5,000 Fully Funded New Zealand Scholarships 2026 (Apply Now)

New Zealand’s world-class education system, stunning landscapes, and welcoming culture make it a top destination for international students. With 5,000 fully funded New Zealand scholarships available for 2026-2027, opportunities abound for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies at New Zealand’s 8 elite universities. No return bond required, English-taught programs, and no application fees for many New Zealand offers accessible, high-quality education. From government-funded initiatives to university-specific awards, this guide covers everything you need to know to secure your spot. Don’t miss your chance to study Down Under and deadlines start as early as May 2026!

Also see WONCA Europe Scholarship 2026 for International Students

Overview of New Zealand Scholarships 2026-2027

Host Institutions: 8 New Zealand universities (University of Auckland, Otago, Wellington, etc.)
Funded By: New Zealand Government, universities, and partners
Country: New Zealand
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligible Nationalities: All countries
Study Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
Number of Awards: Over 5,000 annually
Program Duration: Varies (3–4 years Bachelor’s; 1–2 years Master’s; 3–4 years PhD)
Application Deadlines: Vary (May–November 2026)

New Zealand’s scholarships emphasize merit, diversity, and impact, with no IELTS for many if English-taught prior degree. Universities like Auckland (QS Top 80) and Otago (Top 200) provide globally recognized qualifications. Check China University of Petroleum CSC Scholarship 2026 (CUP Scholarship)

Top 8 New Zealand Scholarships for 2026-2027

Here are the standout fully funded opportunities:

1. Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Scholarships

AUT, New Zealand’s top modern university, offers 100+ scholarships for all levels.

Coverage: Up to NZD 20,000/year tuition + living stipend.
Eligibility: International students with GPA 3.0+; leadership.
Deadline: May/November 2026.
Programs: Engineering, Business, Health Sciences.

2. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarships

For new international undergrad/postgrad students.

Coverage: NZD 10,000 tuition waiver (renewable).
Eligibility: GPA 3.5+; 50 awards/year.
Deadline: December 2026 (rolling).
Programs: All faculties.

3. New Zealand Government Scholarships (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships)

Government-funded for developing countries.

Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance NZD 491/week, airfare, insurance.
Eligibility: Citizens of 130+ partner countries; development impact.
Deadline: February 2026 (country-specific).
Programs: Undergraduate to PhD in priority fields like agriculture, health.

4. University of Otago Scholarships

Otago, New Zealand’s first university, awards 200+ doctoral scholarships.

Coverage: NZD 28,600 stipend + tuition waiver.
Eligibility: GPA 3.7+; research potential.
Deadline: Anytime (rolling).
Programs: PhD across sciences, humanities.

5. Wellington Scholarships (Victoria University of Wellington)

For high-achievers in Wellington.

Coverage: Up to NZD 20,000/year.
Eligibility: International with GPA 3.5+; 100+ awards.
Deadline: November 2026.
Programs: Law, Business, Design.

6. University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship

Merit-based for new internationals.

Coverage: NZD 15,000 tuition waiver.
Eligibility: GPA 3.0+; Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD.
Deadline: Anytime (rolling).
Programs: Māori Studies, Engineering.

7. Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships

For Master’s starters.

Coverage: NZD 10,000 tuition.
Eligibility: GPA 3.2+; international.
Deadline: February 2026.
Programs: Agriculture, Environmental Science.

8. University of Canterbury Scholarships

Comprehensive for all levels.

Coverage: Up to NZD 25,000/year + stipend.
Eligibility: GPA 3.0+; 200+ awards.
Deadline: December 2026.
Programs: Engineering, Sciences.

Scholarship Benefits

Common perks:

Full Tuition: Waivers up to NZD 40,000/year.
Living Stipend: NZD 491/week (government).
Airfare: Return economy flights.
Insurance: Health coverage.
Visa Support: Assistance.
Work Rights: 20 hours/week allowed.

Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Scholarships 2026

General requirements:

Academic: GPA 3.0–3.7+ equivalent.
English: IELTS 6.5+ or waiver (English-medium prior degree).
Nationality: All; priorities for developing countries (government).
Age: Varies (under 35 for Master’s).
Admission: Secure university offer first.

Program-specific; no bond.

Required Documents

Typical docs:

Transcripts/Diplomas: Certified.
English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL or waiver letter.
Motivation Letter: 500–1,000 words.
2–3 References: Academic/professional.
CV: Achievements.
Passport: Copy.

Online portals; no fees for most.

Application Timeline for New Zealand Scholarships 2026

Opens: May 2026
Deadlines:
- Government: February 2026
- Auckland: May/November 2026
- Otago: Rolling
- Wellington: November 2026
Offers: June–December 2026
Start: February/July 2027

How to Apply for New Zealand Scholarships 2026

Select University: From 8 options; review programs.
Apply Admission: University portal; upload docs.
Scholarship Indicate: Mark interest in app.
Submit: By deadline; auto-review.
Visa: Student visa post-offer.
Accept: Meet conditions.

NZ Scholarships Portal for centralized apps.

Why Choose New Zealand Scholarships?

New Zealand shines:

Quality Education: QS Top 500 universities.
Safe Paradise: #1 for safety; stunning nature.
No Bond: Stay/work post-grad (3-year visa).
English-Taught: No language barrier.
Employability: 96% graduate jobs.

Kiwi excellence awaits.

Additional Opportunities

Tips for a Successful New Zealand Scholarship Application

GPA Boost: 3.5+ for competitiveness.
Letter Strong: Impact and NZ fit.
Early: May 2026 starts.
Multiple: Apply 2–3 universities.
Waiver: English letter if applicable.

Conclusion

With 5,000 fully funded New Zealand Scholarships 2026-2027, your study dream is within reach. From government aid to university awards, seize this chance for Kiwi excellence.

New Zealand Scholarships Official Website for full list.

Ehsas Kafaalat