The cost of studying abroad can be significant, but it can always be eased. Lots of scholarships are available that can contribute to your tuition fees, accommodation and everyday living expenses. If you aim to study in New Zealand, there are many such options, with some offering a huge amount of help towards making your dream a reality. To get you started, we've done some research and set out the top scholarships in New Zealand for international students.
Maanaki New Zealand Scholarships
As part of its Maanaki programme, the New Zealand government offers scholarships to many undergraduate and postgraduate international students every year. Applications can be made from more than 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific region.
Maanaki scholarships are fully funded. This means that they cover tuition fees, living costs, travel to New Zealand, health insurance and more. It may therefore be unsurprising that competition to get one can be strong. In previous years, only around 10 per cent have been successful.
With this in mind, you should make sure that your submission is as strong as possible. Some of the most important parts of it are the essay-style questions regarding your motivations for studying in New Zealand and your individual qualities. Good personal statement writing skills are as key as a strong academic record.
In addition, it is worth looking at the list of subjects recommended by the government for applicants in your country. These are chosen on the basis of which areas are most important in the place where you live. If the course you choose is a good fit, you may have an increased chance of success.
Read all about the top universities in New Zealand.
University of Canterbury International First Year Scholarship
Based on the South Island of New Zealand, the University of Canterbury places comfortably inside the top 300 of the QS World University Rankings 2026. Each year, the institution awards many different scholarships to undergraduate international students. Among the most valuable is the UC International First Year Scholarship.
Seven of these are awarded in every academic year to high-achieving students. Those selected receive NZD 15,000 towards their tuition fees. While this only lasts for one year, future years can be supported with additional scholarships. The university offers a range of others.
Explore some of these alternative options with our selection of University of Canterbury scholarships.
University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarship
As New Zealand's oldest higher education institution, the University of Otago has a strong reputation for developing bright minds from around the world. The QS World University Rankings 2026 place it just inside the top 200 globally, and even higher for many specialisms. For dentistry, it ranks 44th in the world.
New international students at the Dunedin-based university can benefit from its big International Academic Excellence Scholarship. The award offers fresh undergraduates a package of funding worth around NZD 35,000. This is divided into the cost of campus accommodation in your first year, and NZD 7,000 towards tuition fees in your second and third years.
Understandably, this scholarship is highly sought-after, and subject to a careful selection process. In addition to your academic achievement, you will be assessed on your leadership qualities and extra-curricular efforts, which you should describe in your application. While the number of awards given each year varies, it will always be very important to write the best possible personal statement.
Discover even more great University of Otago scholarships.
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
Found in New Zealand's biggest city, the University of Auckland is ranked 65th by the QS World University Rankings 2026. Home to 9,000 international students from over 120 countries, the institution has dedicated scholarships to support the ambitions of students worldwide.
The university’s International Student Excellence Scholarship covers undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees up to a value of NZD 10,000. Students must be fee-paying, taught and newly registered at the university. Up to 50 scholarships are awarded each year, with application deadlines in October and April.
See what other University of Auckland scholarships are available.
Tongarewa International Scholarship
Named after the Māori word for treasure, the Tongarewa International Scholarship proves priceless at Victoria University of Wellington. Found at the heart of New Zealand's capital city, the institution has over 3,200 international students from around 100 countries. With a position of 240th on the QS World University Rankings 2026, its reputation travels far.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate international students with an offer to study at Victoria can apply. To do so, they must submit a 500-word personal statement. This should set out reasons for joining the university, academic goals and any extracurricular leadership experience. A panel of international staff then reviews all applications and decides which will receive an award.
The scholarship can take up to NZD 10,000 off your first-year tuition fees, with lower amounts also offered. Applications open three times a year, with deadlines at the start of May, August and November. The number of scholarships offered can vary.
Find out what it's like to attend Victoria University of Wellington on Student Q&A, our home of real study abroad insights.
University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Waikato has a 60-year history of providing higher education in New Zealand. It is based in the North Island city of Hamilton, with another campus in Tauranga. The institution places inside the top 300 of the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is host to more than 2,000 international students.
The International Excellence Scholarship is open to all first-time international undergraduate and postgraduate taught students. To apply, you must have a conditional or unconditional offer to study at the university, qualifying for it with a grade that is at least equivalent to B+ on the GPA scale. The selection criteria are academic achievement and potential to become a global ambassador for the university, which is worth remembering when writing your personal statement.
The scholarship is given to students of all subjects, including ones completing pathway programmes and some diplomas. The number awarded in each year varies, but all successful applicants receive between NZD 2,500 and NZD 15,000 of their first year of tuition fees.
As you can see, there are many great scholarships for international students in New Zealand. If this has got you thinking more about attending university in the country, we have further advice. Check out our guide to student financial aid, our scholarship application tips and our list of the top student cities in New Zealand.
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