New Zealand Government Scholarships 2025/2026 — Full Tuition, Travel, and Monthly Stipends for African (Nigeria) and Asia

Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying abroad with your tuition paid, flights covered, and a living stipend to keep you focused on learning — New Zealand’s government scholarship programmes are the real thing. For many applicants from Africa (including Nigeria) and across Asia, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships represent a practical route to a world-class degree, meaningful development impact, and a lifetime network.

This guide is long-form, practical and built for action. I researched the official programme details and university materials so you get accurate, up-to-date instructions and a realistic sense of what the scholarship covers, who can apply, and how to maximise your chance of success in 2025/2026.

I’ll cover:

What the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are and what they cover,
Eligibility — including country lists and the important “who qualifies” rules,
A clear, beginner-friendly step-by-step application guide,
A comparison table that makes the costs and benefits obvious,
Key insights for applicants from Nigeria and Asia, plus sample Statement of Purpose structure, common mistakes, FAQs, and a final checklist you can use today.

The scholarship is administered through an official government portal — check the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships site for the full programme overview.
(If you’re preparing to apply, bookmark the online application page; the portal opens at country-specific times.)

What the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships actually are

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are New Zealand government scholarships funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered in partnership with Education New Zealand (ENZ) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The programme is designed to build leadership and capacity in partner countries by funding tertiary (undergraduate and postgraduate) study in New Zealand and in some Pacific institutions.

Key features most applicants care about:

Full tuition coverage for the chosen programme (for the scholarship period).
A living stipend (paid fortnightly/weekly) to cover basic living costs while you study. The exact stipend amount can vary by intake and provider — some universities publish per-week figures.
Establishment allowance (a one-off payment to help with settling in — textbooks, initial accommodation costs).
Return airfare/transport to and from New Zealand as part of the package.
Health/medical insurance for the scholarship duration.

These scholarships exist to support the social and economic development goals of partner countries; applicants are expected to return home and apply their new skills for national benefit. The Manaaki portal explains the full scope of what’s covered and how the scholarship is administered.

Who is eligible? — The crucial country and experience rules

A vital point: Eligibility is country-specific. Not every country in Africa or Asia appears on the same eligibility list. Manaaki targets partner countries that have development relationships with New Zealand — historically this has included many Pacific and ASEAN nations, and some African and Asian countries depending on bilateral priorities.

Before you prepare your application materials, complete the Manaaki Eligibility Questionnaire on the official site — it’s the only reliable way to confirm whether your country is included for the current intake. The scholarship portal lists eligible countries and will tell you when your application window opens.

A few practical eligibility facts (read the portal to confirm for your case):

Applicants must normally be citizens of an eligible country and have lived there for a specified period before application.
There are work-experience requirements for many awards (e.g., minimum months of relevant employment), depending on the scholarship category.
Age and prior scholarship history rules apply — for example, full-degree awards usually require you to be at least 18 at the start of study.

Important for Nigerian applicants: The eligible-country list can change between cycles. Historically, Nigeria was not always included in every Manaaki round; at times the programme prioritised Pacific and ASEAN countries. That means you must check the official list for the 2025/2026 intake before assuming eligibility. The Manaaki portal is definitive.

Exactly what the scholarship covers (money, travel, living costs)

Different universities sometimes publish slightly different figures for stipend amounts or allowances because the scholarship offers a standard package that universities administer locally. A common breakdown you will see in university pages is:

Tuition fees: fully covered for the scholarship period (the university typically waives fees).
Living stipend: a weekly or fortnightly living allowance to cover essentials. Published examples show figures such as NZ$615 per week at some providers (note: figures may change by year/university).
Establishment allowance: one-off NZ$3,000 (example amount used by some universities) to help with set-up costs like bedding, textbooks or a rental bond.
Return airfare: funded (economy return, usually booked through a government travel provider).
Insurance: medical/health/accident insurance for the duration of scholarship.

Note: Universities occasionally top up the package with additional support. For a real example of amounts and how the university describes them, see pages like Massey University’s Manaaki information (they list stipend and establishment allowance examples).

Table — Quick, clear comparison of what you get vs what you must plan for

Item	What Manaaki NZ Scholarship typically covers	What you must still plan to pay or arrange
Tuition fees	Full tuition waiver for scholarship period.	If you extend your study outside the scholarship period, you may pay fees.
Living stipend	Weekly/fortnightly allowance (example: NZ$615/week published at some providers).	Personal extras, travel within NZ, social costs above basic living.
Establishment allowance	One-off payment (example: NZ$3,000).	Immediate extra costs if you choose private housing or early arrival.
Return airfare	Flight to NZ and return flight paid.	Local visas for partners, extra baggage beyond allowance.
Health insurance	Included for the scholarship duration.	Health costs before arrival or after scholarship ends.
Visa & migration	Scholarship helps with student visa process — MFAT-funded student visa guidance available.	Visa application fees, police certificates, bank statements if requested.
Eligibility	Country-specific; check portal questionnaire.	If your country is ineligible, explore university or external scholarships.

Step-by-step application guide — from zero to offer (for Nigerians & Asian applicants)

Apply methodically — the number of applicants is large, and the portal enforces eligibility early. Here’s a timeline and checklist you can follow:

Step 1 — Start with the Eligibility Questionnaire (Day 1)

Visit the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships portal and complete the online Eligibility Questionnaire. It will confirm whether your country is eligible and if you meet the basic criteria. If you are not eligible, the questionnaire will say so — save time.

Step 2 — Choose your study path & priority subjects (Days 1–7)

Manaaki usually recommends or prioritises certain fields that match partner country development needs (e.g., education, health, climate resilience, agriculture, governance, fisheries, renewable energy). Choose a degree that connects to your country’s development priorities and your professional plan. Read the “recommended subjects” for your country on the portal.

Step 3 — Prepare required documents (2–6 weeks)

Typical documents include:

Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates.
A current CV (emphasise leadership and development impact).
At least two referees (professional and/or academic).
Evidence of residence in your eligible country (e.g., national ID, utility bills).
Proof of work experience (if required).
Passport bio page copy.
Collect certified translations if any documents are not in English.

Step 4 — Draft a persuasive application (2–4 weeks)

The online form asks for short, evidence-driven answers. Key tips:

Be concise and specific. Use numbers and results (“I managed a team of 12, reduced wait times by 20%.”)
Link study to impact. Explain precisely how New Zealand training will enable projects, policies or capacities in your country.
Demonstrate leadership and commitment. Include community work, professional development, or demonstrated influence.

Step 5 — Register & apply when your country window opens (timed openings)

Manaaki opens country windows at different dates. Register early and apply within your country’s opening window (the system sometimes closes early for high-volume countries).

Step 6 — Shortlisting & interviews (2–8 weeks after application closes)

Shortlisted candidates may be asked for interviews (phone, Skype/Zoom) or additional materials. Prepare to explain your development plan and why your study area matters for your country.

Step 7 — Selection, nomination and admission (final months)

If you’re offered a Manaaki scholarship, the programme will help you apply to chosen universities and issues you the documentation needed for the student visa. Expect to coordinate with the host institution to secure your place.

Step 8 — Visa & arrival (2–12 weeks)

Use the government guidelines for MFAT-funded scholarship visas. The Immigration NZ page describes the process for MFAT-funded scholarship student visas; follow it closely to prepare required documents and to learn about possible partner visa/work permissions.

Important practical tips for Nigerian and Asian applicants

Check country eligibility first: Don’t write an SOP until the portal confirms your country is eligible for the current intake. Eligibility lists change.
Choose a programme that aligns with national development: Manaaki prioritises fields that will make a difference in your country — show that link clearly in your application.
Use evidence & numbers: Don’t say “I helped my community” — say “I organised 12 training sessions with 300 attendees and the campaign reduced default rates by 30%.”
Get referee letters early: Referees sometimes delay; give them 4–6 weeks and provide a clear template or bullet points of achievements to help them write strong letters.
Plan your arrival budget: Even with establishment allowance and stipend, you’ll need some money for initial expenses—save a contingency fund for deposits and early weeks.

Key insights — what selection panels really look for

From official selection guidance and university selection tips, panels evaluate candidates on three major criteria:

Academic & professional merit: Can you complete the NZ qualification and demonstrate technical competence?
Relevance to national development: Does your study choice and plan clearly help your country when you return?
Leadership & potential to apply learning: Will you use the degree to lead projects, teach others, shape policies, or scale innovations?

Make every answer in the application speak to these three criteria.

Sample Statement of Purpose (SOP) — clear, flexible template

Use this 600–900 word structure and adapt it for your scholarship application:

Opening (1 paragraph) — 2–3 sentences: Who you are, current role, and what motivated you.
Example: “I am [Name], a public health officer with five years’ experience managing community immunisation programmes in [City, Country]. I am applying to the Master of Public Health to build the systems capacity needed to reduce maternal mortality in rural districts.”
Background & achievements (2 paragraphs) — Highlight measurable achievements, leadership, and technical skills.
Example: “I designed a mobile outreach schedule that increased vaccine coverage from 62% to 84% across three districts. I supervised 18 community health workers and led data collection and analysis for monthly reporting.”
Why New Zealand & this programme (1–2 paragraphs) — Connect programme modules and university expertise to your goals. Mention NZ research groups or faculty if relevant.
Example: “New Zealand’s strength in primary healthcare delivery and the [University’s] rural health research centre make it the ideal place to acquire implementation skills.”
Impact plan & return to country (1 paragraph) — Be specific: partners, timeline, pilot scale.
Example: “On return I will lead a 12-month pilot with [Ministry/NGO] to test a task-sharing model for antenatal care across 10 clinics.”
Closing (1 paragraph) — Summarise your commitment and thank the panel.

Real-world examples and plausible outcomes

These condensed examples show how Manaaki scholars often use the award:

A Nigerian environmental engineer studies water resource management and returns to lead a river basin cleanup project funded by a development bank.
A Bangladeshi public health graduate studies maternal and child health and designs a low-cost community referral system adopted by an NGO.
A Kenyan agronomist gains skills in climate-smart agriculture and establishes farmer field schools that multiply resilient crop varieties.

What these stories share: clear problem diagnosis, training that closes a skill gap, and a defined return plan.

Common mistakes applicants make — and how to avoid them

Mistake	Why it reduces your chance	Fix
Applying without checking eligibility	Portal often restricts countries — wasted effort	Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire first.
Vague impact statements	Panels want concrete country outcomes	Use measurable outcomes and partners in your plan
Weak referees	Thin credibility on professional skills	Choose referees who can speak to leadership and technical competence
Late applications	Country windows sometimes close early	Apply as soon as your country window opens.
Ignoring visa guidance	Delays and misunderstandings	Follow MFAT/Immigration NZ scholarship visa instructions.

FAQs — quick, practical answers

Q: Are Nigerians eligible for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships in 2025/2026?
A: Eligibility changes across cycles. Check the official Manaaki eligibility questionnaire to confirm whether Nigeria is eligible for the current intake. The portal is definitive.

Q: How much is the living stipend?
A: It varies by provider and intake. Some universities publish figures like NZ$615 per week as an example — check the host university’s Manaaki scholarship page for the precise amount they administer.

Q: Does the scholarship pay for travel?
A: Yes — return airfare is normally part of the package.

Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Visa rules for family/dependants depend on your scholarship type and the NZ immigration rules. The MFAT/Immigration NZ guidance on MFAT-funded scholarship student visas explains partner and dependent entitlements.

Q: Can I apply if I’m already studying abroad?
A: Check the portal’s rules; many scholarships require you to be resident in your home country and to start a new programme in New Zealand. The Eligibility Questionnaire clarifies your case.

Visa & arrivals — what the MFAT-funded scholarship visa covers

When you receive a Manaaki scholarship, you’ll need an MFAT-funded scholarship student visa. The Immigration New Zealand guidance for MFAT-funded student visas explains:

Required documentation,
Conditions of stay, and
Possible work or partner visa rules that apply to scholarship holders.

Follow the step-by-step requirements on the official immigration page to avoid avoidable mistakes.

Post-study expectations and return obligations

Manaaki scholars are typically expected to return to their home country after their scholarship and apply their skills. The scholarship’s development focus means panels favour candidates with strong, realistic plans to apply their learning at home—either in government, NGOs, academia or the private sector. Be explicit about partnerships and timelines in your application.

Checklist — everything to prepare before you apply

Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire on the Manaaki portal.
Choose your priority field and 1–2 programmes in NZ.
Gather certified academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Prepare a CV and at least two referee contacts.
Draft a concise, evidence-backed Statement of Purpose.
Obtain employer letters or proof of community work (if required).
Register on the Manaaki application portal and set reminder alarms for your country window.

Your Statement of Purpose — a final checklist

Make sure your SOP:

Speaks to development impact, not personal gain;
Uses numbers and evidence;
Mentions specific NZ resources or university labs (this shows you researched the host);
Includes a return-and-apply plan with partners and a 12–36 month timeline;
Is clear, polished and under any word limits the portal imposes.

Conclusion — why this scholarship matters for Africa and Asia

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships offer a rare combination of financial coverage, academic quality and development focus. For many in Nigeria and across Asia, the scholarship makes high-quality training accessible without crippling debt — and the programme’s expectation that scholars return and apply their learning is a powerful engine for national development.

The two immediate actions to take:

Complete the Manaaki Eligibility Questionnaire (right now).
If eligible, register for the portal and gather your documents early; these rounds can close early for high-volume countries.

“A scholarship is more than money — it is the space to learn, to fail, to build, and to return home with tools that change many lives.”