“Manaaki” — The Māori Principle Behind New Zealand’s Government Scholarship

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are named after manaakitanga, a foundational Māori concept that has no exact English equivalent. It encompasses the act of hosting, showing respect, generosity, and care for others. The word manaaki comes from the root mana (prestige, authority, integrity) and means to elevate the mana of others through your actions.

The program embodies manaakitanga, the Māori concept of hospitality, generosity, and care, by supporting international scholars to earn recognised qualifications at New Zealand universities and tertiary institutions.

The name signals New Zealand’s intent: this is not a transactional scholarship program. It is an expression of a national value, the idea that genuine education support elevates both the scholar and the relationship between nations.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program is designed to build prosperity, security, and sustainable growth in partner countries while fostering lifelong connections with Aotearoa New Zealand.

Before reading further, there is one critical update that most scholarship websites have not reported correctly:

The list of eligible countries has been significantly reduced. What was once a program open to 80+ countries has been narrowed to primarily Pacific Island nations and selected Asian countries. Many scholarship guides still show the old 80+ country list including African countries and Latin American countries, which is outdated for the current tertiary scholarship program.

This guide presents the current, confirmed eligible country list and explains the implications for students across all regions.

What Is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship — Full Overview

What the Scholarship Covers — Full Financial Package

Awardees receive full tuition fees, a weekly living allowance, establishment costs, medical insurance, and return airfare.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships will provide the recipients with the following benefits: Full tuition fees. Living allowance to help with basic living expenses. An establishment allowance to help with set-up costs in New Zealand for example, accommodation expenses, textbooks, or other study materials. Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand. Tutoring costs to assist with additional academic support if needed. Travel to and from your own country.

Detailed Breakdown:

Full Tuition Fees All academic and enrollment fees paid directly, you do not pay the New Zealand university tuition.

Living Allowance: NZ$615 per week NZ$615 per week, which comes to about NZ$32,000 per year. This is paid weekly throughout your study period. NZ$615 per week is approximately NZ$2,660/month, sufficient to cover shared accommodation, food, transport, and daily expenses in most New Zealand cities.

Establishment Allowance: NZ$3,000 Scholars also receive a NZ$3,000 establishment allowance upon arrival to cover initial set-up costs. This one-time payment on arrival helps cover:

• Rental bond (deposit) for accommodation
• Bedding, kitchen equipment, and household basics
• Initial grocery stock
• Textbooks and study materials
• SIM card and phone setup
• Transportation from airport

Medical Insurance Comprehensive medical and accident insurance while you are in New Zealand. Covers hospitalization, GP visits, prescription medicines, and emergency care.

Travel Allowance Return economy class travel from your home country to New Zealand at the start of your scholarship and return at the end. For some programs, travel home during the scholarship is also covered.

Research and Thesis Costs Research and thesis costs for research students, PhD and research Master’s students receive additional funding for thesis-related expenses including printing, data collection, and research materials.

Tutoring Costs If you need additional academic support during your studies, Manaaki covers tutoring assistance.

The Critical Country Eligibility Update — Read This First

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship used to be open to around 80 countries. That changed significantly in recent years, and the list has been cut down to roughly 20. Many third-party scholarship websites still show the old, outdated list, so if you found your country listed somewhere else, double-check it here.

This is the most important update for potential applicants. What you see on most scholarship websites, a list including African countries, Latin American countries, South Asian countries, and Middle Eastern countries reflects the OLD Manaaki eligibility list from previous years.

The current eligible countries for the Manaaki Tertiary Scholarship (the main fully funded program) are:

Pacific Island Nations (Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate):

Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji (postgraduate only), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Asian Nations (Postgraduate Only — Master’s and PhD):

Eligible Asian countries are: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Exception: Timor-Leste is also eligible for undergraduate scholarships, all other Asian countries are postgraduate only.

Important Notes on Study Level:

• Pacific countries: Generally both undergraduate and postgraduate — check country-specific pages
• Asian countries: Master’s and PhD only (postgraduate) — NO undergraduate
• Fiji: Postgraduate only (despite being Pacific)

What About Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, African Countries?

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and several other countries are currently NOT eligible for the tertiary track. This was part of a sweeping reduction from 80+ eligible countries to roughly 20.

Many scholarship guides still list Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Africa, and Latin America as Manaaki-eligible because they are using outdated country lists. As of the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 application cycles, the confirmed eligible countries for the Manaaki Tertiary Scholarship are primarily Pacific Island nations and the nine Southeast/South Asian countries listed above.

However — two important exceptions:

1. Thematic Short-Term Training Scholarships (STTS) Pakistan IS listed as eligible for the Thematic Short-Term Training Scholarships. These are short courses (weeks to months) in New Zealand or online, funded by the NZ government, aimed at professionals. Applications are typically government-nominated, contact your NZ High Commission.

If you are in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, or another country no longer on the tertiary list, the Short-Term Training Scholarships are a government-nominated pathway that may still be accessible.

2. Check the Official Site Every Year The eligibility list changes every year, countries can be added or removed. The list provided here reflects 2026-2027 confirmed data. Verify at the official Education New Zealand website before investing time in an application.

Eligible Fields — What to Study

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees in preferred fields of study that are most relevant to the development needs of your country: renewable energy, agriculture development, disaster risk management, private sector development, public sector development.

The Manaaki scholarship prioritizes development-relevant fields specific to each country’s priority sectors. This is not an open-field scholarship where you can apply to study literature or fine arts, your proposed field must connect to your home country’s identified development priorities.

Common priority fields across Manaaki partner countries:

• Renewable energy (including geothermal — New Zealand is a global leader)
• Climate change, environmental science, sustainability
• Agriculture and food security
• Disaster risk management and resilience
• Public sector governance and administration
• Private sector development, entrepreneurship
• Healthcare and public health
• Education and human development

Country-specific preferred fields: Each eligible country has a specific list of priority study areas. Check the official Manaaki website for your country’s specific preferred subject list before choosing your program.

The 2-Year Return Requirement

After completing their studies, scholars must return to their home country for at least two years so that newly acquired skills contribute directly to local development.

This is non-negotiable. The Manaaki scholarship is explicitly a development scholarship, its purpose is to build human capital in partner countries, not to facilitate migration to New Zealand.

What this means in practice:

• You must return to your home country immediately after completing your studies
• You must remain in your home country for a minimum of 2 years
• Working in the private sector, government, NGOs, or academia in your home country all count
• The 2-year period begins from your graduation/completion date
• Violation of the return requirement may result in obligations under the scholarship agreement

For students considering New Zealand as a potential immigration destination, this scholarship is not compatible with that goal. For students genuinely committed to contributing to their home country’s development, the 2-year return requirement aligns with the scholarship’s purpose.

IELTS Requirement — 6.0 Minimum

Most programs require a minimum overall band score of 6.0, though specific requirements may vary. Some postgraduate programs require a higher score. TOEFL and other equivalent tests are also accepted.

Minimum IELTS: 6.0 overall Some postgraduate programs — particularly research Master’s and PhD require 6.5 or higher. Check the specific requirement for your intended program at your chosen New Zealand university.

TOEFL and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are accepted as alternatives.

Application Timeline — 2027 Cycle

Applications open 1 March 2027 and close 10 April 2027. (Confirmed from Massey University, one of New Zealand’s largest Manaaki partner universities)

Critical warning: The portal might close earlier for specific countries if over-subscribed.

Some countries have significantly more applicants than available scholarship slots. When a country’s quota fills up, the portal closes for that country before the general April 10 deadline. Applying in the first week of March gives you the best protection against early closure.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Step 1: Verify your country’s eligibility (most important first step) Go to the official Manaaki website (education.govt.nz) and use the online eligibility checker. Do NOT rely on third-party websites for the country list, use only the official source.

Step 2: Check your country’s preferred fields Each eligible country has specific development priority sectors. Find your country’s preferred study areas on the official website. Your proposed field must align with these priorities.

Step 3: Research New Zealand universities and programs Identify the specific Master’s or PhD program at a Manaaki partner institution that matches your field. New Zealand partner institutions include the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, Massey University, University of Canterbury, and AUT.

Step 4: Prepare documents Key documents required:

• Valid passport (with 2+ years validity)
• Academic transcripts (all degrees)
• Degree certificates
• IELTS/TOEFL certificate (6.0+ overall)
• CV
• Personal statement / motivation letter (development focus)
• Two referee letters
• Country-specific additional requirements

Step 5: Apply online from March 1, 2027 Apply through the official application system on the Education New Zealand website. Submit as early as possible, do not wait until April 10 given the oversubscription risk.

Apply at: education.govt.nz — search Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

New Zealand as a Study Destination — Why Manaaki

New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s safest, cleanest, and most peaceful countries. Its universities are internationally ranked, the University of Auckland appears in QS World Rankings top 100. But beyond rankings, New Zealand has specific strengths particularly relevant to Manaaki’s development mandate:

Geothermal energy: New Zealand is one of the world’s most advanced geothermal energy users, directly relevant for Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries seeking renewable energy expertise.

Agriculture and food technology: New Zealand’s world-leading agricultural research (particularly dairy, meat, and horticulture) is directly applicable to food security challenges in partner countries.

Disaster risk management: As a Pacific nation itself, New Zealand has deep expertise in managing natural disasters earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones relevant for Pacific Island partners.

Environmental science: New Zealand’s conservation biology, marine science, and environmental management expertise are globally recognized.

Small country, personal experience: Unlike studying in the UK or USA, New Zealand’s smaller scale means more personalized university experiences, easier access to faculty, and safer urban environments.

Country-Specific Guidance

🇮🇩 Indonesia

Indonesia is among the confirmed eligible Asian countries. As a postgraduate-level applicant, Indonesia has access to Master’s and PhD programs. Indonesia’s climate change, renewable energy (geothermal, Indonesia and New Zealand share volcanic geography), and agricultural development needs align strongly with Manaaki’s priority fields. Indonesia’s bilateral relationship with New Zealand is active and well-established.

🇵🇭 Philippines

Philippines is confirmed eligible for postgraduate study. Filipino students in disaster risk management (Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries), climate adaptation, renewable energy, and public health are strong Manaaki profiles.

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Vietnam is confirmed eligible. Development economics, agriculture, environmental science, and public administration programs align with Vietnam’s development priorities.

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Malaysia is confirmed eligible for postgraduate study. Malaysia’s advanced development stage means more specialized postgraduate fields are competitive.

🇳🇵 Nepal

Nepal is confirmed eligible. Climate change, disaster risk management (Nepal is highly earthquake-prone), renewable energy (hydropower expertise), and agricultural development are all strong fields.

🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇱🇦 Lao PDR, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste

All confirmed eligible. Country-specific development priorities vary, check the official website for each country’s preferred study areas.

🌊 Pacific Island Nations

Pacific Island applicants can access both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Climate change, environmental science, fisheries management, sustainable tourism, and public administration are particularly relevant for Pacific scholarship applicants.

Quick Reference: Manaaki 2027

FAQ

What does “Manaaki” mean?

Manaaki comes from the Māori concept of manaakitanga, the act of hosting, supporting, and honoring others. It reflects New Zealand’s values of generosity and care for international partners.

How much is the living allowance?

NZ$615 per week, which comes to about NZ$32,000 per year. Plus a one-time NZ$3,000 establishment allowance on arrival.

Can students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, or Africa apply?

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and several other countries are currently NOT eligible for the tertiary track. Most of Africa and South Asia is no longer on the eligible list for the main Manaaki Tertiary Scholarship. Verify your country’s current eligibility at the official website — the list changes annually.

What is the IELTS requirement?

Most programmes require a minimum overall band score of 6.0, though specific requirements may vary. Some postgraduate programmes require a higher score.

What is the 2-year return requirement?

After completing their studies, scholars must return to their home country for at least two years to apply their skills to national development.

When is the 2027 application window?

Applications open 1 March 2027 and close 10 April 2027.

Why does the portal close early for some countries?

The portal might close earlier for specific countries if over-subscribed. When a country’s allocation fills, the portal closes. Apply in the first week of March to avoid this.

Free Application Tools

• Personal Statement / SOP: SOP Generator
• Motivation Letter: Motivation Letter Generator
• CV: Free CV Builder
• Research Proposal (PhD): Research Proposal Generator
• Reference Letter: Reference Letter Generator