyles and cultures, has the potential to shape your life in the most impactful ways. We are sure that securing a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship and studying abroad in New Zealand will be one of the best things you ever do.

On this page, you will find more information about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for 2026/2027 academic year, including eligibility details, a place to apply online, and our best tips for a successful application. A Manaaki New Zealand scholarship will change and enrich your life. Lets get you started!

New Applicants

Eligible applicants can only start an application from the application opening date for their country.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Complete the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships online eligibility test to see if you are eligible to apply. If the Online Eligibility Test confirms that you are eligible, you will get an eligibility code (number).

Step 2: Register for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

If you are eligible you will see a “register” button on the webpage, click on this to start your registration for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account. You will be asked to enter an email address, this will become your username for logging on again later. The system will run a check to make sure that this email address is not already being used. If the check passes, you will need to complete the rest of your account details and select ‘Register’. This is where you will enter your Eligibility Code that you have emailed to yourself or written down.

Step 3: Set password for your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

You will be sent an email to set a password to complete the registration process. Click on the link in the email which will take you to a screen where you will need to set your password. Remember to look in your spam folder, where automated messages are sometimes filtered.

Step 4: Complete and submit your application before the closing date

Use your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account to access the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship online application system anytime between the opening and closing dates for your country. Make sure you submit your application before the deadline.

Before you apply

Before you apply; what information and documents you need

Application writing tips

Write in English: We do not accept applications in other languages.
Check your work: Make sure your answers make sense. Use correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Keep answers concise: Make sure each answer is within the maximum character limit specified on the form.
Don’t cheat or plagiarise: We will reject your application if there is evidence your work is not your own work or other people have helped you with your answers.

Tips for using the online application system

Follow these tips when you complete your online application form for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship

You must supply a valid email address

Throughout the selection process, we contact applicants by email. It is very important your email address remains current. It is also important that you check your email regularly. You must reply to us promptly, otherwise you may miss updates. If you fail to reply promptly, you may lose your chance of a scholarship. Your email address is also your username. If you need to change your email address remember that this will also change your username.

You can change your email address after you submit your application

First login to the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Portal using your current username/email address.
Select the “My Profile” option in the menu in the top right of the page.
Select “Edit” (at bottom of page).
Enter your new Email address, and save the changes.

Remember this is now your new username. Make sure you have entered the new email address correctly or you will not receive notifications from us.

Go to the online application system

The online application form is only available between the opening and closing dates for your country.

Check the opening and closing dates for your country

APPLY ONLINE

Application limits

Please note that the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme application system may close early to countries from which a large volume of applications have been received. To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible.

Send us an enquiry

This website answers the common questions we get from applicants. If you have carefully read all the scholarship information on this website, and you still have unanswered questions, use this contact form