New Zealand Scholarships 2026 for International Students: Complete Guide to Fully Funded Study Opportunities in New Zealand
Overview
New Zealand scholarships for international students in 2026 are offered by the New Zealand Government, universities, institutes of technology and other education providers. They support study at undergraduate, master's, doctoral and professional level for students who show academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Value and coverage vary, with some awards giving partial tuition help and others being fully funded.
What you get
Depending on the scholarship, recipients may receive full or partial tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance, accommodation support, travel expenses, medical insurance, research funding, a book allowance, orientation, career development, networking and academic mentors.
The main categories are government scholarships for eligible students from selected countries, which often provide comprehensive support; university scholarships based on merit, leadership, sporting achievement, research excellence or community service; faculty scholarships in areas such as engineering, medicine, business, agriculture, education, information technology, environmental science and the arts; and research scholarships for master's by research and doctoral candidates, which often include research grants, tuition support and living allowances. Popular fields include business administration, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, climate change, environmental studies, public health, nursing, law, tourism, social sciences, economics, international relations, renewable energy and biotechnology.
Who can apply
Requirements depend on the provider, but applicants are generally expected to be international students who meet the academic requirements of the chosen institution, show English-language proficiency where required, hold or apply for admission to an eligible programme and meet any country-specific rules.
How to apply
Applicants should review each scholarship's eligibility criteria before applying and explore the available awards before applying for admission to their preferred institutions.