Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand for international Students 2025-2026

Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand for international Students 2025-2026

Are you planning to study abroad in 2025 and searching for fully funded opportunities? New Zealand is one of the most sought-after study destinations among international students, offering world-class education, globally ranked universities, and a safe, welcoming environment. The best part is that a number of fully funded and partially funded scholarshipsare now open for international students in New Zealand for the 2025–2026 academic year. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degree programs and offer financial assistance in the form of tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends, accommodation support, travel allowances, and medical insurance.

Whether you’re aiming to pursue higher education in engineering, business, social sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, or any other field, New Zealand provides generous funding opportunities through government-sponsored programs and university-specific scholarships. Below is a comprehensive guide to some of the top scholarships available for international students in New Zealand, along with their benefits and how to apply.

Best Scholarships in New Zealand for international Students 2025-2026

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The University of Waikato Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship offers up to NZD $15,000 towards tuition for outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate or master’s studies in New Zealand. Open year-round for all academic fields.

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Apply for the University of Otago Scholarships in New Zealand to study undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs with funding up to NZ$30,000. Open to high-achieving domestic and international students across all fields.

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Apply for the Lincoln University Scholarships in New Zealand offering up to NZ$10,000 for undergraduate and master’s programs. Open to high-achieving international students with academic excellence, leadership skills, and community involvement.

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Apply for University of Auckland Scholarships 2025–2026 in New Zealand and receive up to $10,000 funding for undergraduate, master’s, or PG diploma programs. Join New Zealand’s highest-ranked university, globally recognized for excellence, research impact, and outstanding international student opportunities.

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Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship 2025-2026 in New Zealand offers partial funding of up to NZ$10,000 for international undergraduate and master’s students.

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University of Waikato Scholarships 2025-2026
University of Waikato Scholarships 2025-2026

The University of Waikato Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded tuition fee credit for exceptional international students applying for undergraduate or master’s degrees. Valued at up to NZD $15,000, it supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students starting face-to-face studies.

This prestigious scholarship reflects the university’s commitment to diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. It aims to attract talented students from around the world who are eager to pursue higher education in an inclusive, supportive, and research-driven environment.

The University of Waikato, known for academic excellence, research innovation, and cultural diversity, offers a world-class education that prepares students for leadership roles and meaningful contributions to the global community.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s

  • Host Institution: University of Waikato

  • Location: New Zealand

  • Eligible Fields: All available courses

  • Program Duration: Varies by degree

  • Application Deadline: Open year-round

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University of Otago Scholarships 2025-2026
University of Otago Scholarships 2025-2026

Great news for international students! Applications are now open for the University of Otago Scholarships, offering generous funding for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

The University of Otago Scholarships 2025-2026 are fully funded and award up to 200 scholarships annually, with values ranging from NZ$10,000 to NZ$30,000 depending on the program and level of study. These scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students from around the globe.

Located in Dunedin and established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university, renowned for academic excellence, world-class research, and exceptional teaching across disciplines such as Arts, Sciences, Health Sciences, Business, and Law. The university fosters creativity, critical thinking, and innovation while maintaining a proud heritage.

Scholarship Categories:

  • Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students – For new international undergraduates studying on-campus or online.

  • International Master’s Research Scholarship – Supports international students in master’s research programs.

  • Doctoral Scholarship – Available for domestic and international PhD and professional doctorate candidates.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

  • Institution: University of Otago

  • Host Country: New Zealand

  • Fields of Study: All available programs

  • Program Duration: Varies by degree

  • Application Deadlines:

    • Undergraduate – varies (check official site)

    • Master’s/PhD – applications accepted year-round

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Lincoln University Scholarships 2025-2026
Lincoln University Scholarships 2025-2026

Great news for international students! Applications are now open for the Lincoln University Scholarships, offering significant financial support for undergraduate and master’s programs.

The Lincoln University Scholarships 2025-2026 are fully funded awards valued at up to NZ$10,000 each, with around 50 scholarships granted annually. They are designed to attract academically strong students while also considering leadership qualities, extracurricular achievements, community involvement, and financial need.

Lincoln University, globally recognized for its expertise in agricultural and environmental sciences, offers multiple scholarship options, including:

  • International School Leavers Scholarship (ISLS) – For high-achieving international students entering the first year of a bachelor’s degree.

  • International Undergraduate Scholarship (IUGS) – For academically proven students new to Lincoln University.

  • Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – For exceptional academic achievers continuing their studies at Lincoln.

  • 180-credit Taught Master Merit Scholarship – NZ$7,000 or NZ$10,000 towards selected master’s programs.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s

  • Institution: Lincoln University

  • Host Country: New Zealand

  • Fields of Study: All available programs

  • Program Duration: Varies by degree

  • Application Deadlines:

    • January 31 – Semester 1 start

    • June 30 – Semester 2 start

    • October 31 – Summer School start

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University of Auckland Scholarships 2025-2026
University of Auckland Scholarships 2025-2026

University of Auckland Scholarships 2025-2026 are partially funded opportunities for international students, available for both undergraduate and master’s studies. Each year, up to 50 scholarships are awarded, valued at up to $10,000 for postgraduate and undergraduate programs.

The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, established in 2016, aims to attract outstanding international students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies of one year or more at the University of Auckland.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2020. Ranked 81st globally, it is the only New Zealand institution listed among the world’s top 100.

The University also holds the highest position in New Zealand for global reputation, excelling in both academic and employer rankings. Internationally, it is ranked 59th for Academic Reputation and 141st for Employer Reputation, reflecting its strong global standing.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PG Diploma

  • Institution(s): University of Auckland

  • Study in: New Zealand

  • Opportunity Focus Areas:

  • Program Period: One year

  • Deadline:

    • Semester One intake: 11 September – 23 October

    • Semester Two intake: 01 February – 01 April

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Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships 2026
Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships 2026

The Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarships 2025-2026 are partially funded awards for international students. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and master’s programs, offering recipients up to NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees.

The Tongarewa Scholarship reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the international student community. Each year, a number of these scholarships are awarded to new students beginning their first undergraduate degree or postgraduate coursework. This partial fee-based award is credited directly toward tuition fees for one year of study.

Selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence. Scholarships are applied to the following year of study, and shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide further documentation. In addition, recipients are guaranteed an offer of accommodation in one of the university’s Halls of Residence, provided they apply by the housing deadline.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s

  • Institution: Victoria University of Wellington

  • Location: New Zealand

  • Eligible Fields: See list below

  • Program Duration: Based on chosen degree

  • Deadline: May 01, 2025 / September 01, 2025 / December 01, 2025