Introduction — why this matters right now
If you’re reading this from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Delhi, Dhaka, Colombo or Jakarta and you want a world-class postgraduate degree with minimal cost, New Zealand’s government scholarship programmes — especially the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships — deserve your attention. These scholarships are designed to build capability in partner countries by funding study at New Zealand universities (tuition, living allowance, travel and more). For many applicants from Africa and Asia, a second big barrier is the cost and access to English tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The good news: the Manaaki application process does not require you to provide English test scores when you first apply, and shortlisted candidates are tested later in the selection process — which opens practical paths for applicants with English-medium education to apply without IELTS at the time of application.
This guide walks you from first curiosity to acceptance: what those scholarships cover, how the English testing rules work, how to prepare a competitive application (with a simple SOP template), a comparison table, a full step-by-step timeline for newbies, common mistakes, FAQs, and practical, Africa/Asia-oriented tips to improve your chance.
Two authoritative places to check first (click these now)
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Official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme (all program details, eligibility checker and Apply portal): Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships.
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New Zealand’s national guidance on English language entry requirements for international students — useful to understand test expectations and alternatives.
(Those two pages are the most important sources for eligibility, language rules, and official process — bookmark them and return as you prepare documents.)
Snapshot: What Manaaki & NZ Government Scholarships typically cover
The Manaaki Scholarship and other New Zealand government-sponsored awards are designed to be comprehensive. Typical coverage includes:
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Full tuition fees for the approved degree (Master’s or PhD).
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Weekly living allowance to cover accommodation, food and local transport (Manaaki figures are published on the portal and approximate NZ$491/week — confirm the current rate on the site).
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Establishment grant (a lump sum to help when you first arrive).
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Return airfare (typically one round trip) between your home country and New Zealand.
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Medical insurance while you hold the scholarship.
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Thesis or research allowances for postgraduate research students.
These benefits make Manaaki among the most generous government scholarships for students from eligible partner countries. Always confirm exact inclusions on the official scholarship pages for the exact intake year.
Who is eligible? (Short answer for Africa & Asia readers)
Eligibility rules vary by country and scholarship round, but the common features for postgraduate applicants are:
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Citizens or nationals of eligible partner countries (check the Manaaki country list).
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Academic qualifications: A bachelor’s degree to apply for a Master’s, and a Master’s (or equivalent) to apply for PhD (some pathways allow direct entry under certain conditions).
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Work experience: Manaaki often asks for 1 year of full-time or 2 years part-time relevant work experience for postgraduate applicants — this is to ensure candidates can return home and apply their learning.
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Residency: Some countries require applicants to have lived in their home country for a specified period before applying.
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Development focus: Strong evidence that your study will have development impact back home (health, education, environment, governance, etc.) is essential.
Because eligibility and country lists change year to year, always check the official Manaaki eligibility checker before you invest time in documents.
English testing — the No-IELTS reality (and the catch)
Here’s the most practical part for many applicants:
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You do not need to upload IELTS (or TOEFL/PTE) scores when you first apply for Manaaki. That is, the initial online application does not require an English test score. Shortlisted candidates, however, will be asked to provide an approved test result later in the selection process — unless they qualify under acceptable alternatives.
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What the alternatives look like: If you have completed significant study taught in English (for instance a bachelor’s or master’s degree where the medium of instruction was English), you can document this with a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, transcripts, and institutional statements. For shortlisted candidates who do not already hold a recent qualifying test, Manaaki may request you to sit an approved test — but they may also fund English language training if you’re close to the required level.
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Important practical point: Being able to apply without IELTS at the start does not automatically mean you will never need to take an English test. If shortlisted, you may be required to provide satisfactory proof of English within selection timelines. Manaaki explains this clearly on their eligibility page; prepare for both scenarios.
Table — Quick comparison: Manaaki vs other NZ postgraduate funding
| Feature | Manaaki New Zealand | University Scholarships (NZ host) | Other Government/Agency Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical level supported | Master’s & PhD | Master’s & PhD | Varies (some support PhD; some only Masters) |
| Tuition coverage | Full | Full or partial depending on award | Full or partial |
| Living stipend | Weekly allowance (official rate) | Varies (often stipend/RA) | Varies |
| Travel costs | Yes (return airfare) | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| English at application | No test required initially (shortlisted tested) | Usually requires proof at application | Varies |
| Fit for Africa & Asia applicants | High — specifically targets partner countries | High (if university offers global scholarships) | Variable; check eligibility |
Why New Zealand scholarships are a good match for Africa & Asia
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Focus on impact: Manaaki scholarships require evidence that your study will help your home country — that suits applicants who want to return and make change.
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Generous financial package: Covers tuition and living costs so you can concentrate on study and research rather than part-time work.
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Language flexibility at application: The ability to apply without IELTS up front reduces barriers for applicants in regions where test access is limited.
Step-by-Step: A practical timeline for a newbie (9–12 months)
Start early. Scholarship cycles have eligibility checkers, deadlines, and attestation steps that take time — particularly documents that need authentication.
Phase A — Discovery & Eligibility (Months 1–2)
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Check country eligibility on the Manaaki site. (Some countries have separate intake windows.)
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Decide your field (health, environment, education, etc.) — match it to NZ research strengths and your home-country development needs.
Phase B — Documentation & Language Prep (Months 2–4)
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Request transcripts & certified copies from your university; ask for a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter if your university taught in English.
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Draft an academic CV with quantifiable achievements (e.g., “led malaria field study reaching 1,200 households”).
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If you don’t have MOI, start an IELTS/PTE backup plan — it’s expensive, so use the first application window to seek a waiver, but reserve time for a test if asked.
Phase C — Research Proposal & SOP (Months 4–6)
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Write a concise research plan if applying for PhD (2–3 pages) or a clear study plan for Master’s. Focus on methods, expected outcomes, and home-country impact.
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Write the Statement of Purpose (SOP) — see the SOP section below for a template. Tailor the SOP to show why your study in NZ benefits your country.
Phase D — References & Online Application (Months 6–8)
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Secure 2–3 referees (supervisors, managers) and give them a briefing note with your CV & SOP.
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Create your RealMe / Manaaki application account and submit the online form with documents (transcripts, CV, SOP, references). You do not need to upload IELTS at this point.
Phase E — Shortlist & Follow-up (Months 8–10)
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If shortlisted, you may be asked for an English test result (within a defined window) or to do an interview. If you lack a current test score, Manaaki will tell you when to sit one — they may provide guidance or cover testing costs for preferred candidates.
Phase F — Offer & Visa (Months 10–12)
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If offered, accept promptly and start the student visa process. Manaaki explains that student-visa processing can take two to three months. Do not apply for a visa until you have an official scholarship offer.
An SOP that works — simple 6-part structure (sample lines included)
Aim for 700–1,000 words. Be specific, measurable and grounded in local context.
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Hook (1 short paragraph)
Example: “Growing up in Accra’s flood-prone neighborhoods, I learned early that data and planning can save lives. I now design low-cost hydrological sensors to predict household flooding.” -
Academic preparation (1 paragraph)
Example: “I graduated with a BSc Civil Engineering (First Class) from University XYZ, completed a capstone on urban drainage and published a conference poster on sensor calibration.” -
Professional experience & impact (1–2 paragraphs)
Example: “For two years I worked with CityWorks NGO deploying prototypes in 12 communities; a 24-week pilot reduced emergency calls by 22%.” -
Why New Zealand & this particular programme (1 paragraph)
Example: “NZ universities lead in low-cost climate tech; the course’s urban resilience stream and Professor X’s work on community sensors directly match my project.” -
Study plan & outcomes (1 paragraph)
Example: “I will refine sensor models, run a comparative trial across two coastal towns, and produce an open toolkit for municipal use.” -
Return & impact (closing paragraph)
Example: “On return I will pilot the toolkit with CityWorks and publish an implementation guide for West African municipalities — scaling the intervention across similar cities.”
Attach a one-page timeline and, if relevant, a short budget for research activities.
Practical tips to increase your chance (Africa & Asia focused)
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Demonstrate development intent: Tie study to concrete community outcomes — donors and Manaaki prioritize return-on-impact.
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Quantify your work: “I trained 150 community health volunteers” is stronger than “I trained volunteers.”
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Get MOI/English proof early: University registrars can take weeks to issue official MOI letters; request them early.
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Choose referees who can compare you to other applicants — not just praise you generically.
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Network with NZ supervisors: For PhD applicants, an email of interest to a potential supervisor improves your profile.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
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Mistake: Waiting until the deadline to request transcripts or MOI.
Fix: Start document requests 8–10 weeks before deadline. -
Mistake: Submitting a generic SOP.
Fix: Write a bespoke SOP for Manaaki that highlights national development impact and fits NZ research strengths. -
Mistake: Assuming “no IELTS at application” = no language check later.
Fix: Prepare to take a test if shortlisted; book a provisional test slot as backup. -
Mistake: Using weak referees.
Fix: Provide referees with clear bullet points about what to highlight and the submission deadline.
Real stories — short, anonymized examples (inspired by common successful profiles)
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Kenya — Public Health Researcher: Worked with a county health service, led a vaccination uptake study, used MOI from his English-taught university, shortlisted, completed an English test in the final stage and received Manaaki scholarship for an MSc in Epidemiology.
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Sri Lanka — Environmental Policy Officer: With three years’ government experience, produced monitored policy briefs on coastal erosion; her SOP focused on policy translation and development impact, and she received funding for a Master’s to develop replicable guidelines.
These stories illustrate the common pattern: local impact + solid documentation + clear NZ fit = strong application.
FAQs — quick answers
Q: Can I truly apply without IELTS?
A: Yes — you do not need to provide IELTS or other English scores when submitting your Manaaki application. But if shortlisted you will likely have to produce a recent approved English test result (unless you qualify under accepted alternatives such as documented English-medium study). Plan for both outcomes. nzscholarships.govt.nz
Q: How much is the living allowance?
A: Rates are published on the Manaaki portal; the scholarship provides a weekly stipend intended to cover living costs — check the current rate on the official site. nzscholarships.govt.nz
Q: Do I need to return home after study?
A: Manaaki scholarships are designed to build capacity in partner countries and recipients are expected to contribute to development at home. Read reporting and return expectations in the scholarship terms. nzscholarships.govt.nz
Q: When do applications open?
A: Application windows vary by country and intake year. Many partner country rounds open in early 2025 for the following academic year — confirm your country’s dates on the Manaaki site.
Q: Can Manaaki fund short courses or only full degrees?
A: Manaaki funds a range of programmes — including tertiary (degree) scholarships and short-term training — but this guide focuses on Master’s & PhD opportunities. Check the portal for the full offer.
Your final checklist (printable)
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Check your country’s eligibility on the Manaaki portal.
- Request MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter from your prior university (if English-taught).
- Draft SOP and research plan (if PhD).
- Prepare CV & quantify achievements.
- Secure 2–3 referees and brief them.
- Gather attested transcripts and certified documents.
- Create RealMe / Manaaki account and submit application before your country’s deadline.
- If shortlisted, be ready to provide an approved English test score or accept the scholarship’s language training route.
Conclusion — why you should start today
New Zealand’s Manaaki scholarships are a rare combination: generous funding, development focus, and practical flexibility on English testing that reduces the initial barrier of IELTS. For motivated applicants from Africa and Asia who can show a clear plan to use their studies for home-country benefit, this is a realistic and high-impact route to a Master’s or PhD.
Take one practical step today: check the Manaaki eligibility page, request your MOI from your university, and draft a one-page SOP sketch. With focused preparation and clear evidence of impact, you can convert that sketch into a fully funded New Zealand scholarship.
“Preparation meets opportunity.” Start your application now and give yourself the best chance to study in New Zealand and bring new capability home.
