The 2026 New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship – Fully Funded

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme 2026 will officially open at midnight on 1 March 2026, and it remains one of the most competitive government-funded scholarships available to international students worldwide.

   

Here’s what serious applicants already know: when the application portal opens, the strongest candidates won’t be scrambling. Their documents will be ready, their personal statements polished, and their profiles prepared for immediate submission. The application window is short, and poor preparation is one of the most common reasons qualified applicants miss out.

If studying in New Zealand with full financial support is part of your 2026 plan, preparation should start now—not in March.

What the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Really Offers

The Manaaki Scholarship is designed to completely remove the financial barriers of studying abroad. It allows selected students to study at top New Zealand universities with comprehensive funding provided by the New Zealand Government.

This is more than tuition support. It is a full study-abroad package created to develop future leaders who will return to their home countries with globally relevant skills and education.

Benefits of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2026

Successful applicants receive financial support that covers nearly every major cost associated with international study.

The scholarship typically includes:

• Full tuition fees at an approved New Zealand institution
• Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses
• Return international airfare
• Medical and travel insurance
• Establishment allowance to help with initial settling costs
• Postgraduate research and thesis support, where applicable

Because of this level of coverage, Manaaki is widely regarded as one of the most generous fully funded scholarships opening in 2026.

Recommended posts:

Why You Should Prepare Before March 1, 2026

A common mistake applicants make is waiting until the application portal opens before gathering documents. By then, time pressure sets in, and small errors can cost you the opportunity.

Once applications open, you are expected to submit a complete and well-organized application quickly. That’s why early preparation gives applicants a clear advantage.

You should begin arranging the following documents now:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Updated CV or professional résumé
• Personal statement outlining your study goals and leadership vision
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
• Research proposal (especially for postgraduate programmes)
• Valid passport or national identification
• Evidence of work experience, where required

Applicants who prepare early submit stronger applications and avoid last-minute stress.

Eligibility Requirements

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme is open to citizens of selected partner countries across several regions.

General eligibility criteria include:

• Citizenship of an eligible participating country
• Minimum age of 18 at the start of the scholarship
• Meeting academic entry requirements for the chosen programme
• Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to development
• Relevant work experience for some postgraduate programmes
• A clear intention to return to your home country after completing studies

Eligibility conditions may vary by country, so applicants should review their specific requirements carefully before applying.

Manaaki Scholarship Application Process (Step by Step)

When the portal opens, the process moves quickly. Applicants who have prepared in advance are able to submit without unnecessary delays.

Here’s how the application process works:

1. Confirm that your country is eligible
2. Prepare all academic and personal documents ahead of time
3. Complete the online eligibility questionnaire once applications open
4. Register an account on the official Manaaki portal:
   https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/
5. Carefully complete the online application form
6. Upload all required documents in the correct format
7. Submit early rather than waiting until the final days

Early submission consistently improves an applicant’s chances of success.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2026 Deadline

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme 2026 opens at midnight on 1 March 2026 and closes at midday on 31 March 2026. Applications submitted after the closing time will not be considered.

If this scholarship aligns with your academic and career goals, starting your preparation now could make the difference between applying confidently—or missing the opportunity entirely.

More Opportunities: