Best Scholarships to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students 2026

According to the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings, New Zealand is at number 16, demonstrating its popularity as an attractive study-abroad destination. 

The government of New Zealand, along with universities and private organizations, offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students that cover living expenses and tuition fees. The scholarships exist to support international students, including Indians, through funding from New Zealand government entities and university and private organization sponsors.

This blog provides a detailed analysis of New Zealand scholarships for Indian students.

There are 2 types of scholarships for Indian students in New Zealand:

• Government-Funded Scholarships
• University-Specific Scholarships

Your academic profile, the course you're applying for, and your long-term objectives will all influence which option is best for you. Each type of scholarship has its own set of benefits, eligibility requirements, and coverage, from tuition and living expenses to travel expenses. You can select the scholarship that best suits your academic path by being aware of the distinctions between these two categories.

Government-Based Scholarships

The New Zealand government supports these programs to advance education, international cooperation, and skill development. These scholarships are highly competitive because they provide complete tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other study-related expenses.

• New Zealand universities offer full scholarships to students from select countries who meet the qualification standards. The scholarship includes a living allowance and an establishment allowance, together with tuition fees and other benefits.
• The New Zealand Short-Term Training Scholarships offer Pacific, Southeast Asian, and Timor-Leste professionals the chance to receive short courses or on-the-job training for upskilling. The program benefits candidates who want to move into technical or leadership roles.
• The NZELTO (New Zealand English Language Training for Officials) program covers all expenses for its participants who focus on teaching English to government officials from Asian and African nations.
• The New Zealand Fulbright US Graduate Award offers financial support for tuition fees, living costs, and international travel expenses to US citizens who want to study in New Zealand for their postgraduate degree.

University-Based Scholarships

New Zealand universities provide scholarships through direct offers, which vary based on academic performance, course selection, and study level. The scholarships provide financial assistance through living stipends, together with partial or full tuition fee exemptions.

• The Massey University Doctoral Scholarship provides funding to both domestic and foreign doctoral students. The scholarship covers tuition expenses while providing financial support for research activities.
• The University of Auckland provides International Student Scholarships, which support students at every academic level to achieve success.
• The University of Waikato offers two scholarships: the Michael Baldwin Memorial Scholarship, which provides need-based support to South Pacific students, and the International Excellence Scholarship, which supports students based on merit at all levels.
• Victoria University of Wellington supports international students through the Latin American Academic Achievement Scholarship which provides financial aid to outstanding students who pursue bachelor's or master's degrees.

The best scholarships for students in New Zealand include the FutureSkills Scholarship and the Coastal & Ocean Engineering Conference Fund. These scholarships are either provided by the government or by particular private organizations and institutions. They offer full tuition coverage, living allowances, and partial grants that help reduce your overall educational expenses.

The following section provides an overview of the main scholarships, together with their funding details and typical application deadlines:

If you’re looking for a government-funded scholarship in New Zealand, the good news is that - there are many! Like the NZ Commonwealth Scholarships, which are offered for either master’s or PhD programs. They typically include living allowances with health insurance, travel expenses, and full tuition coverage. 

The following section presents an in-depth analysis of prominent government-funded scholarships for the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships

One Commonwealth Scholarship is offered each year by a number of prestigious New Zealand universities, including the University of Auckland, AUT, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, and others; the amount and scope of the scholarship vary by school.

• Offered by: Various Universities
• Courses: Master’s (1 or 2 years) and PhD (up to 3.5 years) programs
• Award: Depending on the university, usually NZD 25,000 (INR 13 Lakhs) - NZD 27,000 (INR 14 Lakhs) yearly
• Eligibility: You must meet academic and English language requirements, be a Commonwealth citizen, be eighteen, have twelve months of full-time (or twenty-four months of part-time) relevant work experience, and pledge to return home for at least two years following the scholarship.
• Application Deadline: Different deadlines (check the official websites of the universities)

New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship for Pacific and Timor-Leste Citizens

This scholarship provides short-term vocational training and hands-on work experience to professionals from Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. It is not typically available for Indian students, but useful for region-specific candidates.

• Offered by: New Zealand Government
• Courses: Short-term skills training and on-the-job experience
• Award: Covers training costs, living expenses, and travel
• Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Pacific countries and Timor-Leste; currently employed and able to demonstrate training relevance
• Application Deadline: Varies annually (check the MFAT website)

New Zealand Short Term Scholarships for Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste

This scholarship is offered for people from Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste, and supports skill-building through short courses and workshops. Though not specific to Indian students, it shows New Zealand’s broader regional engagement.

• Offered by: New Zealand Government
• Courses: Short-term technical and professional training programs
• Award: Includes tuition, travel, accommodation, and daily allowances
• Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Southeast Asian countries and Timor-Leste with relevant job experience
• Application Deadline: Varies by country and year

New Zealand English Language Training for Officials (NZELTO)

NZELTO targets mid-career government officials from selected African and Asian nations. It offers English language training in New Zealand to enhance diplomatic and administrative communication skills.

• Offered by: New Zealand Government
• Courses: Short-term English language programs
• Award: Full funding including tuition, airfare, and living expenses
• Eligibility: Government officials from eligible African and Asian countries (India may qualify depending on the round)
• Application Deadline: Varies (check with New Zealand embassies or MFAT)

Fulbright New Zealand US Graduate Award

This scholarship allows U.S. citizens to pursue postgraduate study or research at any New Zealand university. While it is U.S.-focused, it highlights New Zealand’s commitment to international education partnerships.

• Offered by: Fulbright New Zealand
• Courses: Postgraduate or research programs in any discipline
• Award: Tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, and research support
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a strong academic background and leadership potential
• Application Deadline: Typically around October each year (check Fulbright NZ)

Many New Zealand universities offer in-house scholarships, together with government scholarships to deserving international students. Some of them include the International Student Excellence Scholarship by the University of Auckland, and AUT scholarships for International students. These university-based scholarships are awarded based on specific course and faculty requirements, leadership potential, or academic merit. They occasionally provide living expenses or research funding in addition to paying all or part of the tuition.

Let’s discuss them in detail:

University of Auckland, International Student Excellence Scholarship

The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship provides financial support to new international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement when starting their undergraduate or taught postgraduate studies in New Zealand.

• Offered by: University of Auckland
• Courses: Undergraduate and postgraduate (taught) programs
• Award: Up to NZD 10,000 ( INR 5.14 Lakhs) towards tuition fees
• Eligibility: New international students with a GPE of at least 6.00, an offer of admission, studying on campus, and no prior tertiary study in New Zealand
• Application Deadline: Typically April (Semester Two intake) and October (Semester One intake)

AUT Scholarships for International Students

The AUT International Scholarships, South Asia are offered by Auckland University of Technology to support academically talented students from South Asian countries as they begin their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. This scholarship not only provides financial relief but also encourages high-performing students to become part of AUT’s global community of achievers.

• Offered by: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
• Courses: Eligible full-time undergraduate and postgraduate (excluding doctoral) programs
• Award: NZD 7,000 (INR 3.6 Lakhs) for postgraduate students (first year tuition contribution)
• Eligibility: Must be new, full-fee paying international students
• Application Deadline: Varies by intake

Massey University Doctoral Scholarships

The Massey University Doctoral Scholarship provides funding to outstanding doctoral students who conduct research that supports Massey University's strategic goals. The scholarship accepts students from both domestic and international backgrounds to promote research excellence across different fields of study.

• Offered by: Massey University
• Courses: PhD programs
• Award: Full tuition + annual stipend of NZD 90,000 (INR 46.3 Lakhs) for up to 3 years
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international doctoral students with a strong academic/research background
• Application Deadline: 1st July, 2026

University of Waikato, International Excellence Scholarship

The Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship at the University of Waikato provides financial support to international students who start their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The scholarship exists to enhance educational access while promoting internationalization and rewarding academic achievement for new international students.

• Offered by: University of Waikato
• Courses: All levels (undergraduate and postgraduate)
• Award: Up to NZD 15,000 (INR 7.7 Lakhs) applied directly toward tuition
• Eligibility: New international students enrolled in Arts, Business & Management, Computer Science, Mathematics, Education, Health, Engineering, Law, Māori & Indigenous Studies, Science, Social Sciences
• Application Deadline: 30 November, 2025 for A Trimester offers of place, 30 April, 2026 for B Trimester offers of place, 31 August, 2026 for C Trimester offers of place, 31 October, 2026 for H or X Trimester offers of place

Victoria University of Wellington, Tongarewa Scholarship

The Tongarewa International Scholarship at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington provides merit-based support to new international students who start their first year of undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The scholarship demonstrates the university's dedication to building an international student population that is both diverse and lively.

• Offered by: Victoria University of Wellington
• Courses: Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
• Award: Value up to NZD 10,000 ( INR 5.14 Lakhs) (either NZD 2,500; NZD 5,000; NZD 7,500 or NZD 10,000) 
• Eligibility: New International students who are paying full international fees
• Application Deadline: Trimester 1: 1 November; Trimester 2: 1 May; Trimester 3: 1 August

To be eligible for a New Zealand scholarship, you must have a good academic record, demonstrate financial need, or have refugee status. Although particular requirements may differ based on the scholarship, the following common factors are usually taken into account:

Academic Merit

You should have a GPA of at least 3.5/ 5.0 

Financial Need or Hardship

You need to produce genuine and credible documentation of financial need and crisis in your family to apply for certain scholarships. 

First in the Family to Attend University

If you are the first member of your family to seek a university degree, you can qualify for scholarships from the NZ government or universities. The assessment also includes stepfamily members and adoptive family members who have resided with you for at least five years.

Refugee Background

Students who are refugees in New Zealand or whose parents or primary guardians received refugee status may qualify for scholarships that support educational access and integration.

Before applying, carefully review each scholarship's eligibility requirements. Fulfilling these requirements can greatly increase your chances of receiving funding.

When applying for a scholarship to study in New Zealand, make sure you gather all the necessary documents like your transcripts, proof of funds, and visa documents. These records help educational institutions in evaluating your motivation to study in New Zealand, your academic background, and personal accomplishments. A list of frequently needed documents is provided below:

Course Preferences and Institute Details

Indicate which course or courses you would like to take and which institution you are applying to. Make sure the courses you have selected make sense in light of your most recent certification.

Academic Qualifications

Describe how the chosen course advances your academic or professional objectives and relates to one of the recommended study topics.

Professional Experience

Provide specifics about your prior positions and pertinent work history. Additionally, explain how this experience relates to the course or career you have chosen. (Note: Work experience is not required if you are a first-year undergraduate or a school leaver.)

Motivation and Goals

Give an example of a personal triumph or circumstance in which you pushed yourself to accomplish a goal. Describe your motivation for wanting to study in New Zealand and how it fits with your long-term goals.

Adaptability Statement

Think about the difficulties you anticipate encountering in New Zealand as an international student and how you intend to resolve them.

Transcripts

Send in your mark sheets or transcripts that demonstrate your current academic standing and grades.

The scholarship application process in New Zealand includes multiple essential steps that assess your qualifications, readiness, and program suitability. 

The following guide provides a detailed explanation of the application process:

Step 1: Confirm your Eligibility

Start by reviewing all eligibility requirements for each scholarship that interests you. The eligibility requirements for scholarship applications usually demand information about your nationality, academic background and study level, and English language skills, and admission status at a New Zealand university. Check all eligibility requirements before applying because some scholarships have specific restrictions for new international students or particular geographic areas.

Step 2: Register for a New Zealand Scholarship Account

After getting your eligibility code, you should visit the official scholarship portal. The screen will display a "Register" button that allows you to begin establishing your scholarship account. Through this account, you will be able to complete your application while tracking your progress and receiving updates, which will serve as your dashboard.

Step 3: Set Up Your Account Password

After registration, the system will send an email to the address you provided. Follow the instructions in the email to activate your account while creating a secure password. All correspondence regarding your application will be sent to this email address, so choose one that you check regularly.

Step 4: Complete and Submit the Scholarship Application

After your account activation, you should log in to start filling out the application form. The scholarship application requires statements of purpose, together with academic records, personal information, and supporting documentation. The application deadline set by your nation is absolute, so you must finish and submit your application before the deadline.