The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2027 is a prestigious, fully funded initiative by the New Zealand Government designed to develop future leaders. Rooted in the Māori principle of Manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness, and care), this program offers international students from developing regions the chance to gain a world-class education while contributing to the sustainable development of their home countries.
For the 2027 intake, the application window is currently active, with a primary focus on postgraduate research that aligns with specific “priority sectors” such as climate change, food security, and good governance.
Scholarship Overview: Manaaki NZ 2027
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | New Zealand |
| Funding Body | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate & Postgraduate (PhD, Masters, PGDip) |
| Financial Status | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | 31 March 2026 (for most regions) |
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The Manaaki scholarship is one of the most generous in the world, covering the complete cost of your New Zealand experience:
- Full Tuition Fees: Direct payment to the university.
- Living Stipend: A generous fortnightly allowance (approx. NZD 500-600) to cover basic living costs.
- Establishment Allowance: A one-time payment (approx. NZD 3,000) to help you set up upon arrival.
- Travel & Health:
- Round-trip economy class airfare.
- Full medical and travel insurance.
- Research & Thesis Costs: Additional support for postgraduate research students to cover laboratory or field work expenses.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
New Zealand looks for “sustainable development leaders.” You must prove that your study will directly help your country grow.
- Nationality: Must be a citizen and resident of an eligible country in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Caribbean, or Latin America.
- Work Experience: Applicants (especially for postgraduate) are expected to have relevant work experience in their chosen field.
- Academic Merit: High grades in previous studies are required to gain university admission.
- Age Limit: Generally between 18 and 39 years old at the time of application (though some flexibility exists).
- The “Home Return” Rule: You must agree to return to your home country for at least two years after graduation to apply your knowledge.
How to Apply: The Online Roadmap
The application process uses a secure government login called RealMe.
| Step | Action Item |
| Step 1: Eligibility Test | Take the Online Eligibility Questionnaire. You will receive an Eligibility Code. |
| Step 2: RealMe Account | Create a RealMe login to access the scholarship portal. |
| Step 3: Registration | Enter your Eligibility Code and register your personal profile on the portal. |
| Step 4: Submission | Complete the application, including your “Motivation” and “Study Plan,” and submit by March 31, 2026. |
Top Participating Universities
You can choose to study at any of New Zealand’s world-ranked universities:
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- Massey University
- University of Waikato
- Lincoln University
- AUT (Auckland University of Technology)