Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in New Zealand 2025

Discover fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand 2025, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply successfully. Start your study journey today.

Introduction

What if you could earn a world-class master’s degree in one of the safest, most beautiful countries on earth—without worrying about tuition fees or living costs? For thousands of international students, that dream becomes reality each year through fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand 2025.

New Zealand is globally respected for its high academic standards, innovative research culture, and welcoming immigration policies for students. Universities like the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago consistently rank among the world’s best. Even better, the New Zealand government and partner institutions offer generous scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand 2025, who can apply, what benefits are included, and how to maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East, this article is designed to help you take confident, informed steps toward studying in New Zealand—without financial stress.

Let’s dive in.

Why Study in New Zealand?

New Zealand isn’t just about stunning landscapes and friendly people—it’s also a top destination for international education.

Key Benefits of Studying in New Zealand

• Globally recognized degrees aligned with UK and Australian standards

• Post-study work opportunities of up to 3 years

• Strong focus on research, innovation, and practical learning

• Safe, multicultural environment with excellent quality of life

• Scholarships tailored for international and developing-country students

According to “Education New Zealand“, international graduates are highly valued in the country’s skilled workforce, especially in fields like engineering, health, IT, and environmental science.

Transition: Now that you know why New Zealand is a smart choice, let’s explore the scholarships that make it affordable.

What Are Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships?

Fully funded scholarships go beyond partial tuition support. They are designed to remove financial barriers entirely.

What Do Fully Funded Scholarships Cover?

Most fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand 2025 include:

• 100% tuition fees

• Monthly living allowance

• Accommodation support

• Health insurance

• Round-trip airfare

• Research and thesis grants (where applicable)

These scholarships are highly competitive, but they are also life-changing—especially for students from low- and middle-income countries.

Top Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in New Zealand 2025

1. New Zealand Government Scholarships 2025

One of the most prestigious options available.

Who it’s for:
International students from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Living allowance

• Establishment allowance

• Medical insurance

• Travel costs

Eligible fields:
Agriculture, climate change, education, public health, engineering, and more.

👉 Official site: New Zealand Government Scholarships

2. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing postgraduate study.

Key highlights:

• Covers tuition fees (up to NZD 10,000–15,000)

• Merit-based selection

• Available for multiple master’s programs

👉 Learn more: University of Auckland Scholarships

Image placement:
Image 1: New Zealand university campus
Alt text: Fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand 2025 university campus

3. Victoria University of Wellington Master’s Scholarships

Designed to attract high-achieving international students.

Benefits include:

• Tuition fee support

• Research-based funding

• Strong academic mentoring

👉 Official site: Victoria University Scholarships

4. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Previously known as New Zealand Development Scholarships.

Why it stands out:

• Focus on leadership and development impact

• Fully funded master’s degree

• Strong alumni network

👉 Details here: Manaaki Scholarships

5. University of Otago International Master’s Scholarship

Best suited for research-focused students.

Covers:

• Tuition fee waivers

• Living stipends

• Research grants

👉 Visit: University of Otago Scholarships

Transition: Next, let’s see who qualifies for these opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

While requirements vary, most New Zealand master’s scholarships for international students 2025 share similar criteria.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

• Strong academic record (usually GPA 3.0+/Second Class Upper)

• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Leadership or community involvement

• Relevant work or research experience (for some programs)

Tip: Some scholarships prioritize applicants committed to returning home to contribute to national development.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Choose your program and university

2. Check scholarship deadlines carefully

3. Prepare documents:

   • Academic transcripts

   • Statement of purpose

   • Recommendation letters

   • CV/resume

4. Apply for admission first (in most cases)

5. Submit scholarship application online

Image placement:
Image 2: Student filling online scholarship form
Alt text: Apply for fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand 2025

Comparison Table: Popular Scholarships

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

• Tailor your statement of purpose to New Zealand’s values

• Highlight leadership and impact, not just grades

• Apply early and double-check requirements

• Secure strong academic referees

According to a study published by “QS World University Rankings”, students with clear career goals and community impact plans have a higher scholarship success rate.

Conclusion

Pursuing a master’s degree abroad doesn’t have to drain your savings. With the right preparation, fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand 2025 can open doors to world-class education, global career opportunities, and long-term professional growth.

From government-funded programs to university-based awards, New Zealand offers some of the most generous scholarships available today. Start early, apply strategically, and stay consistent.

Ready to take the next step? Begin researching your preferred universities today—and don’t forget to bookmark this guide and share it with someone who needs it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are there fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand for Africans?

Yes — there are fully funded master’s scholarship opportunities in New Zealand that Africans can apply for. Many of these are open to students from eligible African countries and cover tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel for postgraduate studies.

🎓 1. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Government-Funded)

• These are fully funded scholarships offered by the New Zealand Government through the New Zealand Aid Programme.

• They are specifically designed for citizens of developing countries — including many in Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Senegal, Namibia, Rwanda, and more).

• Eligible students can pursue master’s degrees in fields aligned with development priorities such as food security, renewable energy, governance, and sector management.

• The scholarship typically covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, establishment allowance, medical insurance, and travel costs.

🎓 2. New Zealand Government Scholarships (General)

• Beyond Manaaki, the NZ Government runs broader scholarship schemes that support postgraduate study (including master’s) for students from eligible African nations.

• These scholarships also provide full funding support, and African countries are explicitly listed among the eligible nations for the postgraduate level.

🎓 3. University-Level Opportunities

Even if not always fully funded in the strictest sense, many New Zealand universities offer generous scholarships for international postgraduate students, including Africans:

• University of Otago International Master’s Scholarships – can include tuition waivers and living stipends (often competitive and partly funded)

• Other universities (like Auckland University of Technology) sometimes offer scholarships targeted at high-achieving students from African countries, which can cover a substantial portion of study costs.

🧠 Tips for African Applicants

• Check eligibility early: Many scholarships require you to be a citizen of an eligible African country and meet academic and English-language requirements.

• Prepare strong applications: Focus on academic performance, leadership, and how your study will contribute to development (especially for government scholarships).

• Deadlines vary: Ensure you check official scholarship pages for up-to-date application windows and specific criteria.

2. Do I need IELTS to apply?

Yes — you usually need to prove your English language ability to apply for a master’s degree in New Zealand, and many universities accept IELTS Academic scores as the most common proof.

📌 Do You Need IELTS Specifically?

Not always in every case, but in most situations:

✅ If English is not your first language, you’ll normally need to provide proof of English proficiency. Most universities require an English test score such as IELTS Academic (commonly around 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for master’s programs) or an equivalent test such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, etc..

❗ Examples of typical requirements:

• IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 is common for postgraduate entry at many universities.

• Some programmes (especially professional ones like nursing, law, or education) may require higher scores.

📌 Can You Apply Without IELTS?

In some cases:

• Yes, you can apply without submitting an IELTS score at the time of application, especially if you plan to take the test later or you provide proof of an alternative accepted test (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). Universities may still require you to meet the English requirement before final admission or before visa processing.

• Some institutions may offer English pathway or preparatory programmes if your English isn’t yet at the required level.

📌 Exceptions & Alternatives

• If your previous degree was entirely taught in English (and you can prove it), some universities may waive the IELTS requirement — but this depends on university policy.

• Other accepted English tests include TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge exams, NZCEL certificates, etc. as alternatives to IELTS.

Summary:
✔ Most New Zealand universities require an English language test like IELTS Academic for master’s admissions.
✔ You don’t always have to submit IELTS at the time of application, but you will usually need to meet the English requirement before starting studies.

3. Can I work while studying on a scholarship?

Yes — you can work while studying in New Zealand, even if you’re on a scholarship, as long as you follow the visa rules 👍

✅ How Much Can You Work?

Most international students are allowed to:

• Work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester

• Work full-time during scheduled holidays (e.g. summer or winter breaks)

This applies whether you’re self-funded or on fully funded master’s scholarships in New Zealand (including government scholarships like Manaaki).

📌 Important Things to Know

• Your student visa must include work rights (most do by default)

• Your job must not interfere with your studies

• Some scholarships advise moderation, but they do not ban part-time work

Common student jobs include:

• Retail and supermarket jobs

• Hospitality (cafés, restaurants)

• Campus roles (library assistant, research helper)

• Cleaning, delivery, or warehouse work

🎓 What About Government Scholarships?

For New Zealand Government / Manaaki Scholarships:

• Part-time work is allowed, but

• Your primary focus must remain your studies

• If academic performance drops, you may be advised to reduce work hours

💡 Do You Even Need to Work?

Since fully funded scholarships usually cover:

• Tuition

• Living allowance

• Accommodation support

Many students work only for extra income and experience, not survival.

✅ Summary

✔ Yes, you can work while studying on a scholarship
✔ Up to 20 hours/week during study, full-time during breaks
✔ Ensure it aligns with visa conditions and scholarship rules

4. What is the minimum CGPA requirement for masters in New Zealand?

The minimum CGPA requirement for a master’s degree in New Zealand varies by university and program, but there are some common standards you can expect:

📌 General Minimum Academic Requirement

• Most universities expect applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree with at least a 60–75% average, which typically converts to a CGPA of around 6.0–7.0 on a 10-point scale (or equivalent) to be considered for a master’s program.

📊 Typical University Expectations

Here’s a rough breakdown based on various institutions’ general standards:

• Top universities (e.g., University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Otago): Often expect a minimum of ~70% (7.0 CGPA) or higher for entry into taught master’s programs.

• Other universities/institutes (e.g., Victoria University of Wellington, AUT, Lincoln University): May accept ~60–65% (6.0–6.5 CGPA) depending on the program and competitiveness.

📌 Important Notes

• Formal requirements vary by program and faculty — professional or research-focused master’s degrees (like engineering or science research) may set higher thresholds.

• Meeting the minimum CGPA doesn’t guarantee admission — universities also consider your overall profile, relevant background, and sometimes work experience.

• Some institutions may consider applicants with slightly lower GPA if they have strong supporting materials, relevant experience, or excellent recommendations.

Summary: While there’s no single national CGPA cutoff, a minimum of about 6.0–7.0 CGPA (60–70%) is commonly required for master’s programs in New Zealand.

5. Can I stay in New Zealand after graduation?

Yes — you can stay in New Zealand after graduation 👍
In fact, New Zealand is one of the most graduate-friendly countries when it comes to post-study opportunities.

🎓 Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)

After completing an eligible qualification, international graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa.

What it allows you to do:

• Stay and work in New Zealand legally

• Work for any employer (no job offer needed at first)

• Gain local work experience that can lead to residence

⏳ How Long Can You Stay?

It depends on your qualification level:

• Master’s degree (Level 9): up to 3 years

• Doctoral degree: up to 3 years

• Lower qualifications: usually 1–2 years

Most master’s graduates get the full 3 years, which is a big advantage.

🛂 Can This Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes. Many graduates move on to:

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

• Work-to-Residence pathways

• Employer-assisted residence routes

Having:

• A New Zealand qualification

• Local work experience

• A job in a skill-shortage area

greatly improves your chances.

🎓 What If I Studied on a Scholarship?

No problem at all.
Even if you studied on a fully funded scholarship (including Manaaki), you can still:

• Apply for a post-study work visa

• Stay and work legally

⚠️ One note: Some government scholarships may encourage scholars to return home to contribute to development, but immigration law still allows post-study work.

✅ Quick Summary

✔ Yes, you can stay in New Zealand after graduation
✔ Master’s graduates can get up to 3 years post-study work visa
✔ This can lead to permanent residency