Are you considering studying in New Zealand but worried about the fees? You’re definitely not alone. Tuition, living expenses, and travel can add up quickly. But here’s the good news; New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships to help make your study journey more affordable.
From generous tuition discounts to prestigious merit-based awards, there’s financial support available for high-achieving international students starting in 2025 and 2026.
To save you time, we’ve handpicked 7 of the most popular, active scholarships, including what they offer, who’s eligible, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
1. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
One of New Zealand’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships, this award is for high-achieving new international undergraduate or postgraduate students.
- Value: Up to NZD 10,000
- Eligibility: Academic merit; new full-time international students
- Intake: March 2026
- Application deadline: 2 April 2026
This New Zealand scholarship is highly competitive and looks for academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear motivation for studying in Auckland. Students are assessed automatically upon application, means no separate scholarship application is needed.
🔗 Visit here for more details.
2. University of Auckland ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship
Tailored for students from ASEAN countries enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate study.
- Value: Up to NZD 10,000
- Eligibility: Students from ASEAN countries with excellent academic records
- Application: No separate application required; students are automatically considered upon admission
- Intake: February 2026
- Application deadline: 2 April 2026
This scholarship supports regional diversity and encourages students from Southeast Asia to bring their perspectives to the university. It can be awarded in addition to other scholarships, making it a great opportunity for ASEAN nationals.
3. University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
This New Zealand scholarship is for international students applying for their first year of undergraduate study at Otago.
- Value: NZD 10,000 toward tuition fees
- Eligibility: High academic achievement; international fee-paying students
- Application Deadlines:
- 10 December for semester 1 (February) start
- 30 April for semester 2 (July) start for offshore students
- 15 August for onshore students
Otago’s Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship helps international students offset their first-year tuition while settling into one of New Zealand’s top-ranked universities. The award is granted automatically upon admission if you meet the criteria.
4. University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarship
For top-performing students applying for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study.
- Value: Up to NZD 15,000
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance; international fee-paying students
- Coverage: Tuition only
This scholarship is ideal for students who consistently perform at the top of their class and wish to study in a research-driven environment. It is a competitive award and requires evidence of academic excellence and leadership potential.
5. Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship
Offered to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students, this New Zealand scholarship recognises academic excellence.
- Value: NZD 5,000 or NZD 10,000
- Eligibility: New international students starting full-time study
- Application deadline: 30 November 2025
Recipients also gain access to other support services and community engagement opportunities during their study at Wellington. The university encourages applications from students with a passion for academic achievement and global citizenship.
6. University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
Ideal for international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at Waikato.
- Value: Up to NZD 15,000
- Eligibility: New international students with strong academic records
- Intake: 2025 & 2026 rolling admissions
The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and can be used to reduce tuition fees in the first year of study. Applications are reviewed regularly, and decisions are typically made within 10 working days.
7. AUT International Scholarships – SEA
Source: Auckland University of Technology
The AUT International Scholarships – Southeast Asia are designed to support high-achieving students from Southeast Asia who wish to study at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
- Value:
- Undergraduate Scholarships: NZD 5,000 (Standard) or NZD 10,000 (Excellence Category) towards tuition fees
- Postgraduate Scholarships: NZD 7,000 towards tuition fees
- Eligibility: Open to new full-fee paying international students from Southeast Asia (including Malaysia)
- Intakes: Available for students commencing in Semester 1, 2026
- Application deadline: 15 November 2025
These scholarships are here to help students from Southeast Asia make their academic dreams a reality at AUT. If you’re an undergraduate with great academic results, you could receive up to NZD 10,000, while postgraduate students are eligible for NZD 7,000. This scholarship is for your first year of study, helping to ease the burden of tuition fees and making your journey at AUT more affordable.
8. Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) overall
Source: Southern Institute of Technology
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) offers a wide range of scholarships to support international students as they pursue their studies in New Zealand. Whether you’re looking to start an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate course, or a diploma, there’s a scholarship to help you!
- Value:
- Postgraduate Scholarships: Up to NZD 5,800
- Undergraduate Scholarships: Up to NZD 5,800
- Additional scholarships ranging from NZD 2,000 to NZD 5,800 based on your program
- Eligibility: Open to students enrolling in various fields including Nursing, Engineering, Audio Production, Hotel Management, and more
These scholarships are designed to support students from a wide variety of disciplines, helping them focus on their studies and reach their academic goals. To apply, simply provide a 250-word statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the scholarship.
🔗 Read more about the scholarships here
9. VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship
Source: Victoria University of Wellington Pipitea Campus
The VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for international students starting their undergraduate journey at Victoria University of Wellington.
- Value: NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees
- Eligibility: Open to new international students with an unconditional or conditional Offer of Place for a Bachelor’s degree at Victoria University of Wellington
This scholarship is designed to support international students who are entering their first year of a Bachelor’s degree program. It helps with tuition fees for one year of study at Victoria University of Wellington, making it easier to become part of their vibrant international student community. The scholarship is based on academic potential, and recipients are selected when they apply for their programme.
🔗 Read more on VUW’s official website
10. University of Otago Global Scholarships
Source: University of Otago
The University of Otago offers the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Global Scholarships to help international students from selected countries pursue their undergraduate studies and become part of the vibrant university community.
- Value: NZD 15,000 (Paid as credit towards tuition fees)
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for full-time undergraduate studies or approved foundation diploma programs
This scholarship supports students who are enrolling in their first year of undergraduate study at the University of Otago. It offers a significant contribution towards tuition fees, helping to make studying at one of New Zealand’s top universities more affordable.
Bonus: Other Scholarship Options Worth Exploring
While the 7 scholarships listed above are popular and university-specific, here are some additional opportunities that international students should definitely explore:
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Fully Funded – Government Sponsored)
Offered by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), these are among the most generous scholarships available for students from eligible countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
What’s covered:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance (approx. NZD 531–615 per week)
- Establishment allowance (NZD 3,000)
- Round-trip airfares
- Travel and medical insurance
- Research and thesis support (for postgraduates)
Eligibility: Must be from an eligible partner country, complete an eligibility questionnaire, meet academic and English language requirements
Need Help Applying?
Looking for guidance on which New Zealand scholarships suit you best or how to write a winning application?Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you unlock your future in New Zealand!