A Complete Guide for Asian Students in 2025 Manaaki Scholarships in New Zealand
Asian students who want to study in New Zealand on a fully financed scholarship have a great opportunity with the 2025 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand oversees these scholarships, which provide financial aid to students from developing countries so they can continue their education and contribute to their home countries.
What the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Cover
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy air travel
- Travel and medical insurance
- Living allowance to cover basic expenses
- Establishment allowance for setup costs in New Zealand
- Research and thesis support for postgraduate students
- Work visa eligibility for partners of scholars
2025 Application Period
Applications for the 2025 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are being accepted from February 1 through February 28, 2025 (NZDT). Due to high demand, the system may close early for some countries, so it is essential to apply as soon as possible.
Eligible Asian Countries
The following Asian countries are eligible for the scholarship:
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Lao PDR
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
Levels of Study Available
- Undergraduate Degree (Timor-Leste only)
- Postgraduate Certificate (6 months)
- One-year postgraduate diploma
- Master’s degree, one to two years
- PhD (3.5 years)
Qualifications
The following criteria must be fulfilled by candidates to be eligible for the 2025 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships:
- be at least 18 years old (ideally younger than 40) when the scholarship begins.
- have lived in their nation of origin for two years before applying.
- fulfill their selected New Zealand institution’s academic and English language standards.
- After finishing their education, they pledge to stay in their native nation and work toward its advancement for at least two years.
- For postgraduate applicants, work experience is necessary:
- One year of experience working 30+ hours a week full-time OR
- Two years of experience working up to 29 hours per week in a part-time capacity
Exceptions: High school graduates who apply for undergraduate programs right after graduation are exempt from the requirement of work experience.
Also Read: UK Work Visa Process November 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your UK Work Permit
Recommended Study Subjects by Country
Each eligible country has specific study areas prioritized to align with their development needs. Below are the recommended fields for select Asian nations:
Indonesia
- Climate Change and Resilience (Water Management, Environmental Policy, and Climate Science)
Disaster Risk Management (Geology, Civil Engineering, Emergency Management) - Food Security & Agriculture (Agricultural Science, Aquaculture, Supply Chain Management)
- Governance & Law (Cybersecurity, International Relations, Public Service Management)
- Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric Energy, Energy Policy)
Malaysia
- Environmental Management (Geology, Forestry, Marine Conservation)
- Disaster Risk Management (Geotechnical Engineering, Meteorology)
- Food Security & Agriculture (Fisheries, Veterinary Science, Nutrition)
- Good Governance (Economics, Law & Justice, Cybersecurity)
- Economic Resilience & Trade (E-commerce, Tourism Management, Trade Policy)
Thailand
- Climate Change & Environmental Science (Water Resource Management, Ecology)
- Disaster Risk Management (Emergency Management, Civil Engineering)
- Agriculture and Food Security (Nutrition, Food Technology, Agribusiness)
- Renewable Energy (Public Policy in Renewable Energy, Energy Management)
- Public Administration & Governance (Public Service Management, International Law, Public Health)
How to Apply
The official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website, NZ scholarships.govt.nz, is where interested candidates can submit their applications.
Conclusion
Asian students have life-altering possibilities to receive a top-notch education and support the development of their home countries through the 2025 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. This scholarship, which offers living support, travel, and complete financial cover, is among the most coveted in New Zealand.
Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and prepare your application today!